Phuket in a long weekend

Day one

Heading up to the Big Buddha site at Chalong is a good way of surveying all that you’re going to explore over the coming three days.

The views east take in Chalong Bay, Phuket Town and Cape Panwa, and west across to Karon and Kata beaches. But there’s also someone looking over your shoulder here as towering 45 metres above you is a giant white marble Buddha statue.

After all that walking, you might like to head to the nearest beach. Nai Harn Beach on the south coast is a kilometre-long strip of white sand that’s calm but has a few little beach huts and restaurants ready to serve you. Or head up towards Patong and stop at Tri Tra beach for the afternoon either to sunbathe and get a beachside massage or hire jet-skis and sea kayaks.

Once you’re suitably chilled, it’s off to sample one of Phuket’s cultural theme parks and shows that kick off come evening. At FantaSea, just north of Patong, you get a buffet dinner before watching the shows, which include a theatrical safari complete with tigers and Fantasy of a Kingdom Thai cultural show. Or there’s the option of nearby Siam Niramit, which has similar shows and a traditional Thai village with floating market.

Day two

Day three

It’s super-easy to hop on a boat to see the renowned beauty of the Phi Phi islands from most places in Phuket, but leaving from the southeast coast will give you the shortest journey. Recognisable from the film The Beach, the must-see Maya Beach on Ko Phi Phi Lay is nestled between towering rocks. We suggest leaving early as it’s extremely popular.

Heading back to Phuket, it’d be rude not to make the most of the water. Watersports are available all over but the south-eastern beach of Nai Yang allows you to try something a little different. The beach is a prime spot for the fast-growing sport of kitesurfing as its shallow water and gentle breezes allow you get some good air time.

After a busy few days on Phuket, you might like to take it easy tonight in a chilled out bar. Phuket’s old town houses quite a few, from music joints to sports bars. Quip Sky Bar is set in a historic Sino-Portuguese building and has a relaxed rooftop space with city views. As well as a full drinks menu, they also specialise in lobster, meaning you can try Pad Thai with a twist.