Phuket is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches and Thai food. It is a place that people will generally visit for up to a week. However, many cruise lines will stop here so many people spend just one day in Phuket.
On our Royal Caribbean Cruise through South East Asia we made the stop in Phuket, unsure of where to go and what to see. We decided to have a relaxing day, dipping our toes into the Thai culture. Spending just one day in Phuket will definitely leave you wanting more, but here is our guide to help you have an enjoyable port stop.
Looking for tips to plan your day in port? Here is are our tips to planning a family friendly day in port.
Walk Through the Markets
Start your day walking through the markets, while it is not too hot. It is the best place to shop for souvenirs or just appreciate the local products and produce. It is also a great way to interact with the locals as you spend your day getting a feel for Phuket.
Enjoy the markets before it gets too hot!
When shopping in the markets, you will need to barter for items that you want to buy. Make sure you know your conversion rates, so you know how much you’re spending.
Stop for a Pad Thai Lunch
When you build up an appetite and are ready for some lunch, head into a restaurant for some authentic Pad Thai. Food is one of my favourite ways to immerse yourself in another culture, and Pad Thai is a delicious way to do so!
There are many Thai restaurants throughout Phuket, so it will be very easy to find one! Most have outdoor dining so, if it is getting quite warm, try eat somewhere that has fans! You could easily spend your whole day eating in Phuket as the food is delicious!

Relax on Patong Beach
After you have had your fill of food walk down to Patong Beach, the most popular beach in Phuket. Here you can hire a beach chair or lay out your towel to soak in some sun! The water is great for a refreshing swim, so be sure to take a dip!
As you can see in the background of the above photo, Phuket is a popular destination for cruise ships to stop! We stopped here on our family cruise through SE Asia.
Enjoy Some Rolled Ice Cream
While you relax on the beach, find a local Rolled Ice Cream stand for some of the most delicious ice cream! You can add in extras such as Nutella, mango and marshmallows to a huge range of ice cream flavours. Not only does it taste good, but it is also so much fun to watch them make it! It is also a great way to keep your kids happy and entertained while you have some quiet time.
Overall
There is plenty of different things to do in Phuket, however with only one day it would be best to stay in the central area. This will give you a fun but also relaxing day to enjoy what one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations has to offer!
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