Phuket: Island tour with Big Buddha, Old Town & beaches

Summary

Exploring Phuket’s coastline, temples & markets with a local guide

You’ll ride along Phuket’s coast with a local guide, stopping at Kata Beach for sand between your toes before seeing Big Buddha from its hillside viewpoint. Explore Wat Chalong temple’s incense-filled halls and wander Old Town’s colorful streets. Taste fresh cashews at a family-run factory — small surprises you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was our driver missing the turn for Kata Beach — not a big deal, but it meant we got this weird detour through a neighborhood where someone was grilling fish right on the sidewalk. The smell hit me before I saw the smoke curling up between laundry lines. Our guide, Pim, just laughed and said, “That’s real Phuket breakfast.” I kind of wished we could’ve stopped for some, honestly.

We did make it to Kata eventually, and the sand felt almost powdery under my feet — softer than I expected. There were families splashing around and a couple of old guys playing cards in the shade. Pim pointed out Promthep Cape in the distance and said it’s where everyone goes for sunset photos. We went there next, and even though it was midday (so yeah, no dramatic colors), the wind coming off the water was strong enough to mess up my hat. I liked watching all these Thai teenagers posing for selfies at the edge — they seemed way more interested in each other than the view.

I’d been looking forward to seeing the Big Buddha up close, but because of that landslide last September, you can only see it from a viewpoint now. It’s still huge — almost surreal against the sky — but I felt this odd mix of awe and disappointment standing there on the hill. Pim told us how locals bring gold leaf offerings when they visit; she showed me how to fold my hands properly for a photo (I probably looked awkward). After that we drove to Wat Chalong temple. The incense was thick in the air — sweet and sharp at once — and there were kids chasing each other around while monks chanted inside. It felt both busy and peaceful somehow.

Old Town surprised me most. The buildings are all pastel blues and yellows with these heavy wooden doors; you can tell people actually live here, not just tourists passing through. We stopped at a cashew factory (I didn’t know cashews grew on trees like that), sampled some spicy ones that made my nose run, then wandered into a jewelry shop where I pretended to understand what “star sapphire” means. By then I was tired but happy — maybe it was just all those little moments strung together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phuket Island Highlights Tour

• Pass Patong Beach
• Visit viewpoint overlooking 3 beaches
• Pass Kata Beach
• Visit Promthep Cape
• Pass uncrowded white sand beach
• Drive through Phuket Old Town
• Visit Wat Chalong temple
• Visit cashew nut factory

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Phuket island tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or port are included in the tour price.

Can we visit inside Big Buddha during this tour?

No, due to a landslide in September 2024, entry is closed; you can see Big Buddha from a viewpoint instead.

How many people can join this private Phuket tour?

The tour is private for your group with space for up to 8 guests total.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No lunch is included but you’ll have chances to buy snacks or food along the way.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

You’ll stop at Kata Beach, Promthep Cape, Wat Chalong temple, Phuket Old Town, a cashew factory, and see Big Buddha from afar.

Is this Phuket island tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages; infants can ride on laps or use available seats if booked early enough.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking local guide, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, plus hotel or port pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about logistics along the way.