Are you dreaming of somewhere with the perfect balance of the sun, sand, and sea for your year-end vacation? Well, we know just the place – Phuket! We know what you’re thinking, “Phuket? Isn’t it a party destination?”
Well, believe it or not, we thought so too! But we recently went to Phuket and discovered so much more about it. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, thrilling activities or to immerse yourself in the local culture, there’s something for everyone in Phuket. Here’s our 4D3N Phuket itinerary to get you started on planning your beach getaway!
P.S. Don’t forget to purchase your trip essentials on Klook before you leave!
Arriving in Phuket
Luqman and I took a morning flight from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore so we could arrive in Phuket, just in time to start our adventure. It’s just a short 1-1.5 hour flight from both cities, which makes Phuket fairly accessible!
Day 1
Pick up your 4G SIM card
- If you’re social media junkies like us, the first thing you’d want to do when arriving in Phuket is to get mobile data!
- We booked ours on Klook and it was a hassle-free process. All we had to do was head to the DTAC counter located right outside customs on the right and presented our voucher to the staff there.
- We got the Happy Tourist SIM card which has unlimited data with 4G speeds up to 3GB for 8 days. We were happy that the internet speed was pretty fast and we had a reliable connection throughout Phuket.
- The best part is, we paid only SGD6.29/RM19/Rp.65k as compared to SGD12.60/RM38/Rp.130k if you were to get it at the shop itself.
Getting from Phuket Airport to your accommodation
- There are several ways to get from Phuket Airport to your accommodation depending on where you’re staying.
- We opted for Klook’s Private Phuket Airport Transfer as we wanted a comfortable ride and peace of mind.
- There were many airport transfer pickups when we exited Phuket airport but it was easy to spot ours as it had a huge Klook sign.
- We were pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a huge and comfy van. Klook’s transfer is perfect for groups as it can accommodate 3 to 10 people.
- What we liked about this service was that we didn’t have to waste time waiting around for taxis or risk getting ripped off. Some transfers might stop you at a travel agency on your way to the hotel but this one brought us straight to our destination.
- We paid a fixed price (SGD 27/RM82/Rp.277.5k) so it won’t change even if there’s heavy traffic on the way to your hotel. During peak hours and at night, you could be charged exorbitant prices (as high as 1,200 THB!) when taking a taxi to and from the airport so we’d recommend getting this private transfer.
- Plus, you can also use this service if you’re heading to Krabi or Khao Lak from Phuket Airport.
Check in to your accommodation
- As we’re both unfamiliar with Phuket, we decided to book a stay at Lub d Phuket Patong as it’s just a 5-minute walk from the bustling Patong Beach area.
- We stayed in their Junior Twin Room (1,550 THB per night) and we really loved the cool and hip interior!
- Not to mention that Lub d also has excellent amenities like a nice swimming pool, and plenty of lounge areas to chill at.
- But if Patong is not your cup of tea and you’d like to stay somewhere quieter instead, book accommodation at Kata or Karon Beach which are perfect alternatives to Patong. If you’re looking for somewhere even more secluded and romantic, head over to Nai Harn Beach instead!
P.S. Still can't decide between Phuket or Krabi? Check out our Krabi vs Phuket article to see which one is better for you!
Feel the adrenaline rush at Flying Hanuman
- We were excited to try a little bit of everything that Phuket has to offer, so we started with a zipline course through Phuket’s lush rainforests called the Flying Hanuman.
- With over 28 adventure platforms, this course has been rated the top rainforest experience in Southeast Asia – perfect for thrill-seekers!
- There were 3 courses to choose from, and we chose Journey A. That meant going on all 28 platforms, including 15 zip lines, 2 sky bridges, abseil stations, and a sky rail among others.
- If you’re wondering if the Flying Hanuman is suitable for the whole family, don’t worry! The minimum age is 4 years old, so rest assured you can bring your kids here for an exciting adventure.
- One of the highlights of Flying Hanuman was this buddy zipline where Luqman and I got to zip line simultaneously. It was definitely a memorable experience and we’d recommend it for best friends or couples coming to Phuket.
- But of course, we had the most thrilling adventure at the longest zip line which was 400+ metres.
- To top that off, each of us got to try the downward-facing zipline. Picture this – you’re lying face-down, like Superman, while on the zip line. This really made it feel as though we were really flying and the view from that angle was simply out of this world!
- What made our experience even better were the professional and fun guides who brought us through the whole course. They really made us feel safe and encouraged us along the way.
- We also enjoyed the impressive views of Phuket from the sky bridges. Our guides told us that on a clear day, we’d even be able to see Phi Phi Islands!
- We booked our package through Klook and we could choose an option of a vegetarian lunch and free transfer to and from the hotel.
- Even with lunch and transfer, it’s still cheaper to book through Klook as compared to booking it directly through Flying Hanuman.
P.S. Heading to Bangkok instead? Make sure you check out our 4D3N Muslim-friendly Bangkok itinerary!
Unwind and watch the sunset at Patong Beach
- After a fun-filled afternoon, we decided to unwind at Phuket’s most famous beach – Patong!
- One of the activities that you can’t miss out on in Phuket is catching their breathtaking sunsets, and that was just what we did.
- Although Patong was a little crowded and a tad touristy, we got to witness a magnificent sunset ?
- #HHWT Tip: Head here in the late afternoon when it’s low tide, as the view is more impressive and you can walk far out into the sea.
- If you’re here just before sunset, try some of the beach activities like jet ski, banana boat, and parasailing.
Alternative: Head to Promthep Cape for a romantic sunset
Credit: Jasmine Pensini on Facebook
- If you have more time to spare or if you’re staying in the southern part of the island, don’t miss out on sunset at Promthep Cape.
- This place offers one of the most scenic views in Phuket and many travellers come here to watch the sunset. It’s also known to be a romantic place to visit with your partner!
- P.S. Finding a more underrated beach spot in Thailand? Check out our Muslim-friendly guide to Hua Hin!
Dinner at Kusuma Seafood
- You can’t miss having a meal at Kusuma Seafood when you’re in Phuket. Popular among Muslim travellers, Kusuma is only open in the evening and customers can dine alfresco by the roadside.
- With authentic Thai, Malaysian and seafood dishes, here’s where you can personally handpick fish, mussels, crabs or lobsters for your meal.
- We had their Deep-fried Sweet and Sour Fish (300 THB), Fried Chicken with Cashew Nut (150 THB) and Seafood Tom Yum (200 THB).
- Our favourite dish was definitely the Seafood Tom Yum as the taste was on point.
- We felt that the food at Kusuma was a little on the expensive side but for the experience of choosing your live seafood and eating alfresco, we’d recommend you give it a try!
- Plus, it’s located just 10 minutes away from Patong Beach which puts it in a very good location.
Address: Aroonsom Arcade, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Opening hours: 5pm – 12.50am daily
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Day 2
Set off on a catamaran day tour to Maithon and Coral Island
- The best thing about a beach vacation in Phuket is that you can take a day trip out to one of the many beautiful islands around it.
- There are many day tours to choose from, but we decided on a catamaran day tour to Maithon and Coral Island as we wanted a more luxurious and comfortable ride. Plus, Luqman had never been on a catamaran so he was super excited to try it!
- We loved how spacious and open the catamaran was as there were many different seating areas to chill at such as the sundeck, the net, and an indoor area.
- Our favourite area was the net as we could relax while being directly on top of the sea. It might seem scary at first but don’t worry, it’s very stable and feels just like a hammock!
- #HHWT Tip: Don’t forget to pop some seasick pills (provided by the guide) before you get on the catamaran as the waves can get pretty strong.
- The catamaran tour kept us occupied with several activities like fishing, snorkelling and kayaking.
- Our first stop was Maithon Island where we did some snorkelling. As it was scorching, Luqman and I couldn’t wait to jump into the clear water and boy did we have so much fun!
- Next, we stopped by Coral Island which is known for its white sand and clear waters. Here, you can choose to kayak, swim at a resort pool or just chill at the beach.
- Here’s where we were also treated to a Halal Thai lunch meal at one of the restaurants in the island’s resort.
- On our way back to Phuket, we had the most pleasant surprise as we spotted some dolphins. They were gracefully swimming in the water and we could even hear them whistling. This was the highlight of our catamaran experience!
- We booked this all-inclusive tour through Klook and it was a smooth process. Plus, you’d think that a catamaran experience would be expensive, but ours cost only around SGD80/RM253/Rp.868.3k which was well worth it!
Alternative: Spend a day on a luxurious catamaran
Credit: Klook
- But this isn’t the only catamaran tour available on Klook. If you’d like to have more time on the catamaran and try more exciting water activities like parasailing and sea-walking, we’d recommend getting the Racha and Coral Island Sunset Day Tour.
- This Klook-branded catamaran is even more exclusive as there are fewer people onboard. Plus, for this tour, lunch and snacks are provided on the catamaran itself so you can really feel as though you’re living the high life!
- The highlight of this tour is also spending sunset at sea, definitely an experience you can’t get back home.
Dinner at Pantai Seaview Restaurant
- After a beautiful day out at sea, it’s time for dinner at Pantai Seaview Restaurant. If you’re looking for a place to dine with a view, we’d recommend coming here!
- Aside from the typical Thai fare, Pantai had a range of Phuket specialities and we decided to give it ago. The staff recommended their Sour Soup with Shrimp and Fried Egg (180 THB).
- It was sour at first but the more we ate it, we could feel the spice and it reminded us a lot of tom yum. We found it really interesting that they put a fried egg in the soup too!
- Pantai is directly overlooking the sea so we had an unobstructed view of the sunset as we were having our meal.
- We also loved the cosy ambience of the restaurant – definitely, a place you’d want to bring your significant other.
- There’s also a lot of space and seating area for families, so you don’t have to worry if you’re dining here with your kids.
- Pantai is located near Kalim Beach, which is only about a 10-minute drive away from the busy area of Patong. We took a taxi to get there which cost us about 200-250 THB.
Address: 322/3 On Kalim Beach, Kathu 83150, Opening hours: 9am – 10pm daily, Price range: from 120 THB
Halal status: Muslim-owned
P.S. Look out for our HHWT sticker when you dine at Pantai!
Stop by Kalim Beach for a late-night snack
- We took a short stroll down Kalim Beach after dinner and found a mini food street by the beach. The best part is, we found out that all the stalls are Muslim-owned. Plus, a local told us that the Wada Niyatun Islamiyah Mosque was just around the corner.
- We were thrilled by the different food and snacks that were sold here like sausage and meat skewers, BBQ seafood, mango sticky rice, ice cream, Thai roti pancake and more!
- As we were already full from dinner, we could only squeeze in some Fried Coconut Ice-cream. It was just 30 THB and we even had a choice of 2 toppings. We really loved the combination of warm crispy batter on the outside and cold, refreshing ice cream on the inside.
- There were also tables set up for alfresco dining by the beach, but we spotted some families just sitting on the floor with a mat.
- With the sea breeze and sound of waves crashing, this is perfect if you want to get away from the bustling area of Patong.
- The stalls here are open from morning till late every day so you can come here any time!
Day 3
Day trip to Phi Phi and Khai Islands
- Our day 3 started with a bumpy (but fun!) speedboat ride to Phi Phi and Khai Islands. Phi Phi is a must-visit for any first-timer in Phuket.
- There are 2 islands - Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited and known for its gorgeous bays.
- Unfortunately, the famous Maya Bay was closed for a clean-up and coral preservation, but we could still admire its beauty from afar.
- Even though Maya Bay was closed, the tour brought us to Pileh Cove for a refreshing swim.
- We could also snorkel at Phi Phi Leh and since the water here is even more impressive than the previous day’s, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity!
- The feeling of swimming with fish and exploring corals underwater was an unbeatable experience.
- There’s no doubt that there will be a lot of tourist boats to Phi Phi but don’t let that get to you as the island’s breathtaking scenery will win you over.
- The tour that we went on included a halal buffet lunch at Phi Phi Andaman Beach Resort.
- After a whole morning of swimming and snorkelling, we were pretty beat and it felt so good to indulge in a scrumptious meal.
- After lunch, it was back to the sea and we made a final stop at Khai Nok Island.
- Here, we had more than an hour to take a dip in its clear waters, laze around or do even more snorkelling!
- Although the water here is nice and the island has some scenic views, it tends to get really busy during peak season so do be prepared for that! What’s more, the snacks and drinks sold here are pricier than in mainland Phuket too.
- We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to Phi Phi and Khai Islands which we booked on Klook.
- We had a safe journey on a modern speedboat throughout the tour and our guide, Bobby, really took great care of us and made sure we had everything we needed.
- For just SGD56.49/RM180/Rp. 616k (usual price: SGD134/RM404/Rp. 1.3m), we felt that it was really value for money as we could explore more than 2 islands including a halal buffet lunch and private transfer to and from our hotel.
- Not to mention that there were free drinks and snacks too!
Eat and shop at Naka Weekend Market
- It was our final night and we decided to explore Naka Market. Opened only on weekends from about 4pm till late, Naka is Phuket’s version of Bangkok’s Chatuchak market but on a smaller scale.
- We rode a tuk-tuk to get to Naka Market near Phuket Town which cost around 400-500 THB for a 30-40 minute drive.
- The tuk-tuks in Phuket are bigger and more spacious than the ones in Bangkok but you can spot them in red, yellow and green.
- #HHWT Tip: Always settle the price with the driver first before you get on the tuk-tuk. Do remember to research online or ask the locals about the standard price first before you ride!
- There are hundreds of stalls selling food, clothes, souvenirs and so much more at Naka Market.
- We didn’t have to worry much about finding halal food while we were here. There were several stalls selling all kinds of grilled meat on skewers, Thai fried chicken with rice, soft fish crackers (lekor) and squid egg.
- We found a halal stall right at the front of the market which sold all kinds of skewered meat ranging from 15 to 40 THB per stick. Choose as many sticks as you’d like but we’d recommend getting the mouthwatering Thai grilled chicken and beef satay.
- There were also plenty of Muslim-friendly snacks like Khanom Buang (Thai crispy pancakes), ice-cream rollies and local fruit smoothies.
- But what really intrigued us was Khanom Babin – a traditional Thai pancake with grated coconut, rice flour, coconut milk, sugar and egg which is mixed and fried.
- It was our first time trying it and it was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
- After filling our tummy, we headed straight for the shopping section. There were several stalls selling Phuket and other themed t-shirts from 120 THB onwards.
- There were also a number of shops selling sneakers for more than 200 THB, handicraft bags and these hats with “Thailand” imprinted on them.
- If you’re looking for souvenirs, you can find them here too – from the typical magnets and coconut shells, and wooden handicrafts to more unique items like handmade silver wire figurines and painted knick-knacks.
- We even found a shop selling massage oils and scents called Nyonya Lady – definitely a perfect gift idea for your loved ones back home!
- We were pleasantly surprised that Phuket has such a huge market and we really loved the vibe at Naka Market. There were both tourists and local shoppers so it didn’t feel like a tourist trap.
- #HHWT Tip: We went at around 6plus in the evening and the crowds were already strolling in so it’s advised that you reach early to avoid the crowd!
Day 4
Have brunch at a floating restaurant
- On our last morning in Phuket, we went off the beaten path to Bang Mud, a halal floating restaurant off Phuket Island. Some of you recommended this place to us so we were really excited to try it out!
- To get here, we took a taxi ride (about 600THB for 45 minutes) to Laem Hin Pier and then a free 5-minute boat ride from the pier to Bang Mud.
- We arrived when the restaurant just opened, and the atmosphere was really peaceful. It was nice to observe local villagers on our way to Bang Mud.
- As the whole restaurant is built from wood, we could really feel the restaurant floating.
- There’s plenty of live seafood from crabs and prawns to different types of fish like seabass, groupers, and snappers. The best part is, you can pick them yourself but the pricing differs on what you choose.
- We ordered Blue Crabs in Curry Sauce (400THB for 500 grams), Squid Tempura (250THB) and Fried Vegetables with Shrimp (150 THB).
- Our favourite was the Blue Crabs in Curry Sauce which was rich in flavour and so yummy that we couldn’t resist using our hands to eat it.
- Overall, we felt that the meal at Bang Mud might be a tad more expensive than the average Thai eatery but we’d recommend coming here if you’re looking for the experience.
- This is also a great spot especially if you’re a couple or a family with kids, looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Plus, you can also enjoy a tranquil view of fishing villages when you dine here which is really interesting to see!
Address: 73 Laem Hin Road, Ko Maprao, Phuket Town, Opening hours: 10am – 8pm daily
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Unwind at Let’s Relax Spa
- We ended our trip with the best way we know how – a pampering time at Let’s Relax Spa!
- Let’s Relax Spa has received numerous awards and it’s even been featured on Lonely Planet. With multiple outlets around Phuket, we didn’t need to travel far to get a relaxing spa.
- What really struck us when we first entered Let’s Relax was their boutique interior and attentive staff.
- Their spa packages are specially designed and they use only the finest natural oils and herbs.
- We opted for the Blooming Life package which was 3 hours of pure indulgence – it included a full body massage, body wrap and facial. It was great to isolate our minds for a while and take a mental break.
- What we loved about Let’s Relax service was that we could choose our preferred oil and each of them catered to different moods.
- I picked the Siamese blend which was recommended by the staff – this is meant to de-stress, aid in sleep and it’s also good for the skin. Luqman picked Lavender which helps to calm stress and promote sleep.
- There are other oils you can choose from too, like lemongrass and green tea.
- The spa left us rejuvenated and refreshed and we were ready to head home after a tiring vacation.
- #HHWT Tip: Pay less for your massage by booking it through Klook. What’s more, you can book 3-in-1 packages on Klook easily too! We loved that it was fuss-free and we didn’t have to waste time choosing our package while we were there.
Going home
- After a fun-filled 4 days in Phuket, we were sad to say goodbye but thankfully, our comfortable airport transfer from Klook left us with a positive final impression.
- We were greeted by our friendly driver, Brian, who is Muslim too! He told us that Phuket’s population is 40-50% Muslims and we had a really great time finding out more about Muslims in Phuket.
- #HHWT Tip: Do leave yourself about 1-1.5 hours to get to the airport from Patong or other beach areas.
Do your prayers at Phuket Airport
- After we were all checked in, we did our prayers at the airport musollah. It’s conveniently located at the departure hall near check-in row A.
- There are also prayer mats, garments, qiblah direction, and the Quran, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything.
- Not to mention an ablution area inside the musollah so you don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the toilet to take your wudhu.
- So that concludes our 4D3N beach getaway in Phuket. With a mix of attractive beach spots and thrilling activities, Phuket has an endless list of things to do. Thankfully with Klook, planning your beach vacay in Phuket just got a lot easier. Take a day trip to one of many islands around Phuket, go on a rainforest zip line or indulge in a pampering massage. And you don’t even have to break the bank for these as they are more affordable on Klook! So, grab your travel buddies and go on an unforgettable beach vacay in Phuket.
This article is brought to you by Klook.