Best Places to Visit in Phuket
Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and for good reason. This tropical island offers a variety of attractions for every type of traveler, from stunning beaches and islands to cultural and historical sites. In this article, we will show you the best places to visit in Phuket, Thailand, that you don't want to miss on your next trip.
Beaches
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the most popular and crowded beach in Phuket, where you can find plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife options. Patong Beach is also known for its water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and more.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a family-friendly beach that offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than Patong Beach. Kata Beach has a long stretch of white sand and a blue sea that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can also enjoy surfing at the southern end of the beach or visit the nearby Kata Noi Beach for more privacy.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is one of the longest beaches in Phuket, measuring about 3 km long. Karon Beach has a wide and spacious sand area that is perfect for sunbathing or playing beach games. The water is clear and calm, but sometimes there are strong waves that attract surfers.
Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is a secluded and peaceful beach that is located at the southern tip of Phuket. Nai Harn Beach is surrounded by green hills and has a small lake nearby. The beach is popular among locals and expats who enjoy swimming, kayaking, sailing, or fishing.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is a luxurious beach that is home to some of the most upscale resorts and villas in Phuket. Bang Tao Beach is 6 km long and has a smooth and soft sand. The beach is ideal for relaxing or enjoying some spa treatments.
Islands
Phuket is surrounded by many islands that offer a different experience from the mainland. You can take a boat tour or a ferry to explore these islands and enjoy their natural beauty and diversity.
Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands are the most famous islands near Phuket, thanks to their appearance in movies like The Beach and James Bond. Phi Phi Islands consist of two main islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is where you can find accommodation, restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. Phi Phi Leh is where you can find the stunning Maya Bay, which is a secluded bay with turquoise water and limestone cliffs.
James Bond Island
James Bond Island is another iconic island near Phuket that was featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. James Bond Island is also known as Khao Phing Kan or Ko Tapu. It is famous for its distinctive rock formation that rises from the sea like a needle.
Similan Islands
Similan Islands are a group of nine islands that are part of a national park and a marine reserve. Similan Islands are renowned for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. They are considered one of the best diving spots in the world.
Racha Islands
Racha Islands are two islands that are located about 12 km south of Phuket. Racha Islands are also known as Raya Islands or Koh Racha. They are popular for their white sand beaches, clear water, and coral gardens. They are ideal for snorkeling, diving, or relaxing.
Temples
Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is the most important and revered temple in Phuket, where many locals and tourists come to pray and pay respect to the Buddha statues and relics. Wat Chalong has several buildings and halls that display various images and paintings of Buddha's life.
Big Buddha Phuket
This is a huge statue of Buddha that sits on top of a hill overlooking Phuket. Big Buddha Phuket is 45 meters tall and made of white marble. It is a symbol of peace and faith, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island from its base.
Wat Phra Thong
Wat Phra Thong is a temple that houses a mysterious and sacred Buddha image that is half-buried in the ground. Wat Phra Thong is also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and legend has it that anyone who tries to dig out the Buddha image will face misfortune.
Wat Phra Nang Sang
Wat Phra Nang Sang is an ancient temple that dates back to the 16th century. Wat Phra Nang Sang is known for its colorful and intricate statues of gods and guardians that guard the entrance. The temple also has a large collection of antique Buddha images.
Wat Srisoonthorn
This is a temple that features a giant reclining Buddha image that is 29 meters long and 8 meters high. Wat Srisoonthorn is also known as Wat Lipon, and it is located in Thalang district. The temple also has a museum that exhibits the history and culture of Phuket.
Cultural sites
Old Phuket Town
This is the historical center of Phuket Town, where you can find many old buildings, shops, museums, and galleries that date back to the 19th century. Old Phuket Town has a distinctive Sino-Portuguese style that reflects the influence of Chinese and European traders who came to Phuket for tin mining.
Phuket FantaSea
Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park that offers a spectacular show of Thai culture, mythology, and fantasy. Phuket FantaSea features a 70-minute show with elephants, acrobats, dancers, and special effects. It also has a buffet restaurant, a shopping village, and an animal park.
Phuket Weekend Market
This is a large and lively market that is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm. Phuket Weekend Market is also known as Naka Market or Talad Tai Rot. It is a place where you can find a variety of goods, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, antiques, souvenirs, and more. You can also enjoy some delicious street food and drinks at the market.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
This is a place where you can interact with rescued elephants in a ethical and humane way. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a retirement home for elephants that have been abused or exploited in the tourism or logging industries. You can join a half-day or a full-day program that allows you to feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants in their natural habitat.
Phuket Simon Cabaret Show
Since its opening in 1991, Simon Cabaret Show has gradually become a well-known performing arts theater in Phuket Island, with a large scale of performances and a rich variety of performances, more integrated with elements from China, India, Egypt, Europe, America, Africa and many other countries and regions, presenting many wonderful and professional performance programs for the audience.
Splash Jungle Water Park
Splash Jungle Water Park is a fun and exciting water park that offers various slides, pools, and attractions for all ages. Splash Jungle Water Park features themed zones that represent different parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. You can also enjoy some spa treatments, massages, or cabanas at the park.
