Joanna James
As 2025 unfolds, this Phuket is all about the style AND the substance. You can choose to sink yourself into a cultural frenzy throughout your journey, while also enjoying the unique beaches that form the coast of the island. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a refined explorer seeking a deeper, more meaningful Thai experience, Phuket’s evolving landscape delivers just that. Here are five exceptional places to visit in Phuket in 2025, promising a Thai vacation steeped in both excitement and sophistication.
Tucked away from the island’s famed shores lies Old Phuket Town, a historical enclave brimming with Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant shophouses, and artistic enclaves. The streets of Thalang, Dibuk, and Krabi have become havens for art lovers and cultural purists alike.
In 2025, Old Town’s walking street market has grown into a curated tapestry of heritage performances, artisanal crafts, and contemporary Thai cuisine. The area's restoration projects have carefully preserved its colonial charm while incorporating modern galleries and cafés that now attract a more discerning crowd. A visit here is no longer just a stroll—it is an immersion into Phuket’s storied past and creative present.
Few landscapes evoke awe like Phang Nga Bay, where towering limestone karsts rise from emerald waters in sculptural defiance. Accessible by boat from the east coast, the bay offers a sensory experience that borders on the mythical.
Kayaking through the bay’s sea caves and hidden lagoons reveals untouched pockets of nature, while eco-conscious tours now allow visitors to engage with the area’s delicate ecosystems in more sustainable ways. It's an ideal destination for those seeking not just beauty, but also a connection to the natural rhythms of Thailand’s coastal wonders.
In a shift away from traditional tourist attractions, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers an enriching, responsible way to engage with Thailand’s revered giants. Nestled in the verdant jungle of Paklok, the sanctuary provides a haven for rescued elephants retired from the logging and trekking industries.
Visitors in 2025 can now participate in half-day and full-day experiences, observing the elephants as they roam, bathe, and socialise freely in their natural habitat. The sanctuary’s mission is deeply rooted in welfare, education, and conservation, providing a rare and respectful opportunity to witness these magnificent animals up close, without exploitation. It’s a moving, memory-making experience that elevates one’s understanding of Thai wildlife and ethical tourism.
While many of Phuket’s beaches cater to the energetic and the extravagant, Nai Harn remains a quiet marvel—an elegant crescent of white sand framed by lush headlands. Its crystal-clear waters and gentle tide offer a refined alternative to the island’s more bustling shores.
The surrounding area has evolved into a discreet sanctuary for those seeking upscale leisure. For instance, while staying at places like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, travellers often find themselves drawn to Nai Harn’s charm for a day of sun-drenched reprieve and unspoiled scenery. It’s an ideal destination for anyone valuing tranquillity without compromising luxury.
For all its serene temples and hidden coves, Phuket retains a bold, unapologetic side—and Bangla Road is its beating heart. By day, Patong may appear laid-back, but come nightfall, this street metamorphoses into a festival of neon lights, music, and boundless revelry.
In 2025, Bangla Road has undergone a subtle transformation. Enhanced lighting, improved pedestrian pathways, and elevated entertainment venues have drawn a more cosmopolitan crowd. It's where cabaret meets cocktail, and street performance meets international flair. After a night here, returning to the comforts of a nearby Phuket Beach hotel feels like the perfect coda to an unforgettable evening.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
