Phuket Instagram Spots: 20 Best Photo Locations With Map

By /

I spent days chasing light, color, and quiet corners across Phuket. This guide to Phuket instagram spots blends personal favorites with practical tips. It includes a map, sunrise spots, rainy-day ideas, pose prompts, and plenty of free locations you can shoot without stress.

Phuket beach

Map of Photo Spots

I like to start with an overview. These are the places I pin first, so I can hop between viewpoints, beaches, and Old Town streets with minimal backtracking. Scroll, save, and build your route.

Karon Viewpoint (Kata Viewpoint)

Three turquoise bays curve below a palm-framed terrace. It is the classic shot of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon beaches layered in one frame.

Kata Viewpoint
  • Best time: Early morning for soft light, or late afternoon for warm tones.
  • How to get there: Take the Phuket Smart Bus toward Kata, then a short taxi uphill.
  • Price or access: Free, public viewpoint, see Karon Viewpoint.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Windmill Viewpoint

A small ridge between Nai Harn and Ya Nui. Expect emerald water, sailboats, and a tiny wind turbine as a quirky prop.

  • Best time: Late afternoon for golden water, or sunrise if you want it empty.
  • How to get there: Ride the Phuket Smart Bus to Nai Harn, then walk or taxi 10 minutes uphill.
  • Price or access: Free lookout, see Windmill Viewpoint.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Big Buddha Phuket

The massive white statue sits above Chalong, with sweeping 360-degree island views. The marble steps and bells give depth to portraits.

phuket big buddha view
  • Best time: Early morning when the sun rises behind the figure, or late afternoon for warm sidelight.
  • How to get there: Ride the Phuket Bus Terminal 1 area bus to Chalong, then taxi the hill road.
  • Price or access: Free temple site, see Big Buddha Phuket.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Old Phuket Town – Soi Romanee

Pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses line a narrow lane. It is the postcard street for colorful facades, lanterns, and retro details.

  • Best time: Early morning when the shutters are closed and crowds are thin. Blue hour also pops with lamps.
  • How to get there: From the airport, take Airport Bus Phuket to Old Town.
  • Price or access: Free public street, see Soi Romanee.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Mai Khao Beach Plane Spotting

White sand, teal sea, and jets swooping low over the beach as they land. It is the iconic plane-under-the-wing shot.

Rang Hill Viewpoint (Khao Rang)

A landscaped terrace above Phuket Town. Expect city layers, tree canopies, and a relaxed café vibe for lifestyle shots.

Sunrise and Golden Hour

Phuket’s east and south coasts catch ethereal morning color. If you want empty frames, sunrise is your best friend. Here are my favorite places to start early.

Khao Khad View Tower

A quiet tower above Cape Panwa with 360-degree views. You get sunrises over Phang Nga Bay and long telephoto layers.

Ao Yon Beach

Calm water, fishing boats, and a gentle curve of sand. Perfect for minimal sunrise compositions, footprints, and reflections.

  • Best time: Sunrise. Tide near low gives wet reflections.
  • How to get there: Take a bus toward Panwa from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, then taxi the last stretch.
  • Price or access: Free public beach, see Ao Yon Beach.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Saphan Hin Park

Local walkers, mangroves, and a waterfront promenade. It is peaceful at dawn with joggers and pastel skies.

Kata Noi Beach

Small and curved, with clear water and rocks at the south end. Sunrise is serene, and early light makes the water glow.

  • Best time: Sunrise, or very early morning before swimmers arrive.
  • How to get there: Ride the Phuket Smart Bus to Kata, walk over the hill.
  • Price or access: Free public beach, see Kata Noi Beach.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Sarasin Bridge

The graceful bridge that links Phuket to the mainland. Stone pavilions and arches frame wide skies.

  • Best time: Sunrise for empty walkways and soft color.
  • How to get there: Intercity buses stop near Phuket Bus Terminal 2, then ride north or taxi to the bridge.
  • Price or access: Free public access, see Sarasin Bridge.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Rawai Longtail Pier

Longtail boats line up with the sunrise behind them. Great for silhouettes and close-up details of prows and ribbons.

  • Best time: Sunrise, especially on a low tide for textures.
  • How to get there: Bus to Rawai via the Phuket Smart Bus, then walk the waterfront.
  • Price or access: Free access along the beach road, see Rawai Beach.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Indoor Rainy-Day Spots

When clouds roll in, I head inside for color, texture, and controlled light. Phuket has great indoor spots for portraits and creative shots.

Aquaria Phuket

Tunnel tanks, jellyfish rooms, and ambient blue light. It is dreamy for silhouettes, reflections, and couple shots.

  • Best time: Weekday mid-morning, avoid school groups.
  • How to get there: Buses run toward Central via Phuket Bus Terminal 1, then walk inside the mall.
  • Price or access: Tickets on the official Aquaria Phuket site.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Central Phuket Floresta

A sleek mall with art installations, a skywalk, and symmetrical atriums. It is great for fashion and lifestyle frames.

  • Best time: Early or late for fewer people. Midday for even lighting.
  • How to get there: City buses stop near Central via Phuket Bus Terminal 1.
  • Price or access: Free public mall, check events on Central Phuket.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Baan Teelanka – The UpsideDown House of Phuket

Quirky, colorful rooms flipped on their heads. The tilted angles and props are made for playful shots.

Thai Hua Museum

Sino-Portuguese arches, courtyards, and light wells. The pastel walls create elegant backdrops, even in rain.

  • Best time: Late morning when galleries are quiet.
  • How to get there: Walk from Old Town or ride the Airport Bus Phuket to Phuket Town.
  • Price or access: Entry ticket at the museum, see Thai Hua Museum.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Jui Tui Shrine

Red lanterns, incense smoke, and intricate altars. Respectful photography yields atmospheric frames under the roof.

  • Best time: Morning after incense lighting for soft haze.
  • How to get there: Short walk from Phuket Old Town bus stops.
  • Price or access: Free worship site, see Jui Tui Shrine.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Blue Elephant Governor Mansion Phuket

A restored colonial mansion with tiled floors and grand staircases. Lovely for elegant portraits during a passing shower.

  • Best time: Lunch or afternoon tea to avoid the dinner rush.
  • How to get there: Taxi or tuk-tuk from Phuket Old Town.
  • Price or access: Dining venue, check menus on Blue Elephant.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Free and Easy Locations

Sometimes the best frames cost nothing. These are simple stops with clear lines, good color, and easy access.

Thalang Road

Shophouse balconies, colorful shutters, and street art. On Sundays the market adds string lights and bunting.

  • Best time: Early morning for empty streets, or Sunday evening for lights.
  • How to get there: Walk from Old Town stops served by Airport Bus Phuket.
  • Price or access: Free street, see Thalang Road.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Yanui Beach

A small cove with a central rock stack and view of Koh Man. It is ideal for layers and leading lines.

  • Best time: Morning for calm water, late afternoon for warm glow.
  • How to get there: Ride toward Rawai with the Phuket Smart Bus, then a short taxi.
  • Price or access: Free public beach, see Yanui Beach.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Nai Harn Beach

Long curve of white sand with verdant headlands. The water is bright turquoise on clear days.

Karon Beach – North End Rocks

Granite boulders and tide pools add foreground interest to the long beach. Great for seascapes.

Phuket Old Town Murals

Playful street art tucked along alleys and side walls. It is a fun backdrop for candid poses.

  • Best time: Morning, when the alleys are quiet.
  • How to get there: Stroll from Phuket Old Town center.
  • Price or access: Free, see a cluster around Soi Romanee.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Chalong Bay Pier

Long pier lines that lead your eye to the horizon. Boats and islands add texture to frames.

Poses and Angles

These spots shine when you think in layers, lines, and shapes. I note the angles that work best and simple pose ideas you can adapt.

Big Buddha Stairs and Bells

Use the marble steps and hanging bells to frame the figure. Place your subject low in the frame to emphasize scale.

Pose tip: Have your subject hold a bell cord lightly, look past the camera, and keep toes pointed up the steps to elongate the body.

Wat Chalong Courtyard

Ornate gold and red details with layered pagodas. Symmetry works well under the archways.

Pose tip: Center yourself under an arch, hands together at chest height for respect, chin slightly down, and step one foot forward to create a line.

Monkey Hill (Khao To Sae) Viewpoint

Green canopy meets city skyline. The guardrails and road curve are strong leading lines.

Pose tip: For safety, keep distance from monkeys. Use a wide stance near the rail, facing the curve for a dynamic silhouette.

Sarasin Bridge Pavilions

Repetitive arches create depth. Match your pose to the geometry for clean lines.

Pose tip: Stand in the center line, shoulders squared, one hand lightly on the rail, chin up to match the arch rise.

Soi Romanee Facade Line

Pastel storefronts are a backdrop dream. Keep the frame tight to avoid crowds.

  • Best time: Morning on weekdays. Avoid Sunday market evening.
  • How to get there: Walk from Old Town after arriving with Airport Bus Phuket.
  • Price or access: Free street, see Soi Romanee.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Pose tip: Lean back against a doorway, one leg bent, and let your bag or hat add a diagonal line across your body.

Mai Khao Plane Wing Perspective

Capture a jet angling toward the runway with beach foreground. Timing and low angles matter.

Pose tip: Kneel or lie low with the horizon at shoulder height. Let your subject look up and reach a hand toward the flight path.

Safety and Dress Code

Phuket is relaxed, but temples and shrines are sacred. Cover shoulders and knees at Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, and Chinese shrines. Scarves work if you are in beachwear. Hats off inside prayer halls. Keep your voice low, and step aside during ceremonies.

On beaches and cliffs, watch footing near wet rocks. Waves can surprise you in monsoon months. Keep a safe distance from monkeys, and never feed them. If you plan to fly a drone, register and follow the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand rules. Skipping permits can lead to fines, and temple areas and national parks often restrict flights.

At night markets and busy streets, carry gear in front, and avoid leaving bags on the ground during poses. If you need help in an emergency or feel unsafe, the Tourist Police can be reached at 1155. Save the number in your phone before you go out.

Weather and Crowd Tips

Light changes fast in the tropics. I track forecasts and plan flexible routes. Midday is hot and harsh, so I shoot mornings and late afternoons, then rest or go indoors at lunchtime. On weekends, popular viewpoints fill up 30 minutes before golden hour. Go early and pick your corner.

Rainy season runs roughly May to October, with short but heavy showers. Skies can be dramatic after rain, and the hour right after a shower often delivers glowing color. Thunderstorms pass quickly, so wait it out under cover. For forecasts and warnings, check the Thai Meteorological Department before heading to exposed viewpoints or beaches.

Seasonal Conditions

Beaches and headlands can be risky in the monsoon season. Waves are stronger, currents build, and some access paths get slick. During high surf, lifeguards flag dangerous areas. If you see red flags, do not enter the water for any reason, not even for a quick photo. Clifftop wind can also be intense. Keep tripods low or weighted.

Dry season, from November to April, brings calmer seas and clear air. This is the best time for sunrise and sunset. Still, carry water and sunscreen, and build shade breaks into your plan.

For sea conditions and coastal updates, refer to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. They share safety notices and environmental guidelines that help you plan responsibly.

Where to Stay or Plan

I like to base near one cluster, then day trip to another. Here are easy bases that keep you close to frames you will shoot often.

  • Old Phuket Town – Shophouse facades, murals, cafes, and quick rides to viewpoints. See Old Phuket Town.
  • Kata and Karon – Beach curves, Karon Viewpoint, and sunset promenades. See Kata Beach and Karon Beach.
  • Rawai and Nai Harn – Windmill Viewpoint, Yanui, sunrise at Rawai pier. See Rawai and Nai Harn.
  • Patong – Lively streets, night neon, and access to west coast beaches. See Patong.
  • Mai Khao – Plane spotting and empty sunrise beach walks. See Mai Khao.

Bonus: More Photo-Worthy Stops

If you have extra time, these spots add variety to your grid. Mix in a couple when you are nearby and the light looks good.

Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham

A temple with a gold seated Buddha and a quiet hill setting. The tiled terraces are great for geometric frames.

Laem Panwa Promenade

Boardwalks with calm bay views and boutique hotels. Good for luxe lifestyle shots against pastel skies.

Freedom Beach Viewpoint

A high vantage over one of Phuket’s prettiest beaches. The water is a strong turquoise on clear days.

  • Best time: Mid to late afternoon, when the cove is lit.
  • How to get there: Taxi from Patong, short hike required.
  • Price or access: Trail is free, see Freedom Beach.
  • Exact location: Google Maps

Bang Pae Waterfall

Lush rainforest vibes and a gentle cascade. Great for slow shutter shots and green backdrops.

Wat Phra Thong (Phra Phut)

Home to Phuket’s half-buried golden Buddha. A unique cultural setting for quiet portraits.

How I Plan a One-Day Route

If you want to stack locations efficiently, here is a route I used that delivered a full day of strong frames:

Sunrise at Khao Khad View Tower. Quick coffee, then Ao Yon Beach for minimal shots. Late morning indoor session at Aquaria Phuket. Lunch at Central Phuket Floresta with a few atrium lifestyle frames. Afternoon taxi to Karon Viewpoint, then down to Kata Noi for beach portraits. Golden hour at Windmill Viewpoint. Blue hour at Rawai pier with longtail silhouettes. If you still have energy, head back to Old Town for street night shots.

Always keep a rain plan for the midday block, and bring a light scarf for temple stops. Pack a microfiber cloth for lens fog in humid conditions. And save all your Google Maps pins offline in case your data drops in hilly areas.

Gear and Settings Cheatsheet

Travel light, shoot fast, and keep a few settings in your pocket:

  • Wide lens 16-24 mm for viewpoints and Old Town symmetry.
  • Standard prime 35 or 50 mm for portraits and lifestyle shots.
  • Polarizer to cut glare on water and pastel walls.
  • ND filter for smooth water at Karon rocks and Rawai.
  • ISO 100-200, f/5.6-8 for sharp street and facades. f/2-2.8 for portraits with creamy backgrounds.
  • Shutter 1/250 or faster for beach action, slower 1/4-1 sec for water blur on a mini tripod.
  • Phone users, use HDR judiciously. Tap to focus on midtones, and avoid over-bright skies by dragging exposure down a notch.

Respectful Photography Reminders

Ask permission before photographing vendors or portrait-style shots of locals. Smile, learn a simple hello, and show the result. At shrines, do not shoot with your back to the altar in a way that blocks worshippers. Drones should be quiet and kept away from nesting areas and crowded beaches. Leave no trace, and pack out everything you bring.

Transport Basics for Photo Days

Without a scooter, you can still cover a lot. The Phuket Smart Bus connects the west coast beaches. The airport bus gets you into Old Town. From there, short taxis or tuk-tuks complete your route. For sunrise or late returns, pre-arrange a ride, and confirm the pickup spot the night before. Always share a live location with a friend for early solo shoots.

If you want to island hop for a different look later in your trip, ferries leave from Rassada Pier. Book only with reputable operators and check sea conditions first. Allow buffer time in case of weather delays.

Final Thoughts

I never run out of frames in Phuket. The mix of heritage streets, glowing water, and high viewpoints keeps my camera out all day. If you build a simple sunrise-to-sunset plan, pack a towel and a scarf, and choose two clusters, you will leave with a solid set. This list is a starting point, so follow the light, and do not be afraid to take that left onto a quiet alley when it glows.

Scroll to Top