Things to Do and Places to Eat in Phuket, Thailand: My Third-Time-In Guide

There are some places you visit once and think, “Okay, cute. I’ve been there.”

And then there are places that keep calling your name.

Phuket, Thailand, is definitely the second one for me.

Baby, I just went to Phuket for the third time, and somehow I still haven’t scratched the surface. Every single time I visit, I find somewhere new to eat, something new to do, or another place that makes me say, “Okayyyy, Phuket! I see you!”

Thailand is easily one of my favorite countries in Asia, and I already know I’ll keep going back whenever I get the chance. The food, beaches, nightlife, spas, scenery, and overall energy just keep eating down.

So if you’re planning a trip to Phuket or you’ve already been and want to do something different here are some of my latest things to do and places to eat in Phuket, Thailand.

Getting Around Phuket

First things first: download Grab.

If you’re coming from the United States, think of Grab as the Asian equivalent of Uber. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around Phuket, and I highly recommend having it downloaded before you arrive.

If you have time and you’re not in a rush, you can request a Grab from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb. You may have to wait a little while for your driver, but it’s an easy option.

If you’d rather have everything arranged before you land, you can also book airport transportation through a tour company such as Viator. Depending on where you’re staying, your hotel may also offer airport transportation.

Take a Grab Motorbike When You Can

Now, let me warn you about something:

The traffic in Phuket can be BAD.

Like, baby, you’re going to look at your GPS and wonder why you’re only moving two inches every 15 minutes. 

That’s why I recommend using Grab motorbikes when you’re comfortable doing so. They can weave through traffic much easier than a car, which can make getting around significantly faster.

Of course, use your judgment and only choose a motorbike if you’re comfortable with it.

Also, a lot of popular areas have restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions within walking distance, so you may not need transportation for every little thing.

Things to Do in Phuket

Ma Doo Bua: The Viral Lotus Pond Experience

If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok looking at Phuket travel content, chances are you’ve seen Ma Doo Bua.

And yes, I’m going to recommend it AGAIN.

This is the spot known for those viral photos and videos where you’re sitting on a giant lily pad in the middle of a beautiful lotus pond.

I went before, and I had to go back because the experience is just too cute.

The lily pad photo experience is first come, first served, so I recommend getting there early. There is usually a line, but from my experience, it moves pretty quickly.

When I visited this time, they had added more boats, which meant they could accommodate more people at once and move guests through faster. They also now have a waiting area outside the restaurant.

And here’s another little update: they offer a discount on your Grab ride when you’re leaving.

One thing to remember is that the lily pad experience requires cash. If you don’t have Thai baht on you, there is a currency exchange option on site.

So yes, get your cute little lily pad pictures. You’re in Phuket. We have to do what needs to be done. 

Dinner in the Sky Phuket

Okay, this was a FIRST for me. I’ve heard of Dinner in the Sky in other countries, but this was my first time actually experiencing it. And y’all, I loved it. You’re literally suspended high above Phuket while eating dinner and taking in the views. The food was good, the atmosphere was fun, and the entire experience was a vibe. Now, if you’re terrified of heights, I’m going to be honest with you, this may not be your ministry. 

Because baby, you are UP there. But if you’re adventurous and looking for something different to do in Phuket, I’d absolutely recommend trying it.

And I have to give the DJ his flowers because he understood the assignment.

He asked everyone what kind of music they liked, and then proceeded to go from Fantasia and Tevin Campbell to Yung Miami’s “Spend Dat.”

Sir! You knew BALL. The music made the experience even better. This would be a fun option for a date night, girls’ trip, birthday, or anyone who wants to add a little something different to their Phuket itinerary.

Pure Serenity Spa

Listen, if you go to Thailand and don’t go to a spa at least once, did you really go? At this point, I consider a spa day part of the Thailand itinerary. 

This trip, I tried Pure Serenity Spa, and I had one of the best facials I’ve experienced. My skin was GLOWING afterward.

And the fact that I actually fell asleep during the facial? That should tell you everything. It was relaxing, my skin looked great afterward, and it was exactly the type of self care moment I needed while traveling.

If you’re planning a girls’ trip or simply want some downtime between all the exploring, add a spa day to your Phuket itinerary.

Flyo Phuket Rooftop

Before you head out for the night, make a stop at Flyo Phuket Rooftop.

The rooftop atmosphere is cute, the drinks are good, and they have a fire show every night.

It’s one of those places where you can get dressed up, grab drinks, take pictures, and start your night before heading somewhere else.

And y’all know I’m always looking for somewhere that’s going to give me good drinks and a good photo opportunity.

We need both.

Phuket Nightlife: When You Don’t Have a Plan

One of my favorite things about Phuket is that you don’t necessarily need a perfectly planned itinerary every night.

Sometimes you can just dilly-dally. Go to a night market. Grab food. Walk around. Head toward Patong Beach. Find a bar. Listen to music. Go dancing. See where the night takes you.

Patong Beach and the surrounding nightlife areas have plenty going on, including bars, clubs, and adult entertainment.

Phuket definitely gives beach life meets party life, so whether you’re looking for a chill evening or want to turn up, you can usually find something happening.

And honestly, after three trips, I still feel like I haven’t experienced everything Phuket has to offer.

Where to Eat in Phuket

Now let’s get to the important part, the food.

Because I’m going somewhere beautiful, but I also need to eat good. Period.

Wonderland Lounge Phuket

If you’re looking for a taste of home while you’re in Thailand, check out Wonderland Lounge Phuket.

It’s a Caribbean and Black-owned restaurant, and the menu is HUGE.

We’re talking:

• Trinidadian roti
• Jamaican jerk chicken
• Rice and peas
• Caribbean-inspired dishes
• And plenty of other options

The food was genuinely good, and I loved seeing Caribbean flavors represented in Phuket. Sometimes after you’ve been eating Thai food for several days, you just want something that reminds you of home.

Wonderland Lounge is a great option for that.

Lume Bistro

Lume Bistro took me to a part of Phuket that I had never experienced before.

This area gives very much upscale luxury. The restaurant sits near the water and yacht docks, and the entire setting is aesthetically pleasing.

This is where I would go if you’re looking for somewhere to dress up for a date night, girls’ night, or even a nice daytime meal.

And yes, I took some GOOD pictures here. Because if I’m going to dress up on vacation, I need the scenery to cooperate. The food was also really good, which made the experience even better.

Etna Phuket

Another cute option is Etna Phuket.

This would be a good choice for lunch, especially if you’re traveling with family. The restaurant sits near the water, so you get those pretty Phuket views while you’re eating, and the setting is great for pictures.

It’s cute, relaxing, and definitely worth adding to your list if you’re looking for another restaurant to try.

My Biggest Phuket Travel Tip: Don’t Think You’ve Seen It All

This was my third trip to Phuket, and I STILL feel like a first time visitor in some ways. That’s one of the reasons I love it.

There’s always another restaurant, another beach, another rooftop, another spa, another activity, another neighborhood, or another experience waiting for you. And that’s saying something because I’ve already been three times!

Thailand continues to be one of my favorite countries in Asia, and Phuket continues to give me a reason to come back.

If you’re planning a Phuket vacation, don’t feel like you have to cram every possible activity into one trip. Give yourself room to explore, eat, relax, take pictures, enjoy the nightlife, and simply see where the day takes you.

Because sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you don’t have every single hour planned.

And clearly, I haven’t learned that lesson yet because I’m already thinking about what I’m going to do the FOURTH time I go toPhuket. 

If you’re looking for a destination that combines beautiful beaches, nightlife, incredible food, wellness experiences, adventure, and luxury, Phuket deserves a spot on your travel list.

And if you’ve already been once? Go again. Clearly, that’s what I did three times. Phuket keeps eating down, and apparently, I’m going to keep letting it.