How to Spend 24 Hours in Phuket, Thailand – Scenic Beaches, Partying, & Great Food!

 You simply cannot leave Thailand without heading over to Phuket. Even if you don't have much time left in your itinerary, set aside at least 24 hours to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand before you leave the country. A night in Phuket is well worth your time – it is, after all, one of Thailand's most famous beachside destinations.

Step One – Book a Night at a Local Resort

If you've got 24 hours to spend in Phuket, make it count! Firstly, book your accommodation. There are several budget options that you can pick from, especially if you're a backpacker. Or, if you are willing to spend more to enjoy the comforts that Phuket beach resorts can provide, there are many you can choose from such as Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas and similar others. Resorts can offer you a bunch of amenities, conveniences, and activities all under one roof so to speak, and this might save you some travel time since you only have 24 hours to spare. These include facilities like swimming pools and spas as well as activities such as Thai cooking lessons and more. Many resorts also have the advantage of providing easy access to the beach.

Image via pixnio

Step Two – Hit the Beaches

Spend a good portion of your 24 hours getting bronzed on the beach. Phuket is all about the sun, sand, and surf as it's a tropical island destination after all. There are plenty of beaches that you can pick from. But since you don't have a lot of time, stick to one that's fairly close to the accommodation option that you've chosen so that you can minimise your travel time. But, if you don't want to encounter overcrowded beaches, avoid ones like Patong Beach, especially if you're travelling during a peak holiday season.

Step Three – Don't Retire Early

If you've only got one night in Phuket, make sure to spend most of it partying and not sleeping! Other than the beaches, Phuket is also known for its vibrant nightlife and partying scene. If you really want to get into the thick of it, make sure to drop by one or two of the backpacker bars. If you'd like to stay away from that sort of party vibe, there are still plenty of local bars that are not likely to be packed full of drunk backpackers that you can enjoy a good night out at.

Step Four – Stuff Your Face!

Thai food is truly a party of flavours waiting to explode on your tastebuds, and Phuket food is not going to disappoint. While there are a lot of establishments that cater primarily to tourists, you can find some hidden gems of authenticity when you explore the local street food scene. The best place to do this is at the night markets. The food here tends to be inexpensive, tasty, fresh and authentic. Not sure what kind of food to try? See what the locals are getting and give it a go!

Step Five – Reinvigorate yourself for the Next Leg of your Journey

If you've only got 24 hours to spend in Phuket, you're itinerary is likely to be a gruelling one. Why not get in some rest and relaxation before you have to move onto the next leg of your journey? Book yourself in for a spa treatment or two while you're in Phuket. There are many standalone spas, and if you're staying at a resort, there will most likely be an in-house spa. Get a good Thai massage to soothe away the aches and pains that you may have accumulated in your body during your travels.