Nice experience, very customer-oriented company fast and easy booking, very fast reaction. Mr. Bien a well-prepared guide and enthusiastic. You should try this experience.
Phuket Discovery Private Tour - Shore Excursion
Port Pick-up & Drop-off
English-Speaking Guide
Private Groups
Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is a great escape for those who want to experience an amazing tropical island holiday. You will have an opportunity to marvel at giant Buddha statues in tranquil temples and step back in time at Phuket Old Town. Slowly savour the beach charm and culinary delights that make Phuket a tropical paradise like no other.
Highlights
Pick-up & Drop-off from Patong Pier
Visit the Iconic Big Buddha
Stroll Through Phuket Old Town
Interact with Adorable Elephants
Click the Tabs to See More
Tour Details
Price
Prices vary by group sizes and lunch options.
Season
Year-round!
Meeting Point
Patong Pier
Max Group Size
We can accommodate a big group of up to 35 people. However, we recommend a maximum of 15 people per group to get the best experience.
Included
- Port Service Fees
- All Entrance Fees & Taxes
- Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Mineral Water (1 bottle/ person)
- English-Speaking Guide
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Booking Fees
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Insect Repellent
- Light Jacket
What to Wear
Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered when you visit religious sites.
Itinerary
Welcome to Phuket – Thailand’s Largest Island!
At Patong Pier, you will be warmly welcomed by a local English-speaking guide who will then accompany you on a discovery trip around this beautiful island. Phuket is arguably one of the most popular parts of Thailand’s tourism, and this destination is famous for its warm climate, gorgeous beaches, and turquoise waters.
You will visit Promthep Cape, a picturesque cape extending into the Andaman Sea. On the left side, you will see a small beach called Nai Yah Beach, and on the right side lie Nai Harn Beach and Koh Man Island.
Feel the Radiance of the Big Buddha
Phuket’s Big Buddha is an important and revered landmark on the island. It is a big white marble statue on top of the Nakkerd Hills in the south of the island near Chalong. You can experience Phuket’s serenity – a very different angle from its usual vibrant energy. From here, you will also get a close-up view over the gorgeous Chalong Bay.
Next off, we will make a stop at the acclaimed Chalong Temple. This temple visit provides inner peace and spiritual enlightenment for you, enhanced by the delicate fragrance that fills the air. Take a walk around the temple complex and you will be rewarded with stunning views of gardens and structures. Get your camera ready to capture the intricate details highlighting Thai craftsmanship and design, particularly at the Grand Pagoda in the centre of the temple grounds.
Enjoy Life in the Slow Lane at the Old Town
To continue your journey, head to Phuket Old Town, a great escape to get a more authentic Thai experience, away from the beach and tourist crowds. As you stroll around the narrow streets, you will easily notice remnants of its past. The vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture and captivating street art blend seamlessly with colorful buildings and trendy cafés, exuding an irresistible charm. Everything appears to tell you the stories of the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Following the old town visit, proceed to Patong Beach, a direct embodiment of tropical heaven. Beyond the white sand, crystal blue water, and mesmerising landscapes, the destination sets itself apart thanks to a lively scene of visitors immersing themselves in a dynamic array of watersports. Enjoy your free time to experience the invigorating sea breeze or wander through the charming streets for some shopping.
You will enjoy a delightful lunch before getting back to the port. We will drop you off at the port well ahead of your cruise departure to make sure you have plenty of time to relax and prepare for the next journey.
Enjoy Lovely Interactions With Wild Animals
From Patong Pier, we will depart for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an amazing ethical sanctuary where you can truly immerse yourself in the elephants’ daily routines. The sanctuary has put great effort into creating a natural environment for the elephants to live in peace and without mistreatment. Feel how happy these animals are when they can live in a safe and sustainable environment.
After learning some interesting facts about the elephants, you will be given some bananas and sugar cane to feed them. Walk with your guide through the sanctuary, where you will see lovely elephants freely roam. Admire the close and loving bond between them and their mahouts and get your camera ready to capture the most beautiful moments of nature.
Next comes the most interesting part of your experience with the elephant – the “mud spa.” This is a great opportunity for you to pick up the mud and rub it all over your beautiful new friends. It’s fun and beneficial for the elephants to be fully covered in mud. Then, you will walk with the elephants to a nearby pool and join them for a refreshing bath. Once the elephants are clean, take a moment to snap some photos with them before saying your heartfelt goodbyes.
Admire the Beauty of a Sacred Buddha Statue
After lunch, embark on an interesting Phuket City Tour. Phuket is especially famous for its golden and white-sand beaches. Moreover, it’s a great place to gain deeper insights into Thai’s local way of life. The friendliness of the locals enhances Phuket’s charm, turning it into a much-loved holiday destination.
You will visit the Big Buddha, one of the most important landmarks on the island. Situated atop the Nakkered Hills in southern Phuket, this white marble Buddha image is perfect for seeking spiritual solace as its name “Happiness on Top of Nakkered Mountain” suggests. From here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the island.
Step Back in Time at the Old Town
The final highlight of the tour – Phuket Old Town – will wrap up your day perfectly. Before known for its beach and oceanside resorts, Phuket attracted European and Chinese traders thanks to its wealth in tin. You can marvel at the intricate architecture inspired by Portuguese and Chinese heritage while walking down the streets for a stunning photo opportunity. This experience will take you back to the charm of a century ago.
Wander around the streets, take in the sights, sample some of the local food, and make the most of your final moments in Phuket. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to the port to embark.
See What Our Guests are Saying
I now refer my friends, family and colleagues, as well as book all of my tours, accommodation and flights with Maika because I feel very lucky to have finally found an organisation in Asia that gives me the confidence to do so.
The tour was very well organized, and the guide spoke very good English. We got to see and experience so many things: Besides visiting a pagoda and Buddha statue, we also went on a boat ride (with a stop to enjoy a coconut drink) and visited local businesses producing rice paper, conical hats and mats. We had fresh fruit and tea for a snack and Pho soup for lunch which was delicious! We had such a good day and would highly recommend this tour!
We went on this tour, two families of four, with children aged 9-12 years old. We were really happy with it and highly recommend. Lin was our guide and she was fantastic, would really do a trip with her again. It was nice to do this privately and easy to adjust with Lin if needed. Maika helped us book the accommodation in Can Tho which we really appreciated. Would highly recommend and for sure do again.
You did a great job looking after all of our family of 7. The kids enjoyed all the tours and especially the Mekong cruise …as did we……because the kids were so happy we got to enjoy some time to ourselves too. I would recommend Maika Tours if your thinking of visiting Vietnam!