Thailand's largest island is not just an idyllic beach destination. You will soon find that there are much more reasons to choose Phuket for your next holidays.
Phuket has been branded “The Pearl of Andaman”, a place to discover Thai ancient and modern culture. Visiting ancient temples such as Chalong Temple, surrounding yourself by nature at Phi Phi Natural Park, strolling the markets at Patong Beach, having some healthy colorful juices while lying at the beach, and dancing to quality live music bands at Bangla Road by the end of the day are some of the most fascinating things to do. You will never get bored, unless that is what you are looking for…since relaxing holidays can too be catered for you in Phuket! Good for couples, families with small children, solo travellers, or a bunch of friends like us.
The aforementioned places are within easy reach and getting around is quite cheap whether you rent a motorcycle, hire a tuk tuk or book a boat trip to other islands. Keep reading to get a glimpse of our experience.
Tailor your holidays in Phuket: International Travel Tips.
Where is Phuket?
Phuket tourist attractions:
Wat Chalong
Learning about Buddhism and Buddha’s life through Chalong temples.
Big Buddha
“High atop the Nakkerd Hills, northwest of Chalong circle, and visible from half of the island, the 45m-high Big Buddha sits grandly on Phuket’s finest viewpoint. Though it’s a tad touristy, tinkling bells and flapping flags give this space an energetic pulse.”
Phi Phi Islands: snorkeling and swimming
“The most popular activity in the region. Phi Phi Islands are situated 40 km south-east of Phuket and consist of six islands. The major ones being Phi Phi Don, which hosts the bohemian town of Phi Phi Islands, and Phi Phi Leh with Maya Bay which featured in the movie “The Beach”. Phi Phi Islands are famous for its limestone cliffs rising sheer out of the emerald green waters, white powdery beaches and its many coral reefs offering great diving and snorkeling. All Phi Phi Island tours will take you for great sightseeing, swimming and snorkeling at Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach.”
One of the best days of our lives
Scuba diving at Raya Yai Island
“Also called Racha Yai Island, is situated 25 km south of Phuket. The main beach, Patok Beach, is located on a long u-shaped bay with powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise water providing for great swimming, as is the beach at Siam Bay next by which hosts a longer and more quite beach. Kon Kare Bay and Ter Bay a few hundred meters across the island host great beaches and fantastic snorkeling. Diving tours and fishing tours are concentrated on that side of the island due to the abundance of sea life.”
Swimming deep underwater like a fish for the first time
Parasailing at Coral Island
“Coral Island (Koh Hae) is situated 10 km south of Phuket. The island is surrounded by multicolored coral reefs, hence the name Coral Island. The island has two long stretches of white, sandy beach with crystal clear water with plentiful of tropical fishes waiting to be fed, and a few quiet bays on the other side. A short trek over the small hill and rocks leads to a small quiet cove with a beautiful beach, an excellent hideaway during the day. Sea activities as scuba diving, banana boat rides, parasailing and sea-walking are available on the island.”
From Coral Island you can see all the way to Phuket which is crowned by the big Buddha. A beautiful scenery while parasailing
Patong Beach
Bangla Road
“Bangla Road really comes to life once the sun sets. The road is closed to vehicle traffic and becomes a 400 metre festival of neon lights, loud music and cheap beer.”
Karen View Point
Promthep Cape
Best-known sunset view location in Phuket.
One Day In Phuket by Expedia
One minute timelapse to make you pack your bag and book the next flight.
Richard: Trust me, it’s paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven’t tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It’s probably worth it.
- Alex Garland: The Beach (1996)
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