The ultimate guide to the best 20 Phuket Instagram Spots

We had the most fantastic time in Thailand and couldn’t leave without visiting Phuket. We completely fell in love with the city, and in this article, we have highlighted all the best Phuket Instagram spots. Within ten days in Phuket, we explored the whole island, from the old town’s colourful houses to the Big Buddha’s stunning view, and this is your guide to the most instagrammable places in Phuket.

We have been travelling around the biggest island of Thailand for over 10 days in search of picture-perfect locations in Phuket. After hours of scouting and driving through the jungle, we unveiled secret locations and well-known ones.

As professional photographers, we always look for the right spots, so comment if you know one we haven’t mentioned. Some of the spots included in this photo guide of Phuket are already popular. So, grab your camera, a few lovely dresses and your tripod and be amazed by these photo spots in Phuket.

Big Buddha

Considered one of the best sunset spots in Phuket, the Big Buddha needs to be on your list. You can only leave Phuket after visiting this place. We went for sunrise to get a few shots without anyone around, but it was much better during sunset!

This impressive Big Buddha statue is visible from many places around Phuket, giving you a stunning 360 view of the city. It’s free to visit, but always remember to dress up appropriately; as it’s one of the best Phuket Instagram spots, we recommend you wear something colourful to contrast the statue’s white. The sun sets just behind the Buddha, which gives that orange/purplish colour that makes your photos outstanding.

Phuket Old Town

As it was our first time in Phuket, we decided to stay around the Old Town. It was the best decision ever. Waking up early in the morning and taking pictures around the old Phuket town was the best way to start our productive day in Phuket. You will find many instagrammable places in Phuket just by strolling around the old town. The colourful houses are ideal for snapping your Instagram pictures. 

Old Town Street art

This was one of our favourite things to do in Phuket. We were surprised to find so much beautiful street art graffiti around the old town. While walking around, you will bump into narrow streets offering some of the city’s best street art.

I still remember when we were trying to reach one of the temples and found this pink cafe, where its side street led us to some incredible graffiti. Phuket is like this; you always need to figure out what to expect because the city constantly surprises you. 

Ma Doo Bua Cafe

This is for sure one of the most instagrammable cafes in Phuket and absolutely worth visiting. Located 25 minutes from Phuket Old Town, Ma Doo Bua Cafe recently became really popular on Instagram. Thanks to its photography and video services, you can get a picture of the famous boat surrounded by giant Victoria’s lilies. They offer different packages if you’re travelling solo or with your family and if you wish to have photos, videos, or both. We didn’t pay for any of these. Instead, we took our tripod and shot around the cafe area. 

Promthep Cape

This is considered one of the best viewpoints in Phuket. You must visit Promthep Cape before leaving Phuket. Thanks to its incredible view of the Andaman sea, this is one of the best Phuket Instagram spots. It will take around 30 minutes from the Old Town to drive unless you’re stuck in traffic. We were stuck quite a few times, so plan your Phuket itinerary accordingly.

It’s absolutely worth visiting, especially during sunset. We loved chasing the sunset around Phuket; we had some of the most incredible moments every time. 

As it’s a popular spot, especially around sunset, you will find many tourists trying to get the same shot. Despite being worth it, we recommend you visit Promthep Cape early in the morning.

Nai Yang Beach

For one reason, Nai Yang Beach is considered one of the most instagrammable places in Phuket. You can spot the planes landing and taking off with a gorgeous beach view. Save this location for your next trip to Phuket, and read carefully about how to get there.

You might think that it’s easy, but well, it is not. We spent 20 minutes around trying to get to the beach and eventually found a way. Google Maps will direct you to the wrong side, so don’t follow it! The beach is adjacent to Phuket international airport, but the streets surrounding the area are private properties reserved for the resorts, so you cannot pass with a scooter.

(Unless you act like you’re staying there)You need to follow SOI MAI KOAH 6 road, and when you see the sign of the viewpoint on your right, you need to turn left. I know it doesn’t look evident, but if you’re looking at our Instagram highlights stories, we have explained how to reach this spot.

Things to know before visiting Nai Yang Beach

Spotting the plane taking off or landing might take a while. We were lucky that when we arrived, we had two planes landing from the seaside; therefore, we could prepare the tripod and take our pictures.

After that, we waited 1 hour, and there was not even a single plane landing. Only taking off. You need to be patient, and eventually, you will get your shot. 

Surin Beach

You are in the right place if you’re looking for a less touristy beach. Compared to other places in Phuket, Surin Beach will allow you to take all the pictures you want. It is considered one of the hidden gems in Phuket, as just a few venture a trip to this shoreline, but it is absolutely worth the effort.

The best time to visit this beach is around sunset, as the sky colours will turn into unique colours that will make your pictures stand out. Also, consider Surin Beach to enjoy a few water activities in Phuket, and plan to stay the whole day in this part of the island.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Located a bit far from Phuket Old Town, Samet Nangsge viewpoint is one of the most incredible places to visit. The drive is a bit long, around 1 hour and a half, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. In fact, the drive to reach this viewpoint is picturesque as you will drive through wildness and incredible landscapes.

 If you want the best experience without stressing about returning to Phuket, you can book a one-night stay in this stunning boutique hotel. I mean, waking up with this view is just dreamy.

Thailand is home to some of the most incredible temples ever, from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai; you will find the best temples to visit around the country. Phuket is one of these places where you will find cute and instagrammable temples.

Wat Sri Sunthon

We found this temple by mistake. While driving to our cafe spot, we saw the temple entrance and stopped for a quick visit. It was the best decision ever. The Wat Srisoonthorn was built in 1792 and is famous for its enormous sleeping Buddha statue sleeping on the roof. For sure, it’s a unique palace worth visiting while in Phuket. You will have many opportunities to take cute pictures around this temple off the tourist radar. Always remember to dress up appropriately and respect other religions. 

Wat Chalong

If Wat Srisoonthorn is off the tourist radar, Wat Chaithararam, known as Wat Chalong, is one of Phuket’s most visited Buddhist temples. The temple is one of the largest and features an incredible 60-metre tall shrine. The temple is free to visit, but always remember the dress code and bring backup clothes. Wat Chalong was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to two important monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who led the citizens of the Chalong district against the Chinese rebellion in 1876. 

Wat Mongkhon Nimit

Considered one of the best Phuket Instagram spots for a reason, Wat Mongkhon Nimit is located in Phuket Old Town and is one of the most impressive temples in the city. While we were looking for cute spots and street art graffiti, we saw the temple from far away and decided to go and visit it! It was the best decision ever. Since we are in Thailand, we discovered some of the best temples, and Phuket is home to one of the most incredible ones. So if Wat Mongkhon NImit is missing from your Phuket bucket list, make sure you add it! 

Phuket is known for many things and for sure for its beaches. From the most famous ones like Kata and Karon beach to the hidden ones like Freedom Beach, you will find many opportunities to take cute pictures while going beach shopping.

We personally loved Freedom beach and Rawai beach. Less busy than Paton beach, these two locations are perfect for adding to your Phuket Instagram Spots guide. Remember to bring a cute swimming suit to take nice pictures on the beach!

Sunset in a fancy place is a must if you’re visiting Phuket. While driving around, we discovered some of the best rooftop bars in Phuket worth the money. 

Below you will find our personal recommendation, and make sure you plan your visit in advance as sometimes they only accept online reservations like Akoya Start Lounge. 

Maya Bay

You must visit the famous Maya Bay before leaving Phuket or Thailand. We know that it’s super crowded, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. For us, Maya Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Phuket.

We can still remember the feeling when our feet were walking on the soft sand. It was incredibly soft that we couldn’t believe that it was sand. The water was incredibly blue with turquoise shades. It’s almost impossible to describe Maya Bay in just a few words, but we hope the pictures can do justice to this place. 

James Bond Island

You might know this Island for only one reason, the filming location of “The Man with the Golden Gun” with James Bond.

In fact, after the movie was released, it became a popular tourist destination! The same thing happened in Maya Bay with Leonardo di Caprio’s movie “The Beach.” Known as Khao Phing Kan, you will identify James Bond Island thanks to the 20 metres of limestone, Ko Ta Pu, which dominates the area. 

You can organise a day tour from Phuket or Krabi and be able to discover James Bond Island.

Railay Beach

After visiting Maya Bay and James Bond Island, we weren’t expecting much from Railay beach. We thought that it was just another tourist place, but we were wrong. 

You can reach Railay Beach only by boat, and there are so many activities that you can do while around. Apart from sunbathing and taking pictures, you can rent a kayak and enjoy a gorgeous sunset in the middle of the sea; or you can do rock climbing. BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE!

Chicken Island

Last but not least, with a chicken-shaped rock formation, is the well-known Chicken Island, known as well as Koh Kai. You must visit this Island; it’s super easy to reach either from Phuket or Krabi, or if you’re booking an organised tour, make sure that it is included in the itinerary.

We went snorkelling around Chicken Island, and it was the best spot to see the coral reef and many fishes. If you’re on a long tail boat, you can get a really nice picture with Chicken Island at your back.

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February. The days are mostly sunny and dry, perfect if you plan to spend time on the beach. The wet season runs from May to October; in fact, the wettest months are considered May, September and October.

We were in Phuket in January, and we mainly had sunny days; however, some other days were cloudy, and only one day was it raining. If you watched our stories on Instagram, you might remember that we were in the middle of the sea on a boat tour when the rain started.

Thailand Travel Insurance

When you’re travelling to Phuket, it’s essential to prepare for any unexpected events that may occur. That’s why it’s important to invest in travel insurance, which can make a significant difference in how you experience your time in Phuket. Without travel insurance, you may face unexpected expenses that can quickly add up.

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by covering medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt your travel plans. Safety Wings and Hey Mondo are two trusted providers of travel insurance that offer plans specifically designed for travellers heading to Phuket. 

Their plans cover various events, including emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation.

Overall, investing in travel insurance is a smart choice for anyone planning a trip to Phuket. So don’t hesitate – to get your travel insurance plan today and have a worry-free trip to Phuket!

Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.

SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.

Q&A Phuket Instagram Spots

Where can I take pictures in Phuket?

Here are the most instagrammable places in Phuket you need to visit:

Big Buddha
Phuket Old Town
Old Town Street art
Ma Doo Bua Cafe
Promthep Cape
Nai Yang Beach
Surin Beach
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Wat Srisoonthorn 
Wat Chalong
Wat Mongkhon Nimit

Is 3 days enough in Phuket?

No! 3 days in Phuket are not enough. You will only have the time to visit some of the important sights and discover all the best beaches. Therefore, we suggest spending at least one week in Phuket. If you don’t have enough days, you can check our Phuket 3 days itinerary here!

Which area is best in Phuket?

Here are some of the best areas in Phuket:

Old Town
Kata Yai
Kata Noi
Patong and Karon Beach
Chalong Bay 

Where did the Kardashians stay in Phuket?

Iniala Beach House, Thailand. This is one of the Kardashian-loved locations. Situated along the shore of Phuket, this group of private luxury villas offers travellers the opportunity to unwind in the most incredible of settings, with their every need catered for along the way.

What is the famous street in Phuket?

The most famous street in Phuket is Bangla Road. Located around the Patong Beach area, Bangla Road is the famous Bangkok Khaosan Road of Phuket.

What is Phuket best known for?

Phuket is known for its incredible and stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, vibrant night markets and delicious seafood. So if you’re planning a 2-week itinerary in Thailand, we highly recommend spending some time in Phuket. You won’t regret it.

Is Phuket safe?

YES! We felt completely safe while going around Phuket. However, bad things can happen everywhere, so just be mindful when travelling around. Pickpockets and scams are still a thing, so make sure that you prepare yourself.

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

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