Joanna Matlub

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.

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

While most of Phuket's brunches compete on scale, LUME keeps things intentionally understated. Sweet and savoury brunch sets take centre stage, creating an afternoon that feels closer to a European café than a traditional Phuket brunch. Overlooking the yachts of Royal Phuket Marina, this is where to come for a proper catch-up. Whether that's putting the world to rights, catching up with the latest gossip or ordering a second drink when you really only meant to stay for one, LUME offers a welcome change of pace.  LUME Bistro, Royal Phuket Marina. B1,800 per person. Every Sunday noon-3pm  

With a front-row seat to Kamala Beach, InterContinental’s Sunday brunch combines seafood, live cooking stations and generous beverage packages with the polished service and attention to detail you'd expect from one of Phuket's leading resorts. The location is a big part of the appeal but its tendency to stretch long into the afternoon is probably an even bigger draw. Before long, shoes have been kicked off, another plate has mysteriously appeared and plans for the rest of the day have quietly disappeared. InterContinental Phuket Resort, Kamala Beach. B2,990++. Every Sunday, noon-3pm

One of Phuket's best-kept Sunday secrets, Taste takes a completely different approach to brunch. Instead of repetitive buffets and free-flow packages, brunch revolves around a weekly-changing tasting menu served to your table. As you can imagine, no two Sundays are quite the same. Recent menus have taken diners from Scandinavia to the Middle East, but the real appeal is never quite knowing what will appear next. The relaxed, neighbourhood feel makes it feel more like a long lunch with friends than one of Phuket's larger brunch spots. And at under THB 1,000, it's also one of Phuket's best-value feasts. Taste Bar & Grill, Cherntalay, Thalang. B950++ per person. Every Sunday, noon-10pm

Reached by a short boat ride from the mainland, LAKU already feels like an adventure before brunch has even begun. One of Phuket's newer brunches, it has wasted little time making a big impression. This is not a traditional brunch by any means. DJs start early, the pool is part of the experience and the atmosphere is way more playful – or dare we say energetic – than most of Phuket’s other brunches. Mediterranean sharing platters, freshly shucked oysters and unlimited à la carte dishes keep everyone well fed, while the island party setting makes the whole afternoon feel like a mini escape.  LAKU Beach Club, Coconut Island. B2,800++ (includes half a bottle of wine per person) Selected Saturdays, noon-3pm 

If you've got children in tow, few brunches make life easier than Im En Ville. Located within Porto de Phuket, the Saturday menu combines breakfast favourites, comfort food and classic brunch dishes, with a side helping of live music. The playground does a lot of the heavy lifting here. Indoor seating sits beside a play area, while the outdoor terrace overlooks Porto de Phuket's central playground. Before long, the children have disappeared off to play and the adults are finally able to enjoy a proper catch-up. Im En Ville Phuket, Porto de Phuket. From B1,250++. Every Saturday noon-3pm

What is it?  Part burger restaurant, part craft beer bar, EAT. Burgers & Beers brings a slice of Scandinavian pub culture to Karon. The younger sibling to the long-running EAT. Bar & Grill, it serves everything from wagyu smash burgers and doner kebabs to Swedish meatballs, alongside a rotating selection of craft beers.  Why we love it:  While the burgers are the main attraction, it's the variety that keeps things interesting. The viking double smash burger is a popular choice, pairing smashed patties with homemade aioli and classic toppings, while the beer menu features more than 20 craft brews from Thailand and further afield. Schnitzels, doner kebabs and Swedish meatballs round out the menu, making it a reliable option for groups with mixed tastes.  Time Out tip:  The cosy pub-style interior makes this one of the few burger spots in Karon that's just as appealing on a rainy afternoon as it is for dinner.  EAT. Burgers & Beers. 250 1 Patak Rd, Karon. Open 1pm-10pm. Closed Monday.