Despite being a renowned summer getaway due to its beautiful beaches and warm tropical weather, Phuket is no stranger to occasional downpours. Your summer vacation can still be interrupted by a sudden change of weather, but don’t let that deter you from having a good time on the island.

While sunny days bring out the best of Phuket, rainy days can be just as enjoyable if you know what to do. This article lists 10 activities to do on a rainy day in Phuket.

1. Get Pampered With A Spa Treatment

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Phuket is home to some of the best spas in the world. These local facilities can give you pampering treatments, from traditional Thai massage to a luxurious facial or body scrub.

Most hotels or private luxury villas in Phuket offer exclusive spas or massage treatments as part of their offerings, so you won’t have to look far. The rain is the perfect excuse to rejuvenate and indulge n relaxing wellness treatments.

Related article: 8 Benefits of a Traditional Thai Massage

 

2. Cozy Up With A Movie

Villa Amaravida‘s cinema room with plush seating and projector

Going to the movies is a classic rainy-day activity. Catch the latest blockbuster from Hollywood or local productions at cinemas near you.

The Thai cinema industry is known to produce some excellent, internationally acclaimed movies. Being stuck indoors due to heavy rainfall may be the perfect opportunity to see one. Some luxury accommodations also have movie rooms and private cinemas where you and your loved ones can watch on giant flat-screen TVs while munching on popcorn and other movie snacks. 

 

3. Visit Indoor Attractions

Photo: Jamie Monk via Flickr

Phuket has several excellent museums and indoor attractions perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the region’s history and be immersed in the culture. One of the must-visit attractions is the Phuket Trickeye Museum, where visitors get to step into a world of illusion with the help of incredible 3D art and take photos with giant, immersive paintings.

Another unique place to check out is Baan Teelanka or the Upside-Down House. In this fully furnished house, you flip your perspective and enjoy all the inverted rooms, furniture, and decor. 

 

4. Take A Cooking Class

Photo: Miho & Roy via Flickr

Thai cuisine is famous around the world for good reasons. One of the most immersive cultural experiences tourists can do while in the country is understanding how major Thai dishes are prepared and cooked.

Learning to make your favorite Thai dishes can also be a great skill to take home with you. Some restaurants, like the Pum Thai Restaurant & Cooking School, offer short cooking sessions ranging from the basics to the more intermediate classes. 

 

5. Attend Muay Thai Sessions

A great way to stay active while experiencing Thai culture is to take Muay Thai or Thai Boxing lessons. Fitness doesn’t have to take a back seat when traveling; you can take advantage of the gloomy weather to squeeze in some workout. Many gyms in Phuket offer classes for different skill levels, from beginners to the more skilled boxer.  

Related articled: Mixed Martial Arts in Phuket

 

6. Shop in Jungceylon

Photo: WillyThuan via Phuket101

If you love shopping, Phuket’s shopping malls offer a mix of high-end and affordable shops that will keep you entertained for hours. 

Head to Jungceylon for everything from souvenir shops and international brands to restaurants and supermarkets. With 200,000 square meters of shopping space, Jungceylon is the perfect spot to chill and keep busy while waiting for the sun to shine again. 

 

7. Visit A Temple

The rain can provide a surprisingly unique backdrop as you visit Phuket’s iconic temples. Get your raincoat or umbrella out as you visit Wat Chalong and the marvelous, 45-meter-tall Big Buddha to immerse in some of Thailand’s histories. 

 

8. Indulge in Thai Food

Photo: Chan Walrus via Pexels

Indulge in delicious Thai cuisine by asking the locals for their recommended restaurant where you can have a long and leisurely meal. Popular eateries like Raya Restaurant serve traditional dishes like Massaman Curry and Tom Yum soup, perfect rainy day meals. 

You can also visit some of the indoor markets in the area, such as the Banzaan Fresh Market, which has an array of local street food to try. 

 

9. Take A Scenic Drive

Photo: Thattaphon Sukborwornophat via Getty Images

Arrange for a car and take a scenic drive to see lush greenery, waterfalls, and stunning landscapes during the rainy season. This drive is a chance to see a different side of Phuket and get a unique experience with family or friends who are up for the adventure.

Some popular routes are the road from Patong to Kamala, which offers stunning coastline views, or the road from Kathu to Phuket Town, which winds through the hills and offers breathtaking views of the island’s lush jungle. Those looking for a long drive can take the road from Phuket Town to Rawai Beach, which passes through charming villages and offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding hills.

 

10. Make the Most Out of Your Accommodation

Villa Amarapura‘s game room with pool table and golf simulator

If you’ve had the pleasure of booking a fantastic place to stay, you can simply enjoy the facilities within the property and let the rain pour away outside. Most luxury villas in Phuket offer valuable amenities and entertainment systems to satisfy you throughout your stay. These stunning villas are among the perfect ways to enjoy your vacation without going outside. 

Use the fitness center and other indoor facilities, like the pools, saunas, game rooms, and movie rooms that private villas often feature. With these amenities, you will have plenty of enjoyable things to do on a rainy day in Phuket.

Featured Image: Romankonovalov via Shuttershock

Related article: The Best Time to Visit Phuket