Phuket’s 36 beaches are nothing if not varied. Dotted across the island’s coastline, they differ in size, surf and facilities. If it’s a thriving hub of activity you’re after, Patong Beach may be the obvious choice, but nearby Kata Beach is also popular, home to an impressive array of bars and restaurants. Both Nai Harn Beach and Banana Beach, the latter located near the airport, offer secluded spots for a quiet beach day.

Given that the island’s name translates to ‘mountain jewel’, it’s no wonder that seeking out prime sunset-viewing spots on Phuket is a popular pastime for tourists and residents alike. Step out onto the terrace of the old lighthouse at Promthep Cape – the southernmost cape in Phuket – for unparalleled views that stretch as far as the Phi Phi islands on a clear day.

Phuket is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, once an important port on the Malay Peninsula with a long history of Chinese migration. The old town is known for its brightly painted, century-old Sino-Portuguese townhouses, including a well-preserved collection on Soi Romanee, whose old buildings now house boutique shops, guesthouses and cafes. Visit the Thai Hua Museum for the story of Chinese migration to the island, and Jui Tui Shrine for colourful statues of Taoist deities.

There are worse ways to end a day than with a drink in hand and the sand between your toes. But if you’re looking to take your knowledge of sundowners one step further, head straight to the source. The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery hosts cocktail workshops and distillery tours at its craft rum facility, shedding light on how they take local ingredients and transform them into a tropical tipple.

Thailand’s national sport of Muay Thai has a strong following on the island. But if strapping on some gloves and learning the martial art yourself doesn’t sound quite so appealing on your Phuket holiday, leave it to the professionals and head down to Patong Boxing Stadium. Catch a match – typically scheduled on Saturday evenings – ringside as elite athletes from across Thailand and the rest of the world battle it out.

The Naka weekend market is the largest in Phuket Town, and the best place to find Thai trinkets, sarongs and woven bags. It has a large outside area that’s filled with street food hawkers selling meat skewers, sweet drinks and other local delights. For a less touristy thing to do in Phuket, head to the bohemian Chillva night market that’s constructed from colourful upcycled shipping containers and is popular among the island’s young and hip.

One of the biggest things to do in Phuket is the island’s 45-metre marble Buddha statue, which sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills. Climb it and you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the mountains and the pristine Andaman Sea. Nearby, Wat Chalong is one of the most important Buddhist temples on the island, Phuket and boasts a large pagoda that houses a splinter of bone said to belong to the Buddha himself.

Situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park lays claim to the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest. Its prehistoric landscape, untouched by time, is well worth the excursion onto the mainland during a Phuket holiday. Hike the jungle terrain, kayak through serene lakes and encounter the park’s diverse wildlife, from the Malaysian sun bear to the clouded leopard, in their natural habitat.

The Similan Islands – a few hours by boat from Phuket – are home to some of Thailand’s most notable dive sites. Coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks and more lie just a few metres below and are accessible for anyone with an Open Water Diver certification, with optimal diving conditions from October through May. Day trips are possible but can be a bit rushed: book onto a liveaboard to dive several sites over consecutive days.

Between Phuket and Krabi lies the small island of Koh Yao Noi. The island was once an undiscovered paradise – but while word may be starting to spread, it still offers a far more secluded beach break than its larger neighbours. Accommodation ranges from five-star resorts to open air beach huts, and popular activities include snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the island’s secret beaches.