Old Phuket Town

If you are planning a trip to Phuket or looking for things to do on a rainy day, this itinerary is perfect for you. Thanks to HipTraveler's trip planner, we had a wonderful 3 days exploring the lesser-known aspects of Phuket, such as the beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture and rich gastronomy scene in Old Town. We also visited a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant focused on Southern Thai cuisine. In our itinerary below, you will find our visit to one of the rare responsible elephant sanctuaries on the island that rescues female elephants and only offers observation and feeding opportunities, prohibiting bathing or riding. Additionally, we visited the island's only rum distillery, where a French couple combines French-Caribbean rum-making traditions with local Thai heritage and agriculture. I also experienced Thailand's famous martial art, Muay Thai, up close. Our last day was all about relaxation, and we spent most of it at Nai Harn Beach. The weather and heavy rains threatened to ruin our trip, but we created wonderful memories in between the showers. So, if you are looking for things to do in Phuket on a rainy day, this HipTraveler itinerary is perfect for you.

Day 1: Old Phuket – Culture, Coffee & Cuisine

Morning: Sri the Shophouse Cafe

Address: 125 Soi Soon Utis, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

Sri the Shophouse Cafe, located on one of the quieter side streets of Old Phuket Town, is a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese shop with very calming minimalist interiors. A Japanese-style cafe offering breakfast snacks and desserts, it also serves great coffee and features a gallery and souvenir shop.

Morning: Phuket Thai Hua Museum

Address: 28 Krabi, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

If you want to learn about Phuket's history and find out about the Hokkien immigrant families that shaped Phuket's early economy and community life, visit the Phuket Thai Hua Museum, which is a short walk from the cafe. This museum tells the story of Phuket's Chinese heritage and the tin mining industry that shaped the island. Filled with colorful exhibits and visuals, the museum documents how Chinese workers came to work in the island's tin mines and their lifestyles, architecture, clothing, cultures, foods, and significant figures that influenced Phuket's history.

The building was used as a school for Thai-Chinese families who wanted their children to speak their own languages and maintain their traditions, making it another magnificent example of Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Entrance fee: 200 THB for adults (approximately £4.50) – not free but definitely worth it. If you have time for only one museum in Phuket, choose this one.

Or visit the Peranakan Phuket Museum

Address: 124/1 Moo 1, Sri Soonthorn, Thalang, Phuket 83110

If you have time, visit the Peranakan Phuket Museum to better understand why Phuket is a melting pot of cultures and influences. 'Peranakan' means 'born here' in Malay and refers to the descendants of Chinese and Indian traders who settled in the Malay Archipelago and married local women between the 15th and 17th centuries. There are different branches of Peranakan; such as Javi Peranakan (descendants of Indian settlers) and Baba community (descendants of Hokkien Chinese settlers).

The museum is spread over two floors. The main exhibition is on the upper floor; here you will find antique costumes, old photographs, traditional furniture, and household items that truly bring the Peranakan lifestyle to life. It feels like you are stepping back in time to see how these immigrant communities lived.

Entrance fee: 300 THB (approximately £7) – it's not the cheapest museum you'll visit, but the audio guides are included in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian, which definitely adds value.

Fun extra: There's a photo studio where you can wear traditional Peranakan costumes and take pictures. Fun.

Lunch: One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

Address: 48, 1 Thep Krasattri Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is a MUST-VISIT place in Phuket Old Town to taste southern Thai classics with its retro 1950s look. You can try dishes like Gaeng poo (crab noodle dish), kaeng som (sour southern Thai curry), or Phuket-style braised pork.

Insider tip: Be there before 12:30 to avoid lunch rush. This place is bustling with locals, which is always a good sign. It only accepts cash, so make sure you have some baht on you.

Or… if you want to explore Phuket's Peranakan heritage more deeply, visit KOPITIAM By Wilai—a beautiful place filled with nostalgic photos of the island, serving classic Peranakan dishes. The Massaman curry is great, but the best dish is the iconic Phuket dish Hokkien Mee.

For more inspiration on the best dining spots in Phuket Old Town, check out my previous guide, and also take a look at my inter-island travel plan for Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Ao Nang.

Khao Rang Viewpoint

Afternoon: Khao Rang Viewpoint

After lunch, head to Khao Rang Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of Phuket Town and its surroundings. This is completely free and offers some of the best views on the island. The weather was cloudy and rainy during this visit, so the views weren't the best, but here’s how it looked on a sunny day during our first visit in 2022.

The viewpoint is also famous for its macaques, hence the name Monkey Hill or Khao To Sae. The resident monkey population is used to people, but their behavior can be aggressive and unpredictable, so it's best to keep a safe distance as they are wild animals. You should not carry bags with food, as they will definitely target you, and please do not feed them (unfortunately, as some tourists do—I witnessed someone giving them a packet of Lays chips).

Affordable transportation: You can get there for about 30-40 THB by local songthaew (shared pickup taxi) or you can take a Grab taxi.

Tip: If you feel hungry at the viewpoint or want a cold beer, there is a pretty good restaurant called Tunk-ka Cafe, but prices are a bit inflated due to the location.

The Memory at ON ON Hotel

Afternoon: The Memory at ON ON Hotel

19 Phangnga Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

The Memory at ON ON Hotel, which looks like a Bangkok backpacker guesthouse in the famous film ‘The Beach’, is actually a beautiful boutique hotel that serves as a great base for exploring the island and is another great example of the town's Sino-Portuguese architecture. The building dates back to 1929 and was originally known as ‘Un Un Hotel’, welcoming guests as the first hotel in the area. It is located very close to the famous Night Market in Phuket Old Town, making its location undeniably perfect. Even if you don't stay, take a peek inside. The place is full of character, the staff is friendly, and you can visit a small museum that provides information about Phuket's history and people, which is available for a small fee.

Dinner: Naya Restaurant & Bar, Rawai

Address: 22/5 หมู่1 ซอยนายะ ตำบล ราไวย์ อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต ภูเก็ต 83130 เมือง Phuket 83130

This restaurant, famous for fondue, offers a variety of international and Thai dishes. All the dishes we tried were delicious, well-prepared, and full of great flavors, plus they offer excellent value for money. I want to give special praise for the Penang Beef Curry and Massaman Curry. The service was attentive—I highly recommend it.

Day 2: Elephants, Temples & Thai Boxing

Morning: Hidden Garden Elephant Sanctuary

Another great point was visiting the Hidden Garden Elephant Sanctuary, a responsible elephant conservation area that rescues female elephants, offering only observation and feeding.

Unlike many elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, this sanctuary prioritizes the well-being of the elephants, allowing them to live naturally without the stress of riding or performing tricks.

Established by experienced elephant experts Kong and Louise Rogerson at the end of 2023, the reservation aims to provide a safe environment for these magnificent creatures. Their mission is to change the lives of elephants that have been treated harshly. The sanctuary is located in a 35-acre natural forest in the Chalong area, making it possible for the elephants living here to thrive in their natural habitat. The entire experience focuses on observing from a safe distance. The experience begins with a comprehensive briefing and video explaining the difficult situation of elephants in the tourism industry and their mistreatment. This video is necessary to set the tone for the trip, but some parts can be quite challenging to watch. Afterward, we had to wash our hands to ensure it was safe for us to feed the elephants bananas. This was the moment we were closest to the animals, and it was magical. Then, we went for a walk in the reservation to observe the elephants from a distance, walking towards the feeding stations with the elephant caregivers. The role of the caregivers here is critical. The caregiver assigned to a specific elephant must always ensure the elephant's well-being and be ready to provide 24/7 care. The reservation does everything it can to make the caregivers feel at home, housing their families on-site and paying them a good salary. There was always a guide with us to ensure the group stayed at a safe distance and that visitors remained quiet—any small sound or noise could scare the elephants, which is constantly reminded throughout the visit. The staff is passionate about elephant care, and this is one of the reasons why this experience is so informative and wonderful. The tour lasts 4 hours and ends with a delicious Thai buffet prepared by the caregivers' wives—the Somtam salad was amazing, and so was the Pad Thai. Visitors can eat while watching the elephants take mud baths. Overall, this is a very healthy experience and perfect if you're looking for things to do in Phuket on a rainy day.

Cost: Tours start at 2,800 THB (£65), including pickup, lunch, and approximately 4-5 hours alongside the elephants. Yes, this is the most expensive thing in this itinerary, but worth every baht.

Important: Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty – you will definitely get dirty.

Why this matters: Many elephant camps in Thailand still use cruel training methods. By choosing an ethical sanctuary, you are voting with your wallet for better animal welfare. It may be more costly, but it’s the right thing to do.

Wat Chalong Temple

Afternoon: Visit Wat Chalong Temple

Address: 70 หมู่ที่ 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

After your elephant experience, visit Wat Chalong, the largest (there are a total of 29 on the island) and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket. Officially named Wat Chaiyathararam, this sacred site honors two revered spiritual leaders, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. These respected monks provided medical assistance by using traditional herbal remedies to treat injured individuals, bringing the local community together during a Chinese uprising in 1876.

Admission: Completely free! This is one of the best free attractions in Phuket.

Dress code: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. If you forget, you can usually borrow or rent a sarong for a small fee at the entrance.

Chalong Bay Distillery

Afternoon: Chalong Bay – Home of Distillery Phuket

Address: 14, 2 Soi Palai, Chalong, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83130

We also visited Chalong Bay Distillery, the island's only rum distillery; here, a French couple has combined French-Caribbean rum-making traditions with local Thai heritage and agriculture.

This decade-old spirit producer creates its award-winning rum using French copper equipment on this southern Thai island, including blends that feature organic sugarcane juice and local ingredients sourced from local producers, such as lemongrass or Thai sweet basil. Visitors can participate in guided tours, attend drink-making classes, and learn about the commitment to supporting farmers who use eco-friendly agricultural methods (not burning sugarcane fields is a major factor in Thailand's worsening air pollution). The tour includes free tastings and signature cocktails, along with an on-site restaurant and bar, or you can enter for a tasting session.

Evening: Patong Muay Thai Boxing

Address: 2, 59 Sainamyen Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150

End your day by watching authentic Muay Thai boxing in Patong. This is the most intense and exciting aspect of Thai culture. Patong Boxing Stadium and Bangla Boxing Stadium are the main venues.

This was my first time experiencing Thailand's famous combat sport up close, and I loved every moment of it. The fighters were incredible; you can feel the intensity and respect of the sport. The fights were tough and supported by a large crowd, and there was also an indoor band. The atmosphere was electric. The pre-fight rituals were also interesting to watch. I highly recommend sitting in the front rows if possible, as you can hear every kick and punch and see the fighters up close. It makes the experience even more impressive. You can also order drinks to your seat, so you are really well taken care of here.

Ticket prices are not cheap. Ringside seats start at 2,100 THB (42-47 £), while standard seats start at 1,500 THB (28-35 £). All visitors receive a free t-shirt as a souvenir.

Day 3: A Day at the Beach – Nai Harn and Kata

Nai Harn Beach

Our last day was all about relaxing at one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches.

Nai Harn Beach shows how Phuket's beaches were before mass tourism came to the island. The crescent-shaped beach offers pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, along with a more relaxed atmosphere. The beach is protected by local regulations, meaning that jet skis, beach vendors, and large resorts do not crowd the sands. I recommend going to the viewpoint at the southern end of the beach—there's a great scenic spot there, and additionally, a swing. There are a few casual beach restaurants where you can get a reasonable pad thai or fried rice for 80-120 THB. I suggest bringing your own water and snacks to make the most of your time on the beach.

Kata Beach

Tip: If you want to explore more beaches, definitely visit Kata Beach—the sunset from this beach is enchanting, you can take a look at this photo from our trip to Phuket in 2022. At the southern tip of the island, Promthep Cape & Windmill Viewpoint is another great place to watch sunsets; it is a 30-minute drive from Kata and offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea and Nai Harn Beach.

Where to stay in Rawai: Nai Harn Collective

Founded by Aman Garg, Nai Harn Collective is a peaceful oasis in Phuket, surrounded by a forest, featuring two serene pool areas perfect for relaxation, and also has a spa offering sauna, steam rooms, and massage facilities. If you want to grab a drink after a long day of exploring Phuket, there is an on-site bar, and they are planning to open a restaurant nearby that will serve classic Thai and Indian cuisine. The rooms here are spacious, comfortable, and some have balconies. Another great advantage of this place is that it is just a short walk from the beautiful Nai Harn Beach. In terms of price point, amenities, and location, it is an excellent budget option for staying in Rawai and Phuket.

Plan Your Phuket Adventure with HipTraveler

I hope this guide provides a good structure for your trip to Phuket, but if you are looking for more things to do in Phuket, check out this travel plan on HipTraveler.com.

The travel plan will show the locations of all the places on an interactive map, allowing you to calculate distances between each location and plan your route. Direct links, reviews, and booking options for all accommodations, restaurants, and activities are provided, making the booking process easier.

The travel plan can be customized according to your preferences, so you can create your perfect dream trip.

Note: This post was prepared in collaboration with HipTraveler, but all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.