Planning a trip to Phuket and dreaming of the perfect itinerary? How about a mix of natural beauty, ethical animal experiences, and island luxury — all without blowing your budget? Then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve crafted the perfect five-day itinerary in Phuket, based in the Bangtao and Layan areas right near our Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve.
From our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities to private boat tours and sunset dinners by the sea, this is your guide to all you can experience in Phuket in five days. Keep reading for our suggestions, or feel free to contact us with any questions about our ethical elephant tours.
Arrival & Visit to Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
Upon your arrival in Phuket, check into your accommodation in Bangtao or Layan. These gorgeous beaches are some of the best on the island, located just a 30-minute drive from the Phuket airport. Some great accommodation options include Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort or Arinara Beach Resort Phuket, which offer beachfront access and excellent amenities. You’ll no doubt be tired after your travels, so take the time to settle into your room and get a bite to eat at the hotel.
For the ideal introduction to Phuket, visit us at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve in the afternoon and meet our gentle giants. Our sanctuary is located just 20 minutes from Bangtao Bay, making it the perfect starting point to your adventure.
We pride ourselves in offering guests an ethical animal experience in Thailand, ensuring there is no feeding, touching of, or bathing with our elephants. All of our elephants have been rescued from abusive and exploitative environments, and we now offer them a fresh start! You can learn more about how we support Ethical Elephant Tourism in Thailand with our blog.
If you’re traveling with young children, our Short 90-Minute Elephant Adventure in Phuket gives you enough time to observe our elephants and take a walk with them in the jungle. Should you wish to spend longer with the elephants, you can choose our popular Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket, which also includes a traditional Thai cooking demonstration and delicious Thai vegetarian lunch!
Day 2: Phuket Island Hopping with 5 Star Marine
After a night of good rest, it’s time to start exploring! And there’s no better way to discover Phuket’s beauty than by traveling to its breathtaking islands. With destinations like Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, and the Similan Islands just a boat ride away, island hopping is a must for your five-day itinerary.
We recommend joining 5 Star Marine for a private boat charter that can be tailored to your interests. Whichever island you choose to visit, you’ll get to relish a day of snorkeling in clear waters, visiting secret beaches, and enjoying top-tier services. If a private boat charter is too much, 5 Star Marine also organize group tours through their sister company Phuket Island Hopping Tours.
After returning in the late afternoon, spend your evening at your leisure, perhaps sipping cocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon. If you want to learn more about which island to visit for your second day, read our blog about Phuket Day Trips & Excursions to Nearby Islands.
Day 3: Beach Time, Spa & Dinner at Carpe Diem
After two action-packed days, it’s time to slow down. Spend the morning lounging on Bangtao Beach, swimming in the warm Andaman Sea, or trying your hand at paddleboarding. Or, check out even more of the Most Beautiful Beaches of Phuket with the help of our handy guide.
In the afternoon, book a relaxing Thai massage or treatment at Oasis Spa in Laguna, right near Bangtao Beach. Feel refreshed with a body scrub or indulge in one of their pampering spa packages.
As the sun sets, head to Carpe Diem Beach Club for dinner. Located right on the sand, this stylish beachfront restaurant offers Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with a Thai twist. Enjoy fresh seafood, fulsome pastas, and craft cocktails, all served with live music and a picturesque backdrop.
Day 4: Culture & Cuisine in Phuket Old Town
On your fourth day, swap the beaches for the city streets and explore Phuket’s rich cultural heritage. In the morning, make your way to Phuket Old Town, where colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture lines the avenues and transports you back in time. Old Town is a feast for the senses, with numerous cafes, galleries, and markets to explore.
In the afternoon, discover some of Phuket’s important religious sites. Visit Wat Chalong, the most significant of all of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples, dating back to the 19th century. Just a short drive away, you won’t miss the Big Buddha towering at 45-meters high. This iconic statue is one of the most famous attractions on the island. For details on how to experience it, read our blog about Visiting the Big Buddha in Phuket. (At the time of writing Big Buddha is closed due to a landslide. For alternative venues we recommend checking out Karon Viewpoint, Blackrock Viewpoint and Cape Promthep!)
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai dinner at any number of locally-loved restaurants. Don’t miss dishes like massaman curry, tom yum soup, or pad kra pao, the perfect farewell meal to top off your time in Phuket.
Day 5: Your Last Day in Phuket
It may be your last day in Phuket, but that doesn’t mean the activities have to end. Go for one last walk along Layan Beach, or take a dip in the pool before checking out. Perhaps you still need to get some souvenirs, so squeeze in a bit of last-minute shopping!
We don’t blame you if you don’t want to leave, however. Perhaps you reach the end of your journey and realize five days just isn’t enough! In that case, check out our guide to A Week in Phuket for inspiration for your next trip!
No matter how long you decide to visit Phuket, we and our elephants will be here to welcome you. If you have any questions about our tours before your visit, don’t hesitate to contact us.
