I spent 3 nights and 4 days in Phuket!
I’m writing this travelogue-style guide based on my experience to help anyone planning a trip to Phuket.
Day 1 – Arrival from Chiang Mai to Phuket & Strolling Around Patong Beach
I left Chiang Mai on a morning flight, transited in Bangkok, and arrived at Phuket International Airport around 2:00 PM. As soon as you exit the airport, many taxi drivers will approach you. If you have a lot of luggage, it might be fine to negotiate with one and hop in right there.
Estimated fares from the airport to Patong Beach:
- Taxi: Around 900 THB (can go down to 800 THB with negotiation)
- Grab: Roughly the same price
If you’re a backpacker or carrying light luggage, I recommend walking a bit to the left after exiting the airport, where you’ll find a minibus stand for 100 THB. It’s a great budget option to reach various beaches like Patong, Karon, and Kata.
※ Keep in mind that Thailand is largely a cash-based society, so prepare small bills in advance!
After about an hour, I arrived at Patong Beach. This time, I checked in at a hotel along Bangla Road, which is very convenient for sightseeing and nightlife. However, if you're sensitive to noise, you might want to stay a bit farther from the main strip.
Patong Beach & No.6 Restaurant
I checked in around 4:00 PM, rested for about an hour, and then took a stroll around Patong Beach. The waves were quite high during my stay, so I didn’t go into the sea — just enjoyed the view.
Parasailing seemed popular and I was approached a few times, but it was 1,500 THB per session, which felt pricey, so I decided to watch from the sidelines.
For dinner, I headed to a popular Thai restaurant called No.6 Restaurant.
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Crowd situation: It was nearly full by 6:00 PM. I was lucky to get in, so I recommend arriving before 6:00 PM.
By 7:30 PM, there was a line outside — proof of its popularity.
Bangla Road – Experiencing Phuket's Wild Nightlife
After dinner, I strolled around Bangla Road.
This street truly comes alive after 7:00 PM. Clubs and bars line the street, offering an extraordinary nightlife experience.
- Girls dancing on podiums
- Topless women posing for photos
- The smell of weed drifting through the air
It’s an incredibly stimulating scene. Definitely not suitable for children!
I’m not much of a party person, so I found a quieter spot at a place called New York – Live Music Bar, where I had two beers while listening to live music.
Each drink was about 150 THB, and they kindly set up a table even for a solo visitor — perfect for a relaxed evening.
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Day 2 – James Bond Island Tour
I joined the James Bond Island Tour, which I had booked in advance via GetYourGuide.
The shuttle picked me up from my accommodation around 7:30 AM, which was super convenient!
What to bring / What to wear:
- Sandals and swimsuit (no need for shoes)
- Keep your luggage compact and light
Tour highlights
● James Bond Island (Ko Tapu) – Filming location for “The Man with the Golden Gun”. The uniquely shaped rock is quite the sight.
● Canoeing – Explore caves and scenic spots by canoe.
● Swimming & Lunch – Enjoy a relaxing swim at a small beach. The lunch was delicious and not spicy, which was a relief!
Each canoe has a local guide who does the paddling, so it’s easy to enjoy even if you’re not physically strong.
Solo travelers are paired with another solo traveler — I was teamed up with a man from India and we had fun. No worries!
After the tour, the shuttle takes you back to your hotel. Super smooth!
Evening Muay Thai Match!
After a break at the hotel, I went out again to watch a Muay Thai match at Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen.
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- Ticket price: Outer seat 1,500 THB, ringside 1,800 THB (can be bought at nearby ticket stands or on-site)
- I arrived around 8:15 PM and got a good seat. Matches started at 9:00 PM.
The sound of punches and kicks landing, and the fierce determination of the fighters — it was truly moving.
For me, this was the most impressive experience of my Phuket trip. Highly recommended if you have time!
After the match, I had dinner at a local eatery near Bangla Road, bought a beer at a convenience store, and chilled back at the hotel.
It was an action-packed day from start to finish.
Day 3 – Slow Morning & Exploring Old Phuket Town
I was so exhausted that I ended up sleeping in until 11:00 AM 😅
I originally planned to visit some cafes, but I was too tired. I checked out at noon and headed to Old Phuket Town by local bus.
Transportation options:
- Budget-friendly: Local blue bus for 40 THB
- Comfort-focused: Grab for a direct ride
The bus stop for Old Town is shown below
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Once I arrived, I visited a popular café called Phuketique, known for its super sweet toast and coffee.
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If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’re in luck! The Sunday Night Market is held in Old Town — perfect for food stalls and local shopping.
Heading Home
From Old Town, I took a bus from the terminal to the airport.
The ride costs around 100 THB and takes 1 to 2 hours, so be sure to allow enough time before your flight.
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I stayed at a dormitory-style hostel near the airport called Phuket Airport Place for one night and caught an early morning flight back to Chiang Mai.
And with that, my 3-night, 4-day Phuket trip came to an end.
Final Thoughts – Reflections on My Phuket Trip
Phuket is packed with activities, delicious food, and exciting nightlife.
That said, the lively atmosphere can be a bit overwhelming for solo travelers 😅
- Beaches, town walks, island tours, and Muay Thai — every day was fulfilling
- Great accessibility and relatively safe, even for Thailand first-timers
- Nightlife is intense — adds a spicy flavor to the trip!
I hope this helps anyone considering a trip to Phuket! Safe travels!
