Joanna Matlub

Phuket has officially caught the racquet-sports bug. Padel courts are popping up across the island, pickleball sessions are filling fast and suddenly everyone seems to have a racket in the boot of the car. The two games might be different, but they share much of the same appeal: easy to pick up, highly addictive and considerably more social than your average workout. Better still, Phuket's clubs have moved well beyond a couple of courts and a vending machine, with covered courts, tournaments, cafés and plenty of post-match hangout space. Whether you already know your bandeja from your dink or are starting completely from scratch, these are six of the best places to play padel and pickleball in Phuket.

Thailand’s south serves up some of the country’s best seafood, but not everything pulled from the Andaman is entirely harmless. From horseshoe crab eggs that can harbour powerful neurotoxins to barely cooked blood cockles carrying potentially dangerous bacteria, there are a few local delicacies where knowing exactly what’s on your plate matters. Elsewhere in Thailand, things get even more adventurous. Raw pork can turn you deaf, raw freshwater fish can harbour parasites and wild mushrooms are easily mistaken for poisonous ones. Welcome to the more dangerous side of Thai food, and why flavour often supersedes risk. 

Some islands are built around packed itineraries. Koh Yao Noi isn't one of them. Floating between Phuket and Krabi in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, this small island has resisted the rapid development seen elsewhere in Thailand. Fishing boats still leave the beaches before sunrise, water buffalo graze beside rice fields and many of the island's best discoveries aren't attractions at all, but places you stumble across while exploring. That slower pace is exactly the appeal. Spend the morning riding through coconut plantations, pause for lunch overlooking the rice paddies, wade through peaceful mangroves and finish the day with a drink as the sun dips. Luxury resorts sit alongside family-run cafés, offering plenty of choice without taking away from the island's character. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or staying a little longer, Koh Yao Noi rewards curiosity more than careful planning. Leave time to take the scenic route; more often than not, those unexpected stops become the moments you'll remember most.

School's out, which means the annual search for ways to keep the children entertained has officially begun. Thankfully, Phuket has plenty to offer beyond the beach – whether you're escaping tropical rain showers or trying to burn off some seemingly endless holiday energy, there’s heaps to keep you (and more specifically, your little ones) entertained.   From climbing walls and rainforest ziplines to obstacle courses, laser battles and one of Thailand's biggest waterparks, these are some of the best family attractions in Phuket for the never-ending summer holidays.

Brunch has become something of a weekend ritual in Phuket. Across the island, long lunches stretch into the afternoon as friends gather around the table, families make a day of it and beachfront tables quickly become some of the island's most sought-after seats.  Some places put on impressive spreads, others showcase changing menus, while some are simply an excuse to spend a few unhurried hours in good company. However you like to brunch, Phuket offers plenty of reasons to clear your diary for the afternoon. These are the Phuket brunches showcasing the best of the island's diverse brunch scene.   

Updated June 2026: We've refreshed our guide to Phuket's best burger restaurants to bring you the most up-to-date picks from across the island. New addition Millionaire Burgers earns its place thanks to its playful personality and indulgent loaded fries, while Prime Burger joins the list for its consistently strong smash burgers and island-wide popularity. We've also revisited OOO Burger and found its hidden gem setting is as appealing as ever.  Whether it's a quick burger fix, a late-night craving or a full-blown cheat day, Phuket has plenty of options. Favourites Pan Burger, Treasure Burger, EAT. Burgers & Beers and Madcow Burger continue to prove why they've earned their place among Phuket's standout burger restaurants, while top burger spots are claimed by some of the island’s most talked about restaurants. And before you ask, these are the best burger restaurants – focusing on the best spots in Phuket that are dedicated to the patty. And while there are some amazing burgers served elsewhere, we’re giving those who double down on a double cheeseburger in this one.  From smashed patties and classic cheeseburgers to towering stacks loaded with toppings, these are the burger restaurants worth adding to your list.

Padel If you are down in Rawai, this is the kind of place that makes squeezing in a game dangerously easy. Four courts, a laid-back set-up and enough going on around them mean it feels more social club than simple court booking. The extras make it more than a quick hit-and-run session too. There is coaching, equipment rental and a café and lounge area, but the sauna and ice bath are the real bonus if you are taking your post-match recovery seriously. Rawai Padel. 83/105 Rawai, Phuket. Padel. Open daily 8am-10pm

Padel Destination Padel Club is built for players who want a little more than an hour on court and straight back home. There are six courts, including four covered options and two outdoors, plus coaching, racket rental and regular social mix-ins if you are looking to join a game. The off-court set-up is a big part of the appeal, with food and drinks overlooking the courts. It makes this an easy place to play, refuel and hang around afterwards rather than heading straight home. Destination Padel Club. 220/2 Thep Krasattri Road, Thalang. Open daily 7am-11pm  

Pickleball The Peak is a solid pick for pickleball players, with four dedicated outdoor courts and regular social sessions that make it easy to join in without arriving with a full group. There are organised OpenPlay sessions, socials for different levels and coaching for anyone still getting to grips with the game. It feels more community-driven than clubby, which is a big part of the appeal. The Peak Racquet Park. 168 Srisoonthorn Road, Si Sunthon. Open daily 7am-10pm

Padel Blue Tree is one of the easiest places to get into padel in Phuket, whether you already play regularly or have no idea where to start. There are six courts, including four covered ones, so a sudden downpour does not necessarily mean game over. There is a strong social side too, with coaching, leagues, tournaments and regular events, plus racket rental and a pro shop if you have turned up empty-handed. It is polished without feeling intimidating, which is probably why it has become such a reliable all-rounder. Padel Phuket @ Blue Tree. 4/2 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang. Open daily 8am-10pm

Padel + Pickleball WAREHAUS is one of the slicker new arrivals on Phuket's racquet scene, with championship-level padel courts, pickleball, fitness facilities and a pool waiting for the post-match cool-down. The padel set-up is the main draw, with courts by Spanish specialist Greenset and weekly tournaments, but this is not somewhere you need to arrive playing like a pro. Coaching is available for all ages and levels, while there is enough going on off court to make hanging around afterwards part of the plan. WAREHAUS.club. Cherngtalay, Thalang. Open daily 8am-10pm

Padel Heading south? Xplore gives Chalong a strong padel option, with three fully covered courts and an easy going feel that makes it simple to drop in for a game without making a whole day of it. There is coaching, equipment rental and regular tournaments for different levels, but it never feels overly serious. Showers and a chill-out area make it just as easy to hang around afterwards, especially if one match has somehow turned into three. Xplore Padel Phuket. 5/30/3 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, Chalong. Open daily 8am-11pm

Some islands are built around packed itineraries. Koh Yao Noi isn't one of them. Floating between Phuket and Krabi in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, this small island has resisted the rapid development seen elsewhere in Thailand. Fishing boats still leave the beaches before sunrise, water buffalo graze beside rice fields and many of the island's best discoveries aren't attractions at all, but places you stumble across while exploring. That slower pace is exactly the appeal. Spend the morning riding through coconut plantations, pause for lunch overlooking the rice paddies, wade through peaceful mangroves and finish the day with a drink as the sun dips. Luxury resorts sit alongside family-run cafés, offering plenty of choice without taking away from the island's character. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or staying a little longer, Koh Yao Noi rewards curiosity more than careful planning. Leave time to take the scenic route; more often than not, those unexpected stops become the moments you'll remember most. Your ultimate guide to Koh Yao Noi

If you've got younger children, this is one of those places where a quick visit has a habit of turning into an entire afternoon. Recently relocated from Blue Tree to Chalong, this enormous indoor play centre packs climbing frames, trampolines, obstacle courses and the ever-popular imaginative play zones under one roof, giving children plenty of space to run, climb and pretend. Parents haven't been forgotten either. The adjoining café is a welcome bonus, making it easy to keep an eye on the action while enjoying a coffee and a tiny bit less noise.  Adventure Village, Chalong. Open daily, 10am-8pm

One of Phuket's newest family attractions, Sugar Glider is opening this summer with a completely new kind of indoor adventure at Blue Tree. Instead of soft play, children will navigate suspended bridges, balance beams, aerial obstacles and indoor zip lines high above the ground, all while safely secured to an overhead harness system. With different courses to choose from, the kids will be encouraged to push themselves a little further each time. Better still, everything happens indoors, making it just as appealing on a rainy afternoon as it is during Phuket's hottest months. Sugar Glider, Blue Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay. Open daily 10am-10pm  

When the weather refuses to cooperate, Battlefield Phuket is an easy, laser-focused crowd-pleaser. Indoor arenas transform friendly family competitions into surprisingly tactical battles, with enough obstacles and game modes to keep every visit feeling different.  It's particularly good for mixed-age groups, where older children, teenagers and parents can all get involved, sometimes even more than the kids it seems! A popular one for birthday parties, so good to double check before you turn up.   Battlefield Phuket Laser Tag, Srisoonthorn, Thalang. Open daily, 8am-10pm

There are zipline parks, and then there's Hanuman World. Set high within Phuket's treetops, it combines soaring zip lines, spiral staircases, sky bridges and elevated walkways into one of the island's most picturesque outdoor adventures. Children who meet the minimum height requirements will love flying through the trees, while adults usually discover it's every bit as much fun as the kids promised. Once everyone's feet are back on the ground, the popular Three Monkeys restaurant sits within the same forest setting, for a leisurely family lunch with epic views.  Hanuman World, Wichit. Open daily, 8am-6pm  

If your kids have energy to burn, REBEL Rock Climbing is one of Phuket's best places to do it. Hidden away in Thalang, this impressive indoor climbing centre is much bigger than it first appears, with more than 700 square metres of climbing walls, over 80 routes, dedicated bouldering areas and enough variety to keep both first-timers and confident adventurers happy. Despite its size, it is far from intimidating with friendly instructors on hand to help get you started, while more adventurous kids and teenagers can happily spend hours tackling increasingly challenging routes. Better still, it's fully indoors, making it one of those rare family attractions that's just as good on a rainy afternoon as it is on a scorching hot day. REBEL Rock Climbing, Srisoonthorn, Thalang. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm

Dinner with a show is nothing new in Phuket, but CLC takes the idea several notches further. Short for ‘Come Leo Come’, the venue is packed with nods to Leonardo DiCaprio's best films – the lavish dining room has an unmistakable Great Gatsby feel. Before the show begins, settle into deep blue and burgundy velvet banquettes beneath oversized chandeliers while imaginative drinks arrive at marble tables. The room gradually fills with a mix of Phuket regulars and visitors, although you’ll find everyone waiting for the same thing. The show, tantalisingly just minutes away. Photograph: Time OutCLC Phuket Then, almost without warning, everything changes. Smoke rolls across the dining room, masked figures appear between the tables and laser beams slice through the haze as the soundtrack suddenly surges. Within moments, a stylish dinner gives way to a full theatrical production. What can you expect from a night at CLC? Quite simply, it’s a lot. Singers, dancers, DJs, a roaming saxophonist and aerial performers move between the stage, bar and dining room. On the night we visited, the production had a flight theme, taking guests – or passengers, in this case – through destinations including France and Spain, with the music, choreography and costumes changing at each stop.  CLC runs a rotating programme of themed shows, so the experience can be very different depending on when you visit. Honestly, not every performance was exactly my cup of tea. But judging by the overall applause, pho