8 days in Phuket Itinerary

The economic hub of the eponymous island, Phuket Town attracted merchants from China, India, and Portugal long before it became a tourist destination.

Explore hidden gems such as Kayaking & Canoeing and Phuket Trickeye Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Phuket Town: Rawai (Promthep Cape, Yanui Beach, & more), Kamala (Scuba & Snorkeling, Wat Baan Kamala, & more) and Nai Yang (Naiyang Beach, Wat Mongkol Wararam, & more). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong), stop by Suit Fitter Phuket, look for all kinds of wild species at Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, and expand your horizons at Chalong Bay Rum Distillery & Restaurant.

To find photos, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Phuket Town trip itinerary planner.

Durban, South Africa to Phuket Town is an approximately 19-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also do a combination of flight, bus, and ferry; or do a combination of flight and ferry. The time zone difference when traveling from Durban to Phuket Town is 5 hours. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Durban in July: high temperatures in Phuket Town hover around 36°C and lows are around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can travel back home.