Phuket
Phuket is a top travel destination famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to world-class island tours. But beyond the tourist hotspots, it also offers excellent running routes. Whether you're tackling a hilly coastal route from Patong Beach to Paradise Beach or enjoying a scenic 6km lap around Bang Wad Dam, Phuket has plenty to offer active travelers. This guide covers the best running trails, beaches, island tours, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
View from the Phi Phi Island viewpoint
Running in Phuket
Patong Beach to Paradise Beach (12km Out-and-Back)
If you’re looking for a scenic yet challenging run, this hilly route is a must.
Distance: ~12km round trip, depending where you start on Patong beach
Terrain: Beach for the start, then footpath along the road with some steep hills
Scenery: Coastal and city views
Best Time to Run: Early morning (to avoid heat and traffic)
Route Details: Start your run at Patong Beach, enjoying the flat section along the waterfront before heading south. The path leads you past Tri Trang Beach (a good turnaround point if you want a shorter run) and continues toward Paradise Beach. Be prepared for steep inclines—this route is a leg-burner! If you make it to Paradise Beach, note that there’s an entrance fee of 200 THB, and it doesn’t open until 9 AM. If you prefer a free stop, Tri Trang Beach is a good place to pause, with places nearby where you can grab a coffee before heading back.
Bang Wad Dam Loop (6km Loop)
For a peaceful escape from Phuket’s tourist hotspots, Bang Wad Dam is an excellent choice.
Distance: 6km loop
Terrain: Paved road with a few rolling hills
Scenery: Reservoir views and lush greenery
Best Time to Run: Sunrise or sunset (cooler temperatures & scenic atmosphere)
This is one of the most popular spots for exercise, so expect to see plenty of walkers, runners, and cyclists, but not as many tourists. The loop around the reservoir is tranquil, offering a refreshing change from the beach crowds.
Traveling in Phuket
Phuket is a highly popular destination for backpackers and luxury travelers alike, offering easy access to some of the world’s most beautiful islands. However, it can get extremely busy, and traffic can be frustratingly slow. We stayed in Patong, which was convenient for food and nightlife, but we spent a lot of time in cars getting to other locations. If you want to explore specific parts of the island, consider staying somewhere that aligns with your plans.
Top Things to Do
1. Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour
Experience: Breathtaking island scenery, snorkeling, and beach stops
Timing: We did a sunrise tour, which was worth the extra cost to beat some of the crowds.
Operator: Siam Adventure World
Crowds: Still busy at key stops like Maya Beach, but overall a great experience
Tip: If you have a group, consider booking a private tour for a more exclusive experience.
2. Phuket Old Town
Experience: Historic streets, vibrant markets, and colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8 AM)—the streets were empty, making for a peaceful stroll.
Shopping & Cafés: As the town wakes up, you’ll find amazing cafes and boutique shops.
3. Best Beaches We Visited
We didn’t get to all of them, but here are our favorites:
Nai Harn Beach – Quieter than Patong Beach, plenty of sunbeds and food options, no jet skis.
Surin Beach – Similar to Nai Harn but includes water sports. Also a short walk to Haad Laem Sing - which is apparently beautiful.
Mai Khao Beach – Near the airport, almost deserted when we visited on a Sunday and walked north from the airport viewpoint.
Plane Spotting: A great place to watch planes land and take off.
Quiet Escape: Walk a few hundred meters from the main viewing spot and enjoy an empty beach. The planes are also loud when landing and taking off, so walking up can help to escape the noise pollution.
Facilities: Limited food vendors, no sunbeds, but shaded areas under trees.
4. Other Activities
Jet Skiing in Patong – We were cautious about scams but had a great experience with Khit Jetskis.
Duration: 40 minutes (plus a practice run with staff)
Best Time: Early morning (9:30 AM) before the crowds hit
Animal Attractions: We avoided elephant and tiger attractions due to ethical concerns. However, we did see elephants at a sanctuary near Paradise Beach on our run.
Final Tips & Recommendations
Accommodation Choice: We would stay in Phuket Old Town next time for a more relaxed and cultural experience.
Alternative Beach Stay: Mai Khao Beach or another area north of the airport would be ideal for a quieter beach experience and better access to some of the less busy spots.
Phuket offers an incredible mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. Whether you’re running along the coast, island hopping, or exploring historic streets, there’s something for every traveler. Plan wisely, wake up early to beat the crowds, and enjoy everything this tropical paradise has to offer!