Perched atop a forested hill, Monkey Hill Viewpoint, as the name implies, is home to roaming monkeys and also features an observation platform offering panoramic views. Visitors should exercise caution around the wild monkeys. Officials advise against feeding them, as it can provoke aggressive behaviour.

Phuket and beaches go hand in hand; whether it’s surfing, people-watching, or just sinking into quiet sand, there’s a stretch of coastline for every mood. Freedom Beach stays quiet for a reason: it’s tucked behind the jungle and can be reached either by longtail boat or by a steep trail for those willing to hike. The effort pays off with soft sand, clear water, and almost no facilities. Kata Beach has more going on, with surf lessons, cafés, and plenty of space, while Kata Noi, just around the corner, is calmer and more relaxed. Patong Beach is the opposite end of the spectrum: long, busy, and lined with bars, shops, and nightlife. Somewhere in between, Karon, Nai Harn, and Surin offer long stretches of sand without the chaos, still with enough restaurants and sunbeds if needed.

Formerly a coal port, the city's central park has developed into locals' favourite outdoor spot since the 1980s, proudly holding a Landscape Architecture Prize for the design by Peter Latz. It has a photographable open-air stage, a pond, skate park, and plenty of paths for a stroll along the Saar river. It neighbours on the movie theatre CineStar, among other attractions.

As you wander through the streets of Phuket's Old Town, you’ll come across rows of pastel-hued shophouses and ornate Sino-Portuguese facades that still hint at the island’s trading past. Some are family homes, others have been converted into cafés, guesthouses, or small museums. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours just walking, peering at tiled walls, old shop signs, and shrines tucked into corners. There’s everyday life mixed with the tourist scene: morning markets with fruit and noodles, long-standing noodle shops, and new coffee spots side by side. On Sundays, Thalang Road turns into the Lard Yai market from late afternoon, with food stalls, music, and crafts filling the street.