5 Things to Do in Phuket When It Rains

Phuket has a distinct seasonality. This means there are only two seasons here: high season (from November to May) and low season (from May to November). You can read more about the island’s weather in our article Phuket Weather by Month. But that’s not the point today.

If you’ve come to Phuket during the low season or happen to get caught in the rain during the high season (which does happen – especially lately), your list of things to do may shrink a bit. The beach, some excursions, and park walks are off the table. Because a tropical downpour is no gentle drizzle. But bad weather is no reason to sulk in your hotel room. On the contrary – it’s a great opportunity to discover a different side of the island. We’ve put together some ideas on what to do in Phuket when it’s pouring outside.

Relax at a spa or get a massage

Phuket is full of amazing spa salons – from budget massage rooms to luxurious wellness centers. Rain outside only adds to the cozy vibe: you’re lying in a dimly lit room, getting an aromatherapy massage, while the rain gently drums in the distance… Paradise! Check out the best Massage & SPA spots in the dedicated section on our website. You can filter locations by area so you won’t have to go far in the rain.

Dive into the gastronomic world of Thai cuisine

What could be better than delicious food on a rainy day? Taking a Thai cooking class! You won’t just enjoy a meal – you’ll learn how to cook dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, and later impress your friends back home. These kinds of culinary courses are offered at Blue Elephant Cooking School in Phuket Old Town and at Pum Thai Restaurant & Cooking School.

And if you’re someone who prefers eating over cooking, check out the Cafes & Restaurants section. You can also filter venues by area there.

Go shopping

While it’s pouring outside, you can explore Central Phuket Floresta – a huge shopping mall with stores, food courts, movie theaters, and even an aquarium: Aquaria Phuket! Or choose any other mall. You’ll find a full list in the Shopping Malls section.

Catch a movie

Most shopping malls have cinemas. They usually show films with English subtitles – so if you understand English (props to you!), you can enjoy the latest Hollywood releases or Asian hits. There are also screenings in Russian on the island – for example, at SF Cinema City in the Jungceylon mall. Keep an eye on the schedule.

Soak up culture at a museum

Why not use the time to learn more about the culture and everyday life of Phuket’s original residents? Did you know that not long ago the island wasn’t a popular tourist destination at all? We wrote more about this in our articles From Tin Mines to World-Class Resort: The History of Phuket’s Transformation and Peranakan Culture in Phuket. To really impress with your Phuket knowledge, consider visiting Museum Phuket, Peranakan Museum, and other historical sites around the island.

Watch an authentic Thai show

Thailand loves things big, bold, and bright. Just look at the Buddhist temples – which, by the way, can be a good option even on a rainy day. Sure, you may not see the whole grounds, but the interiors are still worth it.

But let’s talk about unique Thai shows – like the Simon Cabaret Show. As the name suggests, it’s a cabaret. But not just any cabaret… it has a distinctly Thai flair, featuring transgender and transvestite performers. If you have any stereotypes, leave them at the door – this is all about dazzling costumes, stunning stage design, and impressive lighting effects. The Simon Cabaret Show has been running for an incredible 33 (!) years.

Another authentic Thai performance takes place in the stadium: Muay Thai fights. They’re so intense and theatrical that they could easily be considered a form of live show. The best matches are held at Patong Boxing Stadium, usually featuring 7–8 fights across different weight classes. Both professional and beginner fighters take the ring.

You can book tickets to these shows with a discount from us via WhatsApp or Telegram.

Have fun and try something new

Phuket offers plenty of entertainment. For example, you can check out the creepy Dark House quest (by the way, it’s the first horror escape room on the island) and feel like the main character in a horror movie. You can book a visit to Dark House Adventure with a discount from us via WhatsApp or Telegram.

You can also go bowling or play pool. Most locations are inside shopping malls. Just type “bowling” into Google, and you’ll get a whole list of spots where you can roll some balls with friends.

Get in shape

Meditating to the sound of rain is a special kind of pleasure. The island has plenty of yoga centers where you can spend a couple of hours doing something good for your body and mind. Some offer drop-in classes, so you don’t need a membership. And if yoga sounds too calm, you can hit the gym, try CrossFit, tennis, or padel. There’s a huge variety. Check out the Sports Sections section on our website – you’ll find everything you need there.

Play board games or chill in a game cafe

Phuket has cafes with board games, gaming zones, and even karaoke – especially fun if you’re with friends. You might end up spending hours playing Monopoly or UNO. Check out places like Kult, SHAMAN PHUKET, Youtopia Cafe, Hiw Peek Cafe & Restaurant, and others. We have a Gaming Centers section on our website – that’s where you’ll find the best spots.

Just relax

Sometimes, rain is the perfect excuse… to do absolutely nothing. Seriously. Stay at your hotel, order some mango sticky rice (you’ll find delivery service tips in our article Must-Have Thai Apps), read a book, or binge a series. By the way, if you’re curious about movies and shows filmed in Phuket, check out our Movies Filmed in Phuket article.

And a quick tip

Tropical rain often comes in bursts rather than lasting all day. So just wait an hour or two – and you’ll be good to go again!

To explore the island, check out our Excursions and Walkways sections. If you’re into ocean adventures, don’t miss Diving and Fishing.