No, Phuket ain’t just about beaches — here are some non-touristy things you can do in this 4D3N itinerary!
Can you guess which island this is?
Not gonna lie, my impression of Phuket is that “it’s really touristy and there’s nothing but beaches and beach clubs” — based on my friends who’ve been there. So yeah, I wasn’t expecting much when I was told I had to go there for work.
But after this trip, I realised that there are other interesting and meaningful things to do in Phuket too. Without heading to the usual tourist spots like the Big Buddha and Phi Phi Islands, we even managed to find some hidden gems in this 4D3N itinerary 😉
Bonus: Read on till the end to find out how to score promo deals for flights, accommodations, and activities with your Citi Card!
Getting to and around Phuket
Flights: Phuket is a 2-hour direct flight away from Singapore! There are multiple flights daily across different airlines — we took Scoot and arrived in the late afternoon. Since we didn’t have much time to explore, we went to bed early to prepare for a sunrise hike on the first “official” day of our Phuket itinerary!
Here’s a hack for Citi Cardmembers when booking flights: Trip.com has 50% discounts (every Friday), while Expedia has promos of up to S$300 off. *Limited redemptions and T&Cs apply.
Airport transfer: We pre-booked an airport transfer (~S$21 for Economy Sedan 4-seater) to our accommodation for convenience and peace of mind! Our driver was already waiting for us once we landed and the whole process was super smooth.
Grab: The easiest way to get around Phuket is via Grab — we could always get a ride within 5 minutes after hailing it. Most of the places we wanted to travel to were also far apart so this was a faster option compared to public transport. Take note though that it may be a little pricey, it’s around ฿400 on average for a 10 to 15-minute ride 😱
Private car charter: If you already have a fixed plan of activities in your Phuket itinerary, consider hiring a private car charter for a few hours or days. With a rate of ~S$92 for 6 hours (group of 3), it might be cheaper than Grabbing all the time!
*Pro-tip: Book your airport transfer and private car charter via Klook to enjoy S$10 off (min spend S$150) — only with Citi Cards.
Day 1: Skip the tourist spots
Sunrise Hike at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Okay disclaimer: Samet Nangshe Viewpoint isn’t really in Phuket — it’s located in Phang Nga Bay, just a little further out from the city. But online reviews stated it had one of the best sunrise views so we had to check it out.
And since we wanted to see the Milky Way ✨, we decided to head there a few hours before sunrise (leaving our hotel at around 3AM). Given that it’s in the wee hours of the morning, there weren’t many private car charters operating then. So we searched online beforehand and found Alex Taxi Phuket — his replies were quick and he was punctual in picking us up!
After an hour-long journey, we finally arrived! It was pitch dark so we put on our headlamps and slowly made our way up to the top. Some sections of the road were pretty steep and sandy but the hike was surprisingly manageable — it only took us 20 minutes to reach the peak.
At 4:20AM, we had the whole place to ourselves to admire the beautiful Milky Way. The stars started to “fade away” around 6AM and by 7:30AM, we saw the orange egg yolk in its full glory.
*Note: You can either head up to the viewpoint by walking or taking a small truck (operates around 5AM). We recommend taking the truck down as the road is really steep and it would be dangerous if you slip and fall!
Entrance fee: ฿30/pax (maintenance fee for walking up), ฿90/pax (round-trip transfer by a small truck)
Opening hours: 4AM – 12AM
How to get there: Hire a private car charter or book a taxi in advance to take you from your accommodation to the viewpoint in the morning (Google Maps)
Brunch at Yenjai Restaurant
In true Asian fashion, we had to remove our shoes before entering the restaurant.
While looking for lesser-known local restaurants for brunch, we came across Yenjai Restaurant! Apparently the owner of the restaurant, Yenjai Suthiwaja, used to work as a chef at reputable hotel chains like JW Marriott and Banyan Tree, so we thought to try it out.
Surprisingly, the dishes there were affordable — it was only ฿500 in total for a plate of porpia sod (fresh spring roll Phuket-style), moo thod katiem prik thai (fried pork with garlic and pepper), and pad thai with chicken 🤯 The pad thai came in a sizeable portion and the noodles were extra QQ!
No-shoe rule aside, Yenjai Restaurant’s black and white tiled floors, old radio music and vibrant paintings reminded me of my grandma’s house. It had a homely vibe and there weren’t many customers in the afternoon either.
*Note: This restaurant only accepts cash.
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM
How to get there: 40min taxi ride from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint (Google Maps)
Visit Soi Dog Foundation
We wanted to do something meaningful in Phuket, so we visited Soi Dog Foundation! Established in 2003, it’s a non-profit organisation which rescues stray dogs and cats who have been hurt in traffic accidents, captured for the dog meat industry, or abandoned by their previous owners 😿
There are two free guided tours daily from Monday to Friday (10AM and 1:30PM, walk-in), where you can learn more about the organisation. During our afternoon tour, our guide Gan mentioned that there are over 1,400 dogs and 400 cats who are currently being taken care of.
After treating and sterilising these animals, the foundation usually releases the healthy ones back into the streets or temples where local feeders can care for them. While others would probably stay in the shelter for the rest of their lives to recover.
The tour only lasted around 30 minutes but we could stay till closing time to visit the puppy run and cattery! Although it was heartbreaking to see some of these animals missing a leg, an eye or even an ear, the pups and cats looked well taken care of and were very affectionate towards us 🥹
For those who have time to spare or are willing to go the extra mile, do help out by walking the dogs around the compound (minimum two-day commitment) or becoming a flight volunteer and bringing them over to another country to be adopted. Other ways to support the cause include purchasing merchandise or making a donation 💝
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 11:30AM, 1PM – 3:30PM, closed on weekends
Tour timings: 10AM and 1:30PM (no booking required)
How to get there: 5min taxi ride from Yenjai Restaurant (Google Maps)
Spot Planes at Mai Khao Beach
After an eventful morning and afternoon, we headed to a special beach in Phuket. We were really excited about this one, because well, read the header.
Mai Khao Beach is right next to the airport so depending on the season, you can either spot planes taking off or landing ✈️
The best time to see planes land over the sea is from December to May, when winds blow from the northwest — you’ll get shots of planes up close at the beach! After which, the wind shifts direction and you’ll catch planes taking off instead.
People waiting for planes ~
We were there in April but probably caught the tail-end of the high season so we could only watch planes taking off 🥲. It was still quite a cool experience and we managed to see a plane every 5 – 10 minutes!
*Pro-tip: Use websites like FlightRadar24 to check real-time info on plane arrival and departure times so you can plan your visit and ready your cameras before the plane zooms off into the sky.
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 5min taxi ride from Soi Dog Foundation to Mai Khao Beach carpark. Then take a 5min tuk tuk ride (฿20/pax for one-way) from the carpark to the airport viewpoint. Or you can also walk 10 – 15mins from the carpark to the viewpoint (Google Maps)
Sunset and Drinks at Tichuca Phuket
Since we were in Phuket, we had to add at least one beach club to our itinerary. And thanks to TikTok, we found one that recently opened in end-January 2024!
The most iconic feature of Tichuca Phuket is its gigantic man-made “tree” in the centre of the bar. It was the perfect place to vibe and dance the night away, with a lively DJ and colour-changing lights! Not to mention, the bar is also located along Bang Tao Beach, so we came earlier just before sunset (around 5:30PM – 6PM) to watch the golden hues by the sea.
As for drinks, I recommend the Saffron Guava (฿420) for something sweet — I couldn’t really taste the alcohol so it felt super light and refreshing. For non-alcoholics, there are options like watermelon juice and fruit punch too!
Card payments are accepted here so if you have a Citi PremierMiles Card, use it to earn up to 2.2 Citi Miles per S$1 spend (the Citi Miles never expire)! If not, sign up now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles (applicable for new Citi Cardmembers, T&Cs apply).
Opening hours: 3PM – late
How to get there: 50min taxi ride from Mai Khao Beach (Google Maps)
Day 2: Go Island-hopping around Similan Islands
I’ve heard of Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island before but not so much of Similan Islands. Located in the Andaman Sea, it’s actually an archipelago consisting of 11 islands — all situated within the Mu Koh Similan National Park. It’s known as a snorkelling and diving destination because of its unique wildlife and ecosystem!
Fun fact: As a protected National Park of Thailand since 1982, the Thai government also limits tourist visits and closes the islands to the public during the Monsoon season (May – Oct) each year.
On our island-hopping tour in April, we visited three islands: Similan Island (No. 8), Ba-Ngu Island (No. 9), and Mieng Island (No. 4).
Similan Island (No. 8)
Yes, Island No. 8 is also called Similan Island. Probably because it’s the largest and most famous island among visitors for its Sail Rock! It took us less than 10 minutes to hike up to the rock and we were rewarded with a stunning panoramic view.
Then, we took the boat to a nearby snorkelling spot — according to our guides, this is the only place among the Similan Islands where sea turtles can be spotted! Sadly we didn’t manage to see any but the large groups of fish swimming past us more than made up for it 🐠
*Pro-tip: Invest in a good waterproof phone case to capture those beautiful underwater shots with the fish and hopefully sea turtles on your trip!
Ba-Ngu Island (No. 9)
We then headed to island No. 9 for our next snorkelling session — you can’t see turtles here but it has a beautiful coral reef! After 30 – 40 minutes of swimming with the fishes, it was time to head to the last island!
Mieng Island (No. 4)
There wasn’t any snorkelling here but it was a nice beach to just relax on. Lunch was also served here — it included breaded chicken, grilled fish and prawns, and a choice of tom yum, green curry, or clear soup.
If you’re a Citi Cardmember, you can get S$10 off (min spend S$150) activities and attractions via Klook — pretty easy to hit if you’re going island-hopping with family or friends 😉
Cost: ~S$122/pax for a catamaran day tour with transfer from Phuket
Tour timing: 8AM – 5PM
Meeting point: Hotel pickup
Read also: Phuket Island Hopping Guide for Beginners — Tips & Itineraries to Discover Phuket’s Must-See Islands
Feast at G Night Market
After a full day of island-hopping, we searched around for dinner options and discovered G Night Market!
Compared to famous markets like Chillva Night Market and Kata Night Market, it’s definitely smaller. But it’s conveniently located around a big supermarket called Phuket Grocery, where we could stock up on snacks or bottled water for the rest of our trip.
There also seemed to be more locals than foreigners here, and it wasn’t too crowded — a true hidden gem! There was live music, stalls selling clothes and lots of affordable food options.
The Thai chawanmushi had different flavours like original, crab meat, and chicken mushroom!
For dinner, we had a Thai chawanmushi dish topped with chicken and mushroom pieces (฿20), freshly cooked pad thai (฿50) and this HUGE Thai milk tea (฿35) which I emphasise, IS BIGGER THAN MY FACE. That’s only less than S$2 per dish and needless to say, we left super satisfied (10/10 would go back again).
Opening hours: 4PM – 10PM (closed on Thu)
How to get there: 8min taxi ride from Old Phuket Town (Google Maps)
Day 3: Explore the city like a local
Walk around Old Phuket Town
Photo credit: @davideverardimaging via Instagram
Many people might not know this but during the 16th century, Phuket was an important port town where merchants from Europe and Asia gathered (mostly the Portuguese and Chinese). Some eventually settled down here and two cultures became intertwined, establishing the colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture we see in Old Phuket Town today!
So as you take a stroll around town, remember that you’re not just snapping photos of quirky buildings. It’s also a reflection of the local history, which makes it even more meaningful and interesting.
Along certain roads like Thalang Road, Krabi Road, and Phang Nga Road, you can also see street art done by international and local artists, reflecting the lifestyle and culture in Phuket.
Photo credit: Cassia Phuket
Fun fact: Old Phuket Town is also a hot spot during festive occasions like the Songkran Festival — we went around town on a tuk tuk tour and were DRENCHED (courtesy of the locals).
How to get there: 15min taxi ride from Andamanda Phuket (Google Maps)
Get fit at Soi Ta-ied Thai Boxing Street
Photo credit: @officialunit27 via Facebook
Did you know that Soi Ta-ied Thai Boxing Street is commonly known as Fitness Street in Phuket? There are plenty of world-class gyms and training facilities lined along this street for those looking to get fit.
Places like Unit 27 offers day visits and one-time sessions (from ฿430) where you can choose between strength and conditioning, weight loss, core stability and flexibility classes, and more according to their schedule. There’s even yoga classes and sauna and ice bath options!
Photo credit: @tigermuaythai via Instagram
But if you’re planning to extend your trip, try joining a Muay Thai camp! Tiger Muay Thai has great facilities and qualified trainers — they offer beginner, intermediate and advanced Muay Thai camps lasting a week, a month and even three months (according to your availability)!
How to get there: 25min taxi ride from Old Phuket Town (Google Maps)
Try Shooting at Patong Paragon Gun Shooting Range
Instead of going to the famous Patong Beach like every other tourist, we tried learning how to shoot at the nearby Patong Paragon Gun Shooting Range! It’s only a 10-minute walk away from the beach and was an escape from the crowded nightlife and loud bars (we still got those killer shots though 😏).
For around ~S$39/pax, you’re entitled to 10 shots for a .22 gun. But we wanted to try various types of guns so we booked a .22 (10 shots) + .38 (10 shots) + .45 (10 shots) package for ~S$87 per pax.
The staff was nice enough to let us divide the shots so two people could get five shots for each gun. They were also really professional and patient in teaching us how to shoot and I even managed to score a bullseye!
So grab your friends and join in the fun, and if you book via Klook with your Citi Card, you can even get S$10 off (min spend S$150) the activity.
Cost: From ~S$39/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 11:45PM
How to get there: 10min walk from Patong Beach (Google Maps)
Dinner at Tiger Inn Restaurant
I’m not exaggerating when I say Tiger Inn Restaurant really stood out to us when we were looking for places to eat near the shooting range.
For one, we couldn’t ignore the many, MANY, tiger statues scattered across the restaurant. Despite the tigers staring us down while we ate, the atmosphere was lively and not intimidating at all.
Food-wise, the goong tod gra tiem prig thai (฿170) or stir-fried chicken with garlic and pepper was my favourite dish — it had a tinge of that slightly sour Thai flavour and the black pepper wasn’t too strong.
This restaurant accepts card payments so those with a Citi PremierMiles Card can use it to earn up to 2.2 Citi Miles per S$1 spend (the Citi Miles never expire)! Or apply now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles (valid for new Citi Cardmembers, T&Cs apply).
Opening hours: 10AM – 12AM
How to get there: 5min walk from Patong Paragon Gun Shooting Range (Google Maps)
Read also: The Ultimate Phuket Guide — 27 Fun Things to Do for an Adventure-Packed Holiday
Day 4: Capture unforgettable memories
Hop on a Paramotor Flight at Phuket Airpark
Phuket is known for its adventurous side with activities like ziplining and riding ATVs, but we wanted to do something a little different. So, we went on a paramotor flight!
FYI, this is different from paragliding because instead of simply relying on the wind, it uses an engine to help manoeuvre through the skies. And in true TTI fashion, we sent one of our colleagues to conquer his fear of heights. Screaming aside, Elliot seemed to enjoy the 20-minute flight (at least on video) — it was pretty cool to see him tread across the water and have a little sky “action” along the way.
His instructor also told us that the best time to go on a paramotor flight was in the morning (around 5:30AM) for sunrise, but sadly the weather wasn’t great that day. Guess I’ll just have to come back next time 🤷♀️
*Pro-tip: Get a private car charter or taxi to wait for you after your flight as the area is a little out of the way and it may be hard to catch a Grab back!
Cost: ฿5,900/pax for a 20min flight (incl. GoPro video footage)
Opening hours: Various timeslots (to confirm with the operator when booking the experience)
How to get there: 35min taxi ride from Old Phuket Town (Google Maps)
Snap Photos at Selfie Experience Phuket
Forget the usual keychains and elephant pants, this was our way of bringing home a more unique “souvenir”. Selfie Experience Phuket is the largest selfie museum in Asia with over 40 photo booths across three storeys! So trust us, you’ll need at least an hour here.
There are so many different kinds of themed booths from claw machines to boxing arenas and even a ball pit! On top of that, free costumes were also provided — obviously, we had to try on the traditional Thai costumes and Elliot was definitely rocking the pink boxer robe.
If you don’t trust your partner for nice photos, you can also always hire a professional photographer 😉 (1-hour package, inclusive of two entry tickets). And here’s another tip just for Citi Cardmembers: purchase your tickets on Klook for S$10 off (min spend S$150)!
Cost: ~S$17/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM (last entry at 5PM)
How to get there: 20min taxi ride from Phuket Airpark (Google Maps)
Travel to “Greece” at The Reef Cafe
I’m getting Santorini vibes~
Blue and white decor, lush greenery and a gorgeous seaside view — this may not be Greece but it’s pretty darn close!
Opened in June 2023, The Reef is a cosy cafe located within the Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket hotel. It was the last stop in our Phuket itinerary and we were surprised to have the whole place to ourselves!
*Pro-tip: The cafe’s name didn’t show up on the Grab app for us, so we just selected the hotel’s address and asked the staff for directions!
The cafe serves up various Asian and Western cuisines, like green mango salad and pizzas, but we opted for a Peranakan afternoon tea set (฿890) instead to have a little bit of everything. And boy was it worth it. The set included dishes like spring rolls with mango stuffing, the fluffiest tiramisu I’ve had in my life, and the iconic mango sticky rice.
My favourite though was the goong sarong, a Thai-style deep-fried shrimp wrapped in vermicelli noodles. It was super crispy and the mango sauce gave it a tangy and delicious aftertaste. The portion was also generous — we shared between the three of us and felt super full!
Opening hours: 11AM – 6PM (last order at 5PM)
How to get there: 34min taxi ride from Selfie Experience Phuket (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Phuket
Secure your accommodation at least two weeks in advance as some places may be fully booked during the festive seasons.
For more savings, book via Expedia with your Citi Card to enjoy up to S$300 off (till 30 Jun 2024) or get a 20% discount* (till 31 May 2024) via Agoda. *Limited redemptions and T&Cs apply.
Alternatively, enjoy 12% (till 31 Dec 2024) or 5% (till 31 Dec 2025) off your hotel bookings on Agoda if you’re a Citi Mastercard or Citi Visa cardholder respectively.
Private: Thames Tara Pool Villa Rawai Phuket
Thames Tara Pool Villa Rawai Phuket may be an hour’s drive away from Phuket International Airport, but the trade-off is that it’s not too near the bustling city so you can have some peace and quiet!
Each villa has its own private pool and a living room — great for sharing with large groups of family and friends. We also loved how the bedrooms are across each other so you can greet your “neighbours” in the morning to start the day 😉
Cost: From ~S$121/night for a 2-bedroom Private Pool Villa (up to 4 pax)
How to get there: 1hr taxi ride from Phuket International Airport (Google Maps)
Cosy: Cassia Phuket
Our 2-bedroom loft ~
Cassia Phuket has a range of accommodation options such as one or two-bedroom apartments or lofts with a waterfront view!
All rooms have a spacious living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private balcony so it feels like a very warm and cosy living space. Guests can also opt to include breakfast during their stay, with a large buffet spread of eggs, pancakes, noodles and soup.
*Pro-tip: Book a room with a waterfront view to watch the golden rays cast across the water during sunset.
The hotel has its own private beach too, accessible via a 5-minute boat shuttle from the main lobby! It wasn’t too crowded and there are water activities like jet skiing.
During special occasions, the hotel also hosts programmes and tours — we went on the Songkran Wet Wheel Tour and visited various places while having a water fight with the locals! So you can look out for other interesting events and festivities during your stay there.
Cost: From ~S$227/night for a 2-bedroom loft (up to 4 pax)
How to get there: 35min taxi ride from Phuket International Airport (Google Maps)
Budget: CA Hotel and Residence Phuket
Photo credit: Agoda
For those on a budget, CA Hotel and Residence Phuket offers rooms from only ~S$41 per night! Facilities here include a public pool and fitness centre, plus there’s even an onsite restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine. The hotel is also near attractions like Upside Down House Museum, Siam Niramit Phuket, and Chillva Market — all around a 10-minute taxi ride away.
Cost: From ~S$41/night for a Deluxe Double Room (up to 2 pax)
How to get there: 40min taxi ride from Phuket International Airport (Google Maps)
Read also: 72-Hour Phuket Itinerary Away from the Crowds — A Side that Most Tourists Miss
Tips for making the most out of your Phuket trip
I can now confidently say that there’s much more to Phuket other than glitzy beach clubs and touristy beaches. On our trip, we uncovered hidden gems (like a Santorini-inspired cafe) and even did meaningful things like learning more about Soi Dog Foundation!
Inspired to head here soon? Check out these tips before you go 👇
1) Use third-party platforms to compare airfares
When planning your Phuket itinerary, use platforms like Trip.com and Expedia to help you compare prices across different airlines so you can get the best bang for your buck! Psst, for Citi Cardmembers, these platforms also offer discounts like 50% off flights or up to S$300 off your purchase (more details at the end 👀)
2) Take note of festive seasons
Phuket celebrates a couple of festivals yearly so if you plan your trip well, you can participate in the local culture there. Our trip coincided with the Songkran Festival (13 – 15 Apr) and we experienced the biggest water fight in Thailand for the first time! Other festive seasons to take note of include:
– Phuket Old Town Festival (Feb)
– Phuket Vegetarian Festival (late Sep – early Oct)
– Loy Krathong (Nov)
3) Look out for promos and deals
While on holiday, use this chance to earn up to 2.2 Citi Miles per S$1 spend — only for those with a Citi PremierMiles Card. The best part is that Citi Miles never expire so you can rack them up for your next vacay too!
*Pro-tip: For those who don’t own a Citi PremierMiles Card yet, apply now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles 🥳 (valid for new Citi Cardmembers, T&Cs apply).
On top of that, Citi Cardmembers are also entitled to a range of exclusive travel deals, including the following:
| Category | Partner | Deal |
| Flights | Trip.com | – 50% off flights (every Friday) – For flights until 27 Sep 2024 *Only for Citi Mastercard cardholders |
| Flights & Accommodation | Expedia | – Up to S$300 off – Valid until 30 June 2024 |
| Accommodation | Agoda | – 20% off (limited redemptions) – Valid until 31 May 2024 – 12% off – Valid until 31 Dec 2024 *Only for Citi Mastercard cardholders – 5% off – Valid until 31 Dec 2025 *Only for Citi Visa cardholders |
| Activities and attractions | Klook | – S$10 off (min spend S$150) – Valid until 30 Jun 2024 |
*Note: Terms and conditions apply, do check the website for more details.
Any other non-touristy gems to add to our Phuket itinerary? Share with us in the comments below!
This post is brought to you by Citi Singapore.
