Sassy Mama's Family-Friendly Guide To Phuket

hong kong guide to Phuket Thailand what to eat in Phuket what to drink in Phuket what to do what to see where to stay in phuket

Hong Kongers have been drawn to Phuket for years, and rightly so! Whether you’re looking for a laidback family vacation, an adventure-filled getaway, or an ultra-luxe experience, this tropical Andaman island caters to all.

Yes, we have beaches and waterfront restaurants, but can they really hold a candle to Phuket’s blue skies, lush waters and (relatively) low prices? Hardly! We’re coming to you with over 10+ years of experience living in and visiting Phuket so you can traipse over with the fam and know you’ll have a spectacular time.

Jump to:

What to do and see
Where to eat and drink
Where to stay
Things to note

What To Do And See In Phuket

Beaches To Visit In Phuket

Phuket is absolutely teeming with amazing beaches and, really, the only problem is choosing the best ones!

Patong Beach is a favourite with the locals and tourists alike, and as such is very busy and the prices for water sports and beach activities skyrocket during high season, so be prepared!
On the other hand, Surin Beach is a much quieter area with a white beach and a gorgeous bay (and abundant parking, hallelujah!).
At Bangtao Beach you’ll usually find more expats who’ve elected to make Phuket their second home, so the beach bars will be packed with regulars who are generally friendly and staff who are used to tourists.
For something a little quieter and with great snorkelling, check out Kata Beach near the south end of Phuket.
Then you have Banana Beach. This practically deserted hidden beach is nothing short of picturesque with lush jungle foliage and intimidating rocks surrounding the secret strip of white sand. It is a bit of an effort to get to, but perfect if you have adventurous kiddos who want to connect with their inner explorer.

Adventure Activities For Kids In Phuket

There’s a lot more in Phuket for little daredevils! Phuket is home to all kinds of high-adrenaline activities for the whole family, from white water rafting to ATV riding and even go-karting (we’re fans of anything that’ll burn off the kids’ excess energy!). There are a number of companies that offer packages with multiple activities that may well take up a whole day, so shop around until you find something that suits your family. For example, Klook has several experiences, such as one that includes an ATV tour to Big Buddha and ziplining, and through Get Your Guide you could visit the Monkey Cave, go Water Rafting and ziplining (for children above the age of 4).

Other adventure activities in Phuket:

Go-karting: If you have future F1 drivers on your hands, head to the Phuket Kart Speedway in Kathu where they have kids’ karts with a speed limit and double seaters so parents can take the little ones on a high-speed race.
Mini golf: Likewise, if you have a budding Tiger Woods at home, pop over to Phuket Adventure Mini Golf for some family fun amidst the perfectly manicured landscape, with a covered restaurant where you can stop for a quick drink and bite. You could even try the mini golf course at Dino Park if your kids want an extra challenge (with a bit of palaeontology mixed in) surrounded by dinosaurs!

Temples To Visit In Phuket

There is no shortage of cultural and sacred sites in Phuket, but some are more tourist-friendly than others. Wat Chalong is the largest temple on the island and frequently tops must-see lists (and with good reason). Open from 7am to 5pm, this Buddhist temple is the perfect place to learn more about the religion as well as take in some prime architecture. Just remember to dress appropriately, take your shoes off at the entrance and be respectful so as not to disturb those praying (this applies to all temples and places of worship).

While Hong Kong has its own Big Buddha, the 150-foot-tall marble statue in Phuket is certainly worth a visit too, especially to catch those gorgeous island sunsets.

In Old Phuket Town you’ll find the Jui Tui Shrine which is a Taoist temple – you might recognise the golden dragons and architecture from our own temples. While the canal it’s named for is no longer there, you should still drop by, particularly during October and November when the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is in full swing!

Museums To Visit In Phuket

If you’ve had to drag your kids to the temples by their hair (no shame, we’ve all done it), treat them to this surprise: tell them you’re going to a museum next and take them to the 3D Museum (also known as The Trick Eye Museum). Have them pose in front of incredible art that’ll make them look like they’re jumping over lava or being eaten by sharks, and you’ll create memories for a lifetime. This is especially recommended if you have multiple kids, so they can position each other while you do your duty and capture the perfect angles!

For a unique experience we’re not sure you can get anywhere else, take the family to the Upside Down House – yes, it’s what it sounds like, the house is built upside down and the furniture is nailed to the ceiling, so in pictures it looks like you’re upside down. It’s the perfect way to let the kids’ creativity run wild! There’s even a maze for you to (try not to) get lost in if you’re looking for something even more interactive.

Theme Parks In Phuket: FantaSea, Andamanda & Splash Jungle

Known as Phuket’s ultimate cultural theme park, FantaSe a is hard to miss as a vibrant family-friendly hotspot. Showcasing the best of Thai culture in a number of stage shows, animal encounters and buffets, this experience follows the legendary Prince of Kamala through Thailand’s rich history with no shortage of aerial acrobatics, authentic culinary delights, magic and elephants to spare.

Andamanda Phuket is a relatively new water park in Phuket, but it’s already making waves amongst locals and tourists alike. With a Thai-heritage theme, this is a great place – sprawling over 100,000 square metres – for kids to embrace Thai culture while having a splashing good time. There’s certainly something for everyone in the family, from the swim-up sand bar for the parents, to Phuket’s longest lazy river, to the Eagle Flyer ride for the older kids seeking an adrenaline high!

Splash Jungle is tried, tested and true. Built on a huge plot of land near the airport, with its own hotel for convenience, this water park ensures fun for all. It has a wave pool, multiple slides of increasing height and intensity, a dedicated kids’ zone including a Play Pool for the tiniest tots, and a family raft ride. It really is the water oasis it promises to be.

Day Trips From Phuket To Neighbouring Islands

This is for cinephiles! Do you remember ‘The Beach’ with a young Leonardo DiCaprio? Well, a significant portion of that movie was filmed in none other than Koh Phi Phi (specifically Maya Bay) which is just a short boat trip from Phuket. Granted, it won’t be the secluded paradise you saw Leo and his co-stars lounge around in, but it is a scenic beauty nonetheless. Phi Phi remains a favourite amongst tourists for snorkelling and scuba diving, so if your teenagers are interested in marine life and love a splash, this is where to take them!

Then there’s Khao Phing Khan which is a group of islands home to James Bond Island, named after – you guessed it – ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ which featured this location in 1974. This is another great option for a day out with the family as you can do an adventure tour that includes canoeing through a sea cave and lunch, or simply go island-hopping with a stop at this famously picturesque spot.

What’s In Phuket For Animal Lovers?

Knowing what we do about the practice of drugging and harming animals to make them more tourist-pliable in various parts of Thailand, we tend to veer away from places like Tiger Kingdom or tours that include elephant riding. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t animal-friendly places in Phuket you can take your kids to, it just requires some research. For example, if you wish to observe elephants (and maybe feed them too), check out an ethical company that prides itself on the rescuing and safekeeping of these incredible animals, such as Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve and Hidden Forest Nature Reserve.

You might not think of Phuket as a great place to go horse-riding, but guess what? You can! Niran Equestrian Center hasn’t been around long, but it’s already been lauded for its loving treatment of the horses, its serene location and its classes tailored for all levels. Plus, its restaurant just opened offering much-needed respite for the mamas waiting for their kiddos to finish galloping around.

If you’re missing your fur babies at home, pop in to the Soi Dog Foundation (on a weekday) where you can meet the rescued pups of Phuket. This organisation has become famous thanks to many Instagram reels and you’ll know just why when you go on the free guided tour and spend time in the puppy enclosure and cattery. Be prepared to have your heart stolen! And if those weren’t enough puppy cuddles for you, head on over to Hug Me Café, Phuket’s best dog cafe (in our opinion) that has over a dozen puppers ready to run out and smother you with love.

Where To Eat And Drink In Phuket

It’s impossible to provide a definitive guide to eating and drinking in Phuket, simply because there are So. Many. Options. However, we can suggest where you can start and offer up some personal highlights – such as the Banana Nutella pancakes (or roti) you can grab off one of the many street vendors around town!

If You’re In Old Phuket Town

This charming little area is a remnant from Phuket’s old tin-mining days and boasts gorgeous Sino-Portugese architecture that make it distinct from the rest of the island. Even just a quick stroll around this town provides a lovely cultural break, and it’s the perfect place for an authentic taste of Phuket.

Tu Kab Khao has been highly rated on the Michelin Guide for a while now and is definitely worth a visit, just make sure you book in advance as it’s always crowded at dinner time!
For piping-hot and delicious noodles, try Hana Café+Ramen or one of the street vendors around the island selling customisable soup noodles for as little as 40 Baht (less than $10).
If you’ve left the kiddos at home, check out Zimplex Mixology Laboratory for the most interesting and Instagrammable shots you’ve ever seen (or drunk), then continue the night with local favourites The Library or The Column where you’ll often enjoy live music and cheap tipples.

If You’re Staying In Laguna, Phuket

Laguna is easily one of the most well-kept and family-friendly areas in Phuket, known for its upscale restaurants and boutiques, manicured greenery, abundance of residential complexes and hotels, and of course, the scenic Laguna Golf Course. More than anything you’ll find expat families with children who attend school in Phuket and retirees who spend their days enjoying life in the sun and sand. As such, while there are local eateries around, you’ll find more cuisines here catered to international tastes (often with a Thai element though!) with suitable choices for both parents and children.

If, like us, you can gorge endlessly on sushi, try Yuzu Japanese Restaurant & Bar which offers All-You-Can-Eat sushi for 599 Baht (less than $130)
The ever-popular Phuket Coffee Lab serves freshly-brewed cappuccinos and hearty sandwiches, eggs and smoothie bowls
Kenny Rogers Roasters (yes, that Kenny Rogers) is a family-oriented sports bar-cum-casual dining restaurant with an extensive food menu and plenty of options for kids.

Other restaurants in the area we love are Nanami Yakiniku where you can grab sushi and have yourself a Japanese BBQ with quality meat and Bocconcino which is a stylish Italian restaurant nestled on top of the lagoon that offers unparalleled views to accompany your meal. There’s also Tawai which is popular for its yummy Thai food (such as the steamed fish that can be ordered as a fillet so you don’t have to deal with the pesky bones) and the fact that it has its own Cooking School so you can take the taste of Thailand back home.

If You’re Near Layan Or Bang Tao Phuket

For a local meal that does not pander to mild tourist palates, you can’t go wrong with C’est Bien (yes, the name is misleading) in Layan. Best enjoyed in groups so you can try multiple dishes, this family-run restaurant has developed a loyal following in recent years for its consistently delicious food. You can ask for dishes to be made more or less spicy – such as the massaman curry – but you may need to employ Google Translate. If you’re lucky, they’ll have just made a seafood run and you can order the crab meat curry with vermicelli noodles that comes with a whole crab instead of the usual scant pieces of crab meat.

The Bang Tao area has been rapidly developing since before COVID and is now home to dozens of restaurants and beach bars. As such, you’re spoilt for choice as a visitor, but maybe a little too spoilt? Listen, when you’re on a beach bed watching the waves with a fresh coconut in your hand, you’re probably having a good time regardless of where you are. But in case you’re looking for a recommendation anyway, our favourites are Beach Pig – where you can watch live music, enjoy an expertly-made cocktail and pop down to rent jet skis and other water sports equipment – and Hugo Hub Phuket – which has multiple food trucks, bean bag chairs and fresh seafood.

The Rest Of Phuket

Savoey Seafood in Patong is a notable mention where your kids are likely to be awed by all the creatures in fish tanks
Pha Chom Tawan in Kamala is a family-run restaurant that offers delicious local dishes and spectacular views (try to go on a clear day before 6pm to catch the amazing sunset)
We’d be remiss not to mention Three Monkeys Phuket – surrounded by luscious greenery, it has unique interiors that make for excellent pictures, and delectable Southern Thai cuisine – which is situated very close to Hanuman World where you can go ziplining, abseiling, and take in the scenery on a gorgeous Sky Walk
There’s a little row of picturesque shophouses next to the Index Living Mall which includes restaurants of varying cuisines, such as Crust for fresh Italian food with daily specials (try the Scallop Risotto) and B ollywood Phuket for authentic Indian eats (like Chicken Tandoori and Biryani) and unique fusion dishes (think Masala Prawn Tacos!).

Where To Stay In Phuket

Any touristy place has plenty of options to stay, but we know not all of them are family-friendly. Which is why we have done our research and found the best Phuket resorts and hotels for families. From well-known international chains like the Rosewood and JW Marriott to the more local treasures like Splash Beach Resort and the Sunwing hotels, we’ve rounded up the best so you find the perfect pick for your family.

However, there is one just outside of Phuket we’d like to mention here. The Hot Spring Beach Resort And Spa is only a 20-minute drive from the Phuket International Airport (or an hour if you’re coming from further south like Bang Tao) and definitely worth the trip. There are standard hotel rooms as well as villa-type rooms that look out to the huge winding swimming pool. There are multiple natural hot springs (40°C) and an icy pool (16°C), and it’s recommended that you go back and forth between the two, just be warned, you might get a little dizzy after a while! It’s the perfect getaway for a family who is looking for a unique experience, and did we mention it’s only a short drive to the new (and beautiful) Aquella Golf Course?

Things To Note

High season tends to run from November to March, during this time there are fewer storms, but prices are significantly higher for just about everything
If you’re going to take your kids to Patong, it’s better to go during the day time, the stories about Soi Bangla getting lewd and lascivious after the sun goes down are not exaggerated
Eatigo is a booking app worth getting as it offers great discounts at hundreds of restaurants in Phuket (though the best ones usually run during off-peak season)
Grab & Bolt will probably be your best friends for transport – Phuket doesn’t have anything close to the public transport system in Hong Kong, so your best chances will be to rent a car or rely on these apps (if you don’t want to be ripped off by the taxis and tuk-tuks)
If you’re riding on or driving a motorbike, WEAR A HELMET. Aside from the obvious safety factor, local police often pull tourists over to slap them with an extortionate fine for ignoring traffic rules
There a several places (particularly local/beachside spots) that may charge extra if you try to pay with a credit card, so make sure to always have cash on you, contactless debit cards should also work.

Have a blast in Phuket, mamas!

Editor’s Note: “Sassy Mama’s Family-Friendly Guide To Phuket” was most recently updated in July 2024 by Veena Raghunath, with thanks to Megan Hills for her contribution.

Main image courtesy of Aida Hamid, image 1, 8, 10, 11 and 15 courtesy of Veena Raghunath for Sassy Media Group, image 2 courtesy of Klook, image 3 courtesy of Wat Chalong Phuket, image 4 courtesy of The Upside Down House Museum via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of Andamanda Phuket via Facebook, image 6 courtesy of Satheesh Cholakkal via Pexels, image 7 courtesy of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, image 9 courtesy of Michelin, image 12 courtesy of Nanami Yakiniku Phuket via Facebook, image 14 courtesy of Hugo Hub Phuket via Facebook, image 14 courtesy of Three Monkeys, image 16 courtesy of Splash Jungle Water Park Phuket via Facebook.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Sassy Mama’s Family-Friendly Guide To Phuket

Hong Kongers have been drawn to Phuket for years, and rightly so! Whether you’re looking for a laidback family vacation, an adventure-filled getaway, or an ultra-luxe experience, this tropical Andaman island caters to all.