ICONPHUKET is Coming in 2029: What Travellers Need to Know

Phuket may already be famous for its beaches, island-hopping adventures and buzzing nightlife, but by 2029, travellers could have an entirely new reason to visit.

Siam Piwat, the Thai property group behind Bangkok icons such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery, as well as joint owner of ICONSIAM, has unveiled plans for ICONPHUKET, a massive new lifestyle, retail and entertainment destination in Phuket.

With an investment of THB 10 billion, ICONPHUKET will feature 12 world-class attractions, entertainment offerings and extensive green spaces, with plans to open to visitors in 2029.

Also read: Things to Do in Phuket With Friends or Family [2026 Guide]

ICONPHUKET is designed to be much more than a mall

Image credit: Bangkok Post | Official Website

Siam Piwat is positioning ICONPHUKET as a “Hybrid Retail-Attraction & Entertainment Destination”, where shopping will form just one part of the overall experience.

Around one-third of the project will be dedicated to attractions and entertainment, while more than 40% of the development will comprise green and open spaces.

The biggest teaser so far is the line-up of 12 major attractions, which Siam Piwat says will appeal to both Thai and international visitors. Exactly what these attractions will be has yet to be revealed, with further details expected to be announced later.

For travellers, the concept could offer another side to Phuket beyond its beaches and outdoor experiences, particularly for families, groups and repeat visitors looking for more all-weather activities.

So, where will ICONPHUKET be?

Image credit: adisa | Canva Pro

ICONPHUKET will be located in Si Sunthon, Thalang district, in the northern part of Phuket.

It will form the commercial centrepiece of a much larger development called Synthesis Ark Phuket, developed by CV Group of Companies.

The entire mixed-use development comes with an investment value of more than THB 50 billion and will span over 500 rai of land.

Plans for Synthesis Ark Phuket include:

• Luxury villas and condominiums

• Hotels and serviced apartments

• Office buildings

• Educational institutions

• Health and wellness facilities

• Retail, leisure and lifestyle spaces

ICONPHUKET is scheduled to open in 2029, while the first phase of the wider Synthesis Ark Phuket development is expected to be completed by 2032.

It will showcase more than just Phuket

Image credit: lemaret pierrick; orochisunny | Canva Pro

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about ICONPHUKET is that the project isn't being designed solely around Phuket.

Siam Piwat wants the destination to introduce travellers to the identities, cultures, traditions and local products of all 14 provinces of Southern Thailand.

The idea is to use Phuket's position as one of Thailand's best-known international destinations as a gateway to the wider southern region. Experiences within ICONPHUKET are expected to draw on Southern Thailand's heritage, local wisdom, arts, culture and ways of life, presenting them in a contemporary setting for both domestic and international travellers.

Siam Piwat has also been working with public and private-sector partners, including the Thai Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the 14 southern provinces, on a wider Southern Thailand Vision Master Plan.

For travellers, this could mean discovering food, crafts, cultural experiences and destinations from elsewhere in Southern Thailand while in Phuket, and perhaps finding inspiration to venture beyond the island.

While you’re there: More things to do in Phuket

Of course, you won’t have to wait until 2029 to find plenty to do in Phuket. Beyond its famous beaches, the island has heritage neighbourhoods, temples, viewpoints and nighttime attractions worth building into your itinerary.

Explore Phuket Old Town

Image credit: NuwatPhoto | Canva Pro

Start with Phuket Old Town, where colourful heritage shophouses, cafés, restaurants and museums line streets including Thalang Road, Dibuk Road, Phang Nga Road and Soi Romanee.

The neighbourhood reflects Phuket’s multicultural past, shaped by Chinese, Indian, European and Muslim communities during the island’s tin-mining era.

If your visit falls on a Sunday, stick around for the Phuket Sunday Walking Street, also known as Lard Yai, which takes over Thalang Road from 4pm to 10pm with local food, crafts and shopping.

Visit Wat Chalong

For a look at another side of Phuket’s heritage, head to Wat Chalong, or Wat Chaitaram, one of the island’s best-known Buddhist temples.

The temple remains an important place of worship for Phuket residents and is closely associated with revered monks Luang Por Chaem and Luang Por Chuang.

As with any religious site, dress respectfully when visiting and follow the temple’s rules while exploring the grounds.

Make time for Phuket’s beaches

Image credit: Carlos Castilla | Canva Pro

You can’t really talk about Phuket without mentioning the beaches.

Patong is one of the livelier choices, while Kata and Karon are popular stretches along the west coast. Travellers looking for a more relaxed setting can also consider beaches farther north, such as Mai Khao and Nai Yang.

Swimming conditions can change with the weather and season, so always pay attention to warning flags and local safety advice before entering the sea.

Catch sunset at Promthep Cape

For classic Phuket views, make your way to Promthep Cape, or Laem Phromthep, at the southern end of the island.

The cape is one of Phuket’s most popular sunset viewpoints, overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounding coastline.

You can also pair it with Karon Viewpoint, where you'll get panoramic views across Kata Noi, Kata and Karon bays.

Save an evening for one of Phuket’s nighttime attractions

If you're travelling with family or simply want something different after sunset, Phuket also has established entertainment attractions such as Carnival Magic in Kamala.

The Thai cultural carnival park spans more than 40 acres and centres around illuminated displays, a large-scale parade and its Kingdom of Lights attraction.

Operating days and show schedules can vary, so it’s worth checking the latest information before visiting.

Also read: 12 Airbnbs in Phuket for an Unforgettable Trip

Another reason to revisit Phuket in 2029?

Image credit: izzetugutmen | Canva Pro

There are still plenty of details we don't know, including the exact attractions, retail brands, restaurants and entertainment experiences that will eventually call ICONPHUKET home.

But based on the plans announced so far, the development could become a significant addition to Phuket's tourism landscape when it opens in 2029.

For travellers, that could mean a future Phuket itinerary that goes well beyond beaches and island hopping, with shopping, entertainment, cultural experiences and new attractions all gathered within one destination.

And with Phuket Old Town, temples, beaches, viewpoints and established entertainment attractions already giving visitors plenty to do today, ICONPHUKET could simply add another major reason to return to the island in the years ahead.