Discover Phuket: Half-Day Island Guided Introduction Tour

Phuket , Thailand

Discover Phuket: Half-Day Island Guided Introduction Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Embark on a captivating half-day tour to discover the highlights of Phuket Island. This introduction to the island takes you to some of the most iconic sites and breathtaking viewpoints, perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to refresh their memories of this tropical paradise.

Your journey begins with a convenient hotel pick-up, after which you'll visit notable attractions, including the impressive Big Buddha, a towering statue that offers panoramic views of the island.

Next, head to Wat Chalong, the largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket, adorned with intricate designs and serene gardens.

Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the island's rich culture and history, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for this stunning destination. This half-day introduction to Phuket Island is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the island's beauty and heritage.

Available options

Private Tour 1 - 8 Passengers

Private Tour: This tour is for 1 - 8 passengers per tour <br/>Pickup included

Morning Joined Tour

Morning Half Day: Morning half day tour<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

All Entrance Fees

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, Go Go Bars and of course night clubs. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.

Stop 2

Promthep Cape is one of the island's most photographed and perhaps best-known locations. Every evening, large tour buses, scooters and private cars sweep through Rawai Beach and up the island's southernmost hill in order to watch the sunset at its peak. On the top of the hill stands a busy car park where vehicles disgorge crowds of people from every corner of the world. Cameras flash, fingers point and lovers cuddle as Phuket's most fabulous free show is re-enacted nightly – the sunset.

Stop 3

Wats - or Buddhist temples - are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the majority of Thais are Buddhist and partly because they are so beautiful. In Phuket alone, there are 29 Buddhist temples spread around the island. Wat Chalong has been extending a warm welcome to visitors for over a century. Locals come to pray and Westerners come to learn something about Buddhism. The temple is open from seven in the morning to five in the afternoon.

Karon Viewpoint (which used to be Kata viewpoint) is one of the most frequented viewpoints in Phuket. From here, it is possible to take in views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches. Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, the viewpoint is busy most days of the year and is a staple of many tour itineraries.

A visit to the cashew nut factory in Phuket is a must for cashew nut lovers.

The Cashew nut is a native produce that is grown in Phuket and other provinces of Southern Thailand, and are relatively cheap compared to prices in Western countries.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Restroom facilities available

If you are being picked up in Rawai, you will be picked up after the tour stops at Patong Beach.

You must provide your hotel details at time of booking, failure to do so may result in cancellation

At the end of this tour we will visit Gems Gallery International, the world’s biggest jewellery and gem centre. Transport back to your hotel will be available whenever you wish to leave. Just inform your guide or Gems Gallery staff.

Important notes

I Asia Thailand will contact you immediately after your booking to reconfirm your booking. Please ensure that you have entered the correct contact details upon booking.

If you have not been contacted by I Asia Thailand, please call us at +66 96 821 3089 (hours of operation are from 08.00am to 18.00pm Monday to Friday and 09.00am to 17.00pm Saturday and Sunday) or email to guest@iasiathailand.com

If you will not be arriving at your destination with sufficient time to ensure reconfirmation, please contact the local service provider prior to travel.

Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.

About Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a premier beach destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With a mix of modern resorts and traditional Thai charm, it offers something for every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the most famous and developed beach in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and shopping.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities and dining may incur costs)

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Nature Full day trip Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Big Buddha Phuket

The Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter tall marble statue of Buddha, offering panoramic views of the island and a sense of tranquility.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is known for its emerald waters, limestone karst formations, and the famous James Bond Island.

Nature Full day trip Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town is a charming area with well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and a rich cultural heritage.

Historical Half day to full day Free (entry to some museums may incur costs)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a tangy tamarind sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available (without shrimp and fish sauce)

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with chicken or tofu for vegetarians

Massaman Curry

A rich and mildly spicy curry with potatoes, onions, and tender pieces of meat (usually chicken or beef), cooked in a fragrant coconut milk sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available (with tofu and vegetables)

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with coconut cream and sesame seeds.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available (ensure no fish sauce is used in the sticky rice)

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Zip-lining Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather conditions. The skies are clear, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for beach activities and island hopping.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Phuket is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, petty crimes and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of aggressive street vendors and touts.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.

Getting there

By air

Phuket International Airport • 32 km from Phuket City

By bus

Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most areas of the island. However, schedules can be unpredictable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Patong Phuket Town Karon Kata Rawai

Day trips

James Bond Island

50 km from Phuket • Full day trip

James Bond Island, located in Phang Nga Bay, is famous for its stunning limestone karst formations and appearance in the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun.'

Similan Islands

80 km from Phuket • Full day trip

The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Phi Phi Islands

46 km from Phuket • Full day trip

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Festivals

Phuket Vegetarian Festival • Late September to early October Loy Krathong • November (full moon night) Songkran • April 13-15

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Bargain for better prices in markets and with street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile.
Try local street food and dishes to experience the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
Use reputable tour operators and transportation services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.