Phuket Highlights Tour with Big Buddha View & Cashew Tasting

Summary

See Phuket’s famous statue from a hilltop, explore temples, taste local snacks and wander colorful old streets with a friendly guide

You’ll wind along Phuket’s southern coast with a local guide, stopping for temple rituals at Wat Chalong and sampling fresh cashews straight from the source. See Big Buddha from a panoramic viewpoint (since entry is closed), then wander Old Town’s colorful streets before heading back with new stories — maybe even a lingering scent of incense or sea air on your clothes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I nearly bailed when I saw how early the pickup was. But our driver grinned like he’d seen this before (“You want coffee?” he joked), and suddenly it felt less like a tour and more like being scooped up by a friend. We zigzagged through Patong’s noisy morning — tuk-tuks honking, someone frying something that smelled sweet and oily — then out along the coast where the air tasted salty and green at the same time. Our guide, Noi, pointed out Karon Viewpoint (she called it “Three Beaches Hill” in Thai) and made us guess which beach was which. I got two wrong; she laughed but didn’t seem surprised.

The stop at Wat Chalong was quieter than I expected. There was incense everywhere — not overpowering, just this soft woody smell that stuck to my shirt for hours. Noi showed us how to wai properly (my hands were all wrong at first), and told us about the relic inside the chedi. I tried to repeat the temple’s real name (Wat Chaitararam) but mangled it so badly an older woman nearby actually giggled. It felt good to be clumsy for once instead of just watching things go by behind glass.

We couldn’t climb up to Big Buddha because of some landslide thing — safety first, I guess — but standing at the viewpoint you could still see him gleaming over everything, huge and calm above the trees. People left little marble tiles with their names on them; Noi said you can sponsor one if you want, help finish the base. The wind up there was sharp for Thailand, almost cool against my face. Funny what sticks with you.

I didn’t expect to care about cashew nuts but the factory stop was weirdly fun — free samples everywhere (the chili ones are dangerous), machines clanking in back rooms, staff waving as we wandered past bags stacked taller than me. Old Phuket Town came last: pastel shophouses, tangled wires overhead, locals ducking into cafés while we snapped photos like tourists do. By then my shirt smelled like incense and roasted nuts and sweat — not unpleasant, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phuket Island Highlights Tour

• Drive along southern shoreline
• Pass Patong Beach
• Stop at Karon Viewpoint
• Visit Wat Chalong Temple
• Tour cashew nut factory
• Drive through Phuket Old Town
• Visit Big Buddha Phuket
• Stop at souvenir shop

Top questions

Can you visit inside Big Buddha right now?

No, due to a recent landslide in September 2024, entry is closed for safety reasons. You can still view Big Buddha from a nearby viewpoint.

Is hotel pickup included in this Phuket tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

How long does this Phuket highlights tour take?

The tour lasts about five and a half hours total.

Do you get to try local food or snacks on this tour?

You’ll sample fresh cashew nuts during the factory visit; other food stops aren’t included but you’ll pass street vendors along the way.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes; infants can sit on laps or use prams/strollers, and infant seats are available if booked early enough.

What should I wear to visit Wat Chalong temple?

You should bring clothing that covers your shoulders and legs when visiting temples.

Does this day trip include time in Phuket Old Town?

You’ll drive through Old Phuket Town during the morning tour; afternoon tours include a walking stop there.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, all entrance fees covered up front so there’s no surprises later on, free tastings at a local cashew nut factory (with plenty of chances to buy more if you’re hooked), guidance from a professional Thai guide who shares stories along every stop, plus insurance for peace of mind before heading back to your hotel after exploring Phuket’s highlights together.