Phuket Shore Excursions, Day Tours & Trips from Cruise Port
Looking for Phuket shore excursions that make the most of your time ashore? Start your journey from the Phuket cruise port and explore Thailand’s tropical gem. Phuket is the second-largest island in Thailand, surrounded by over 30 smaller islands and known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush coconut groves.
Stunning Beaches and Emerald Waters
Wondering Phuket cruise port what to do? Relax on world-famous beaches like Patong or cruise to the stunning Phi Phi Islands.
Local Village Life
Discover the floating village of Koh Panyee and experience authentic coastal culture just a short ride from the port.
Temples & Viewpoints
Visit Wat Chalong or admire panoramic views from Big Buddha and Promthep Cape, offering a perfect mix of culture and scenery.
You can swim in crystal-clear waters, dive among vibrant coral reefs, sail across scenic bays, or relax on serene beaches. Enjoy cultural performances at Phuket Recreation Center, including traditional Thai dance and the popular Fantasea show with elephants and tigers. These Phuket day tours are carefully designed by local experts to help cruise travelers experience the best of the island in a short time. Contact Shore Excursions Asia today to book top-rated Phuket cruise port trips and enjoy a seamless island adventure.
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket port/Phuket port
- Highlights: Big Buddha of Phuket, Karon Viewpoint, Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong), Phromthep view point, Phuket Old Town
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket port/Phuket port
- Highlights: Phuket motor coach tour, Cashew Nut Factory, Two Heroines Monument, Wat Chalong Temple, Phuket Beaches
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket port/Phuket port
- Highlights: Wat Chalong Temple, Hanuman World, Jungceylon shopping mall, Big Buddha
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket Port/Phuket Port
- Highlights: the Karon View Point, Promthep Cape, Wat Chalong Temple, Thavorn Museum, Thai Hua Museum
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 Day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket Port
- Highlights: Phang Nga Bay National Park - Thai-style lunch - Cashew Nut Factory
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket Port/Phuket Port
- Highlights: Koh Hae snorkeling tour
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 Day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phi Phi Islands
- Highlights: Bamboo Island - Shark Watch Tour
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Phuket Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 Day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Phuket
- Highlights: Playing zip-line
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
What to Do at Phuket Cruise Port: Top Attractions for Shore Excursions
Always considered a paradise on Earth with white-sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, and crystal-clear waters, Phuket is a dream destination for anyone looking to escape the rush of daily life and enjoy a laid-back tropical vibe. But there’s more to discover beyond the beach. If you're wondering phuket cruise port what to do, here are some lesser-known but unforgettable attractions featured in Phuket shore excursions.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a top choice in Phuket shore excursions, known for its emerald waters, limestone cliffs, and hidden caves. Visitors can take a small boat from a nearby fishing village to explore islands like Khai Nok and Koh Yao, go snorkeling, or paddle through mangrove forests and lagoons surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Phuket Big Buddha
Located atop Nakerd Hills, the Big Buddha is a must-see on Phuket shore excursions. This massive white marble statue is visible across southern Phuket and offers a serene atmosphere with fluttering Buddhist flags and soft dharma music. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of Phuket Town, Karon, Kata, and Chalong Bay.
Phuket Old Town
Considered one of the most popular places in the Pearl of Andaman, Phuket Old Town is often included in Phuket day tours from the Phuket cruise port. The area features shrines, temples, colonial shop houses, luxury bars, and delicious restaurants. Grand old mansions line the streets, offering perfect photo spots and a glimpse into Phuket’s rich cultural past.
Karon View Point
Phuket shore excursions are famous for the fantastic sights, so it is a waste not to include a visit to the Karon Viewpoint, or Kata Viewpoint called by locals. Standing on the jungle road connecting Rawai and Kata, the viewpoint is popular with not only foreigners but also Thailand people.
Once reached the spot, you can have the spectacular panoramic view of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon Beach, as well as the Andaman Sea and many islands far away. The viewpoint provides the chance to catch splendor images of the islands with azure water, white surf beaches, and deep-green hues.
Promthep Cape
An interesting attraction in Phuket day tours but is not too famous that not every know is Promthep Cape - the rocky headland landing on the south of Phuket. The thing that attracts visitors to come here is the spectacular view it offers, especially the wonderful sunset at the peak.
The view admiring from the Promthep Cape is sparkling with the endless blue pool looked like heaven on Earth. Another highlight of the cape is the lighthouse home to a priceless collection of various ancient maritime relics.
Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong is one of the most revered temples included in Phuket shore excursions from cruise port. Known for its deep connection to Thai Buddhism, the temple attracts both locals and international visitors. Dating back to the 19th century, it once served as a key meditation center. Inside the old hall, visitors can admire the statue of Poh Than Jao Wat alongside two figures of the local hero Ta Khee-lek, while learning about the temple’s rich spiritual history.
Thavorn Museum
Asia Shore Excursions really want to recommend the Thavorn Museum for any Phuket shore excursion and day tour from cruise port. Located in the heart of Phuket Town, Thavorn Museum is a part of Thavorn Heritage Hotel - the first hotel and also the first 5-stars one in Phuket.
Thavorn Museum is home to a variety of ancient items such as the old photos of Phuket Old Town and Thailand, many antiques and sculptures, the old toy trains, movie posters and so on. The highlight that can make you breathtaking is a display of swords. People believe that these swords were used in 1785 during the period of Lady Mook and Lady Chan expelled the Burmese invaders away from Phuket.
Thai Hua Museum
Known as a traditional Buddhism country, Thailand is also affected by other cultures. Get a completely new experience to Thai Hua Museum which has the architecture of ancient China. The Museum is considered as one of the most majestic Sino-Portuguese architecture styles that you can see in Phuket shore excursions.
Formerly was a school teaching Chinese language in 1934, nowadays, it transformed into a museum serving as a function hall and a large exhibition space for some important occasions. Visiting this museum, you will immediately be mesmerizing by the spectacular architecture style with the ornate decorations.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
Phuket now is become an attractive destination, thus weather in Phuket has often been a burning topic, particularly between June and November which fall in the raining season. Most frequent inquiries will obviously be related to “What is the best time to visit Phuket?”, or “How is the weather in Phuket?”
The island of Phuket is laid in a tropical region and it is warm all year round, therefore, the weather in Phuket ranges from “not too hot” to “too hot”, but the locals and residents here will deem the Phuket weather to be “extreme cold” when the temperature gets close to 20 degrees. Hence, no matter which month your itinerary is on, it is always warm and the sea is always like putting into a bath. In other words, the good weather in Phuket is possible at any time of year, which can provide tourists with a wonderful tropical vacation. The following information Phuket shore excursions support will help you to decide the time to visit Phuket.
The best time to join Phuket day tours is from December to March, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Expect clear blue skies, calm turquoise seas, and a pleasant breeze. This is peak season, so accommodation prices rise, especially around Christmas and New Year. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider staying in the northern part of the island past Bangtao Beach.
Weather in Phuket by seasons
To support the best decision, we divided the weather in Phuket into two major periods, that are the hottest months and the rainy season in Phuket, right here are some informative descriptions for your shore trip:
Hottest Months in Phuket: April and May
In Phuket, the hottest months are April and May. In these months, the temperature can reach 40˙C, and in this time the Thailand people are celebrating the end of the hot season by splashing themselves crazily with water, we call this celebration is Songkran Festival. This festival can last 3 days or even more, which depends on which part of Thailand you are staying. It’s a vibrant time to join Phuket shore excursions and experience local culture in its most festive form.
Phuket Weather in April
The hottest time of a year and also be the month of the traditional Songkran water festival celebrating the beginning of the new year in Thailand and involving everyone dousing each other with water. Many visitors flock to Phuket to take part in the celebrations, which means that early bookings for both flights and hotels are prudent. When visiting Phuket in April, tourists get a good chance of many sunny days and joining in the water-throwing Songkran. During these celebrating Songkran days, you can visit the bars in Patong where do huge business, which can help you relax the best. It’s also a great time to join Phuket shore excursions that offer cultural experiences, sightseeing, or festive street explorations during the holiday.
Phuket Weather in May
May marks the beginning of the low season in Phuket, with frequent rainfall making it one of the wettest months of the year. Even so, there are still sunny intervals, especially in early May. The rise in humidity is balanced by fewer crowds, creating a more relaxing atmosphere across the island. This period is a great time to enjoy Phuket shore excursions from the phuket cruise port, with quieter beaches and smoother travel experiences. Nightlife in Phuket also stays active, offering plenty of options to unwind in the evenings.
Rainy Season in Phuket: June, and September to November
The rainy season in Phuket typically spans from June to November, though weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. From June to August, visitors on Phuket shore excursions can still enjoy a mix of sunshine and short showers. September is usually the wettest month, followed by October and November. Despite frequent rain, there are sunny intervals, and travel costs are lower. For travelers who enjoy nightlife and fewer crowds, this is still a great time to join Phuket shore excursions.
Top Things to Do in Phuket Cruise Excursions & Day Tours
Phuket offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences through its popular Phuket shore excursions, allowing visitors to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and thrilling activities. Here are some highlights you should not miss:
Explore the Nearby Islands
Phuket shore excursions often include trips to spectacular nearby islands such as the Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay. These tours give you the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and relax on pristine white-sand beaches. Many excursions also feature visits to iconic spots like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island, providing breathtaking scenery and memorable photo opportunities.
Experience Adventure and Water Sports
A Phuket day tour offers a variety of exciting activities like scuba diving, kayaking through sea caves, and even zip-lining through lush rainforests. These day tours often combine adventure with cultural visits, such as exploring Wat Chalong Temple or the Big Buddha, making them perfect for travelers seeking both thrill and cultural immersion.
Discover Phuket’s Wildlife and Nature
For nature lovers, visiting the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. This protected rainforest area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy tourist spots. It’s a great addition to any Phuket tour for those interested in ecotourism and natural beauty.
Visit the Phuket Aquarium and Family-Friendly Attractions
The Phuket Aquarium, the largest in Thailand, houses over 25,000 marine species. It’s an excellent destination for families and animal enthusiasts to learn about the rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman Sea. Many Phuket tours include this attraction as part of their itinerary.
Savor Local Cuisine and Shopping Experiences
No Phuket tour is complete without tasting the island’s famous seafood and street food. Many shore excursions and day tours stop at local markets and shopping centers where visitors can sample authentic Thai flavors and purchase traditional handicrafts, silk, pearls, and jewelry at reasonable prices.
Enjoy Phuket’s Vibrant Entertainment
Phuket shore excursions often include options to experience local entertainment such as the Simon Cabaret Show or traditional Muay Thai boxing matches. These cultural performances add a lively and colorful dimension to your Phuket tour experience.
By choosing the right Phuket shore excursions, visitors can explore the best of what this tropical paradise has to offer, from stunning islands and adventurous activities to cultural landmarks and vibrant local life.
FAQs for Phuket Cruise Port Travelers
If it’s your first time in Phuket, we recommend a half-day sightseeing tour covering Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, and Phuket Old Town. These iconic sites offer easy access, cultural richness, and are ideal for cruise passengers with limited time.
Yes, many Phuket cruise excursions are designed with older guests in mind. You’ll find tours with minimal walking, shaded vehicles, air-conditioned stops, and flexible itineraries. Look for options labeled “Easy” or “Scenic Drive”.
Most attractions are within a 30–45 minute drive from the main Phuket cruise terminal. Popular spots like Karon Viewpoint, Promthep Cape, and Phuket Aquarium are all accessible in half-day trips.
Consider a scenic drive tour that includes panoramic viewpoints, cultural stops, and local markets. Or choose a Phang Nga Bay boat trip, where you can admire dramatic limestone cliffs and floating villages from the comfort of a boat.
Yes, it is possible. For a short cruise stop, we recommend island excursions to nearby places such as Khai Island or James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. These destinations offer stunning scenery with minimal effort and are perfect for a relaxed island experience.
The best months are from December to March when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities. If you’re traveling between May and October, you may experience occasional showers, but the smaller crowds and lower prices often make it worthwhile.
Yes, private tours can be arranged easily. These tours typically include direct pickup at the cruise terminal and allow you to explore Phuket at your own pace, with a customized itinerary that fits your interests and mobility preferences.
Absolutely. Many tours include a stop at local markets or eateries in Phuket Old Town. You’ll have the chance to sample Thai street food, enjoy fresh seafood, and browse for souvenirs like spices, silk, and handcrafted items.
Yes, all shore excursions are scheduled with your ship’s timing in mind. Whether you choose a shared or private option, tours are designed to return with ample time before boarding, so you never have to worry about missing your cruise departure.