Phuket: City Tour with Wat Chalong, Big Buddha & Viewpoints

Summary

Phuket’s sacred temples, breezy hillsides and old town streets in one relaxed day

You’ll ride Phuket’s coastal roads with a local guide, stand beneath Big Buddha with ocean air swirling around you, wander Wat Chalong’s peaceful halls barefoot, and catch those famous triple-bay views at Karon Viewpoint. Expect real moments — laughter in temples, cashew nut smells drifting through Old Town — all wrapped up with easy hotel pickup and drop-off.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that hill? That’s where we’re heading," our driver grinned as we rattled out of Patong. I’d barely finished my iced coffee when we started winding along those beach roads — Patong to Karon, then Kata — sunlight flickering through palm leaves, scooters zipping past with baskets of fruit. The air was thick and salty. I kept thinking, this is what holidays are supposed to smell like.

First stop: the Big Buddha. You can actually spot it from half the island, but standing right under it is something else. Our guide, Li, told us how locals come here for luck or just to breathe above the noise. There were bells clinking in the breeze and a faint scent of incense. I tried to snap a yoga pose for the InstaHunt card (don’t judge), but mostly I just stared at the view — all those blues and greens running together below us.

Wat Chalong was next — shoes off, shoulders covered. The tiles felt cool underfoot. Li explained about Luang Pho Chaem and the old miner rebellion; I only caught half of it because a group of women were lighting candles nearby and their laughter echoed around the hall. Something about that place felt gentle, even if you don’t know all the stories.

Karon Viewpoint was busy but worth it for that triple-bay shot (I totally get why every postcard uses this angle). Windmill Point had fewer people — just a couple taking wedding photos and a kid trying to fly a kite. We ended up rolling through Phuket Old Town after that: pastel buildings, tangled wires overhead, shopkeepers waving from doorways. Someone was roasting cashews outside a little factory; I swear I could smell them before we even got close. It’s not polished or perfect — which honestly makes it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phuket city and cultural highlights

• Pick up guests from hotels
• Drive along Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai beaches
• Stop at Karon Viewpoint for photos
• Visit Big Buddha for panoramic views
• Explore Wat Chalong monastery
• Photo stop at Windmill Point
• Drive through Old Phuket Town
• Visit local souvenir or cashew nut shop
• Drop guests back to hotels

Top questions

How long does the Phuket city tour last?

The tour lasts about 5 hours including pickups and drop-offs depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included in Patong?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Patong, Kata, and Karon areas.

What temples do we visit on this Phuket city tour?

You’ll visit Wat Chalong and see the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill.

Are there photo stops at viewpoints?

Yes, you’ll stop at Karon Viewpoint and Windmill Point for photos.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but there are short stops where you can buy snacks.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Do I need to cover my knees and shoulders at Wat Chalong?

Yes, knees and shoulders should be covered when visiting temples like Wat Chalong.

What languages are available for guides?

The standard language is English; other languages require 48 hours’ notice to arrange.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Patong, Kata or Karon areas, entry to all main sites like Big Buddha and Wat Chalong with a professional local guide leading each stop. You’ll travel by air-conditioned vehicle between viewpoints and Old Town streets—and if you’re feeling playful, there’s an InstaHunt bingo game card plus a souvenir for winners before heading back to your hotel.