Seven days in Phuket is enough to see the highlights without burning out. Below is our tried-and-tested itinerary, recommended to guests for several years running. All prices are current for 2026 and include hotel transfer.
Day 1 — Acclimatisation and the city
Just arrived? Keep day 1 easy. Phuket Old Town with its colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, a Thai breakfast at a local café, Big Buddha at sunset — free, taxi there and back 300–400 THB. Evening: stroll the promenade or your first Thai massage after the flight (300 THB per hour).
Day 2 — Phi Phi Islands
Early departure (07:30 from hotel), 45 minutes by speedboat, snorkelling at Bida Nok rock, lunch in Loh Samah Bay, visit to Maya Bay. Return around 18:00. From 1,500 THB with transfer and lunch.
Day 3 — Beach day
After a full day on the water, rest. If you're staying in Karon or Kamala — your own beach. If you're in Patong, we recommend Nai Harn (30 min by taxi, 400 THB) — the quietest and most beautiful beach in the south.
"The most common tourist mistake is booking tours every single day without breaks. By day 4–5 fatigue sets in and the last days lose their spark."
Day 4 — Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island, the stilt village of Koh Panyee, kayaking through sea caves. One of the most photogenic tours in the region. Departure 08:00. From 1,500 THB.
Day 5 — Similan Islands (the highlight)
The longest day. Departure 06:00, return around 19:30. But: the best snorkelling in the region, a national park, white beaches with no civilisation in sight. High season only (November–April). From 2,500 THB.
Day 6 — Evening show + dinner
Free day until evening — shopping, spa or the beach. At 19:30 — Simon Cabaret (the 19:30 or 21:30 performance). Afterwards, dinner on the Patong waterfront or a seafood restaurant in Rawai. Show: from 800 THB.
Day 7 — Sunset cruise
Last day. Morning beach or spa. Evening: sunset yacht cruise departing Chalong at 17:00, sunset at sea, return by 20:00. The perfect way to end a trip. From 1,800 THB with dinner.
Total tour budget
For 2 adults: Phi Phi (3,000) + Phang Nga (3,000) + Similans (5,000) + Show (1,600) + Yacht (3,600) = ~16,200 THB (~$450) for 5 tours per couple. Given the scale of the experience, one of the best travel investments you can make.
FAQ
Can I do fewer tours? Yes. If the week is short or you're travelling with young children, cut to 3: Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Show. That covers the essentials.
Does this itinerary work in low season (May–October)? Partially. The Similans are closed. Phi Phi and Phang Nga operate most days but expect some swell. See our low-season article for details.
