There are many things to do in Phuket, a small island off the cast of Thailand. Offering intense natural beauty along with partying nightlife, Phuket has made an identity all its own.
1. Nga Bay
Situated between the island of Phuket and mainland Thailand is this stunning bay. To really get to know the area, take a trip by boat, including the option of a canoe. This way you can explore the caves that make up the shoreline of the bay as well as hidden lagoons.
The Bay itself is famous for being in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun and was also the setting for a planet in Star wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
2. Old Phuket Town
Get lost in the labyrinth of streets that is Old Phuket Town. Here you will find small cafes and bakeries waiting to be visited. There are many local markets to find local souvenirs. The architecture is a mix of Portuguese colonialism and traditional Thai buildings. There are even some abandoned mansions to visit.
3. Phuket Walking Street Market
On the weekend the streets of Phuket come alive as they are transformed into an open air market space free of cars. Here you can stroll by locals selling their wares and hopefully bargain for a good deal.
4. Khao Rang Hill
Overlooking Phuket Town is this magnificent viewpoint that has a few nice restuarants that allow you to savour the views and of course, the sunset. You can see most of southern Phuket including this giant Big Buddha.
5. Nai Harn Beach
One of Phuket’s most pristine waterfronts can be found on the southwestern tip of the island. The beaches are full of gorgeous white sands and the water full of sea life. The nearby villages has restaurants and hotels but the hillside is more tranquil.
6. Promthep Cape
Located at the very southern tip of Phuket is Promthep Cape and it offers a stunning view of the surrounding ocean. The place is a huge tourist draw, and be careful around sunset when tourist buses pull up to unload hordes of people to snap their coveted pictures.
Around the lookout you will see tall sugar palms swaying in the wind. If you have time, you can eat at the restaurant there and take your time savouring the sunset.
7. Kata Viewpoint
Also known as Karon Viewpoint, this stretch of beach is on the southwest coast of Phuket. From the top of a small hill you can look out over three different beaches, each with soft white sand and clear blue water. The view is amazing and definitely it is one of the best things to do in Phuket.
8. Wat Chalong Temple
A towering 45 meter statue of the Buddha is truly a sight to see and you will find the immense piece of art at the Wat Chalong Temple in southern Phuket. The temple was built at the beginning of the 19th century and is the most visited temple in all of Phuket. Throughout the temple complex you’ll be able to see paintings that illustrate the life of the Buddha along with golden statues of the Buddha.
The best thing to do at the temple is climb to the third floor where you have an unobstructed view of the Big Buddha. The third floor is also home to a bone fragment of the Buddha, housed in a glass display case.
9. Phuket Fantasea Park
Found at Kamala Beach, this adventure park is colorful, bold and very popular. Here you can find amazing stage performances that narrate Thai history as well as a parade of elephants. There are arcade games for children to play and restaurants to eat at. It is very touristy, but fun in its own way.
10. Koh Panyee Village
At the base of a giant rock cliff is a tiny fishing village where you can see local Thai fishermen out for their daily catch. You can rent a boat and travel around the limestone rock that is also home to mangrove trees. If you’re there at lunchtime make sure to sample the local catches and one of the many restaurants around the pier.
11. Patong
The main tourist beach of Phuket is Patong, located on the west coast. This places if full of action, both day and night. There are a number of hotels to stay at and restuarants to eat at. There are also, of course, a number of bars to spend your nights at. There are any shopping options, which makes this a great place to look for souvenirs. The beaches are home to a number of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming.
12. Soi Bangla
The heart of Phuket nightlife can be found on Bangla Road, on the west coast of Phuket in Patong Beach. This colorful road is home to restaurants, shops and bars. It is also home to a bachelor’s paradise as many clubs offer the chance to see girls in all their glory. While this might put some people off, there are enough other attractions that make Bangla Road enjoyable.
13. Khao Pra Thaeo National Park
Located in the northeast of Phuket, this national park covers 23 square kilometers of lush rain forest. It is home to exotic and endangered animal species on the island and is a tranquil place to get lost in nature. There are waterfalls, many hiking trails and a rehabilitation center for gibbon monkeys.
14. Sirinat National Park
Running along Phuket’s northwest coast, you will find this national park that covers three beaches that are relatively untouched by tourism. The waters off the coast are crystal clear and home to large stretches of coral reef. The area is home is a sea turtle nesting site and there is a small mangrove forest at the northern end of the park.
15. The Similan Islands
If you have time to explore another part of Thailand for a day or two, then try to make it to the Similan Islands, which are just northwest of Phuket. There are many tours that will take you there and most include the option of snorkelling, which is well worth it. You can swim with turtles in the water and see magnificent stone structures on land. It’s a little slice of heaven in the sea.
The many things to do in Phuket represent an island that tries to relax during the day and party at night. The two worlds collide in a colorful display of theatrics that will mesmerize anyone.
