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Phuket is among the most popular destinations in Thailand, though it’s not for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting Phuket with family and share everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. Consider this your ultimate Phuket guide for families with kids.

Don’t miss our guide to Koh Lanta with kids—our personal favorite spot in Thailand—as well as our comprehensive guide to the best family holidays across the country.

If you’re looking for accommodation, check out our full rundown of the top family-friendly resorts in Phuket.

Phuket stands out as one of Thailand’s most developed and commercialized islands. With numerous beach resorts and major hotel chains established along its shores, it’s one of the easiest places to travel in the country. However, it lacks the relaxed, charming vibe found on some other Thai islands. It’s definitely a destination people tend to either love or dislike.

The island itself is quite large, measuring 48 by 21 km—about the size of Singapore. Its beach resorts vary widely, ranging from family-oriented spots to lively party hubs. The quality of the beaches also differs: some suffer from pollution or rough waters, while others remain almost untouched and pristine.

# Hit the Beach

Phuket is, above all, a beach destination with around 30 different beaches, each offering its own unique atmosphere. In our guide on where to stay in Phuket, we highlight the best beaches for families, including Kamala, Nai Harn, and Kata. These beaches offer plenty of restaurants and bars, sun loungers for rent, and some even feature play areas for kids. Beach time is easily the top activity for families visiting Phuket.

# Relax by the Pool

Phuket boasts countless family-friendly hotels and resorts, nearly all equipped with pools—some even have water slides. You can easily spend entire days relaxing and playing by the pool. We especially enjoyed the pools at Melia Mai Khao, which offers stunning ocean views, and The Pe La Resort, known for its charming kids’ pool set amid lush gardens.

# Boat Trips

There are fantastic boat trips from Phuket, including day tours to Koh Phi Phi and James Bond Island, where you can snorkel and explore the islands. Sunset cruises and sightseeing boat tours around Phuket are also popular. We highly recommend visiting Phi Phi—it’s breathtaking, though somewhat developed.

# Old Town Sunday Market

Every Sunday, Phuket Old Town comes alive with a bustling Sunday Market selling handmade crafts and local goods. The street food is incredible and a great way to sample local flavors. The market has a lively, festive vibe with live music and street performers, set against the colorful backdrop of the Old Town buildings. It’s one of the best experiences in Phuket, running from around 4 pm until late evening.

# Explore Phuket Old Town

Beyond the Sunday Market, Phuket Old Town is worth exploring for its rich history influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Portuguese cultures. Today, it attracts a trendy crowd with musicians, artists, street art, galleries, and stylish cafes, bars, and restaurants. Don’t miss the beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture along Thalang Road and the Jui Tui Taoist shrine.

# Visit the Big Buddha

One of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks is the Big Buddha, a 45-meter white marble statue visible from miles away. The views from the top are spectacular. You can drive close and climb the steps or take a more challenging uphill hike that passes a temple on the way down. Remember to dress respectfully—sarongs are provided free if needed.

# Experience Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic is a dazzling spectacle blending Disney, carnival, and Thai influences. It features a sit-down show with an amazing parade of elaborate floats on the world’s longest stage. Before the show, enjoy the funfair and shopping streets filled with colorful games, rides, and curiosities like the world’s largest popcorn machine and a petting zoo with a Fenix fox. Even the toilets are themed, including animatronic designs like a dinosaur that pops up when you flush—especially check out the “toy-lets” in the funfair area. The buffet hall is massive and serves global cuisine, set amid a psychedelic peacock design.

# Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Not all elephant sanctuaries are truly ethical. A genuine sanctuary never buys, sells, exploits, or profits from elephants, and doesn’t allow riding or bathing them. In Phuket, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a recommended ethical option where elephants roam freely. Visitors observe them from a safe distance of around 600 meters, making it one of the best and most educational family activities on the island.

# Enjoy a Waterpark

If the hotel pool isn’t enough, Phuket has excellent waterparks such as Andamanda, Splash Jungle, and Blue Tree. All offer plenty of water slides, with Andamanda and Blue Tree being particularly impressive.

# Visit the Upside-Down House

The upside-down house in Phuket Town is a fun rainy-day attraction. This inverted pink house stands on its roof, and the inside is just as topsy-turvy, providing lots of entertaining photo opportunities. It’s a novelty that kids love and is popular among Instagrammers too.

# Aquaria Phuket

Aquaria Phuket, located inside Central Phuket Floresta mall, is home to over 25,000 fish and marine creatures, including penguins, otters, sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays. It also features the AR Trick Eye Museum, an interactive 3D space filled with optical illusions.