It’s Thailand’s largest island, a regional tourist hub, and it’s filled with foodie and natural wonders, so you’re never sure you’re getting the most out of your time. This is how to squeeze the most out of your short visit to Thailand’s most popular spot. 

Day One

Morning

Photo: Double DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort / Hilton

To get the most out of your experience, you’re going to want to arrive early, and make your base at DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort. Apart from being well-connected to the rest of the island, this luxurious andbut  affordable space is found in the food and nightlife hub of Patpong and with the beach just across the road. You’ll get a check-in treat on arrival at this sprawling hotel with an expansive outdoor pool, so big, in fact, that you have underwater scooters to cruise the cool waters and poolside bars. 

Afternoon

Photo: Mue-Yium Cafe / Facebook

After you dry off from your plunge or your morning beach adventure, for you foodies out there, make your way to Phuket Old Town for a stop in at Mue-Yium Cafe for an easy, no-fuss bite and a cup of coffee. This is an authentic Phuket stop that effuses a sort of small town charm. But don’t fill up because just a block away is BeSweet, Phuket’s refreshing gelato pit stop. Also, if this is your first trip to Phuket town area, then take some time to enjoy the colorful colonial architecture and take in some of this rich city’s history. 

Evening

Photo: Cooliesclub / Facebook

Now, since you’re staying in Patong, the obvious thing to do is to check out the famous Patong nightlife. But, this evening, we’re already in Phuket Town, so take the opportunity to check out one of the area’s coolest nightlife venues. Bill Bensley is the mind behind some of Asia’s biggest, flashiest hotels, and last year he opened Coolies Club in Phuket Town, a traditional Sino-Portuguese shophouse reflecting the island’s history as a tin mine in Soi Romanee. You’ll find some of the best cocktails on the island here, and the design will blow you away. 

Day Two

Morning

Photo: Double DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort / Hilton

Wake up in the plush surrounds of your DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort room and head downstairs for your buffet breakfast spanning western and Asian delights, complete with fresh fruit and made-to-order omelets. Do yourself a favor and make this the day you hit the beach and do it early. Patong is a tourist-heavy area of Phuket—that’s why people love it—but the beach in the morning is quiet, calm, and a great escape before starting your day.

Afternoon

Photo: Phuket Surf House / Facebook

After breakfast, take some time now to get out of your comfort zone a little bit and go to the Phuket Surf House, a short jaunt from the hotel. This spot caters to all ages and skill levels, so don’t worry if you’re not ready to be cutting up the waves just yet because this is a controlled environment for you to take on some gnarly (safely supervised) waves. Then, for a bit of dinner, you can make your way back into Phuket Town for Raya Thai Cuisine or Kin-Kub-Ei, or you can head back for a bite at The Port at DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort as you prepare for your big night out in Patong.

Evening

Photo: Double DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort / Hilton

This is for your Patong night. And, frankly, there’s too much to do. This is one of the most popular nightlife spots on the island, so there’s really no end of options. Maybe you want to check out a Muay Thai fight, in which case you’ll have no trouble finding almost nightly bouts. If you’re more of a shopper, you’ll find markets and food stalls to keep you busy until the early hours. The trick to nightlife in Patpong is to not have a plan. If you’re calling it an early night, catch a nightcap at Beer Bar on your way to bed. 

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Turn your weekend escape into something special with Hilton. Reserve your stay today and let Phuket’s beaches, flavors, and nightlife be just steps away.

Also, check out BK Magazine’s “Weekend Escape Plan” for all of our handy travel guides to help you plan your next getaway in Thailand.