Most travellers heading to Southeast Asia prefer to visit Bangkok and Phuket. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Every year 5 million travellers flock to Phuket to experience the turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, tropical climate, adventures, thriving nightlife, and luxury spas. Phuket caters to the needs of all holidaymakers travelling in a group, family or with a special someone.
Book tickets in advance
The best time to travel to Phuket is from December to March. The weather is comfortable with a cool breeze and no humidity. The months of May and April are the warmest. While in June, July and August, there are heavy showers now and then. In September and October, you can expect non-stop rains, which can disrupt your sightseeing and exploring plans in Phuket.
From Bangkok, you can reach Phuket via flight. Then you can either travel within Phuket by train or bus. Road transportation is very well connected here. Car rental is costly, and thus travellers choose to travel by bus from Bangkok to Phuket. For the bus ride, you can visit the Bookaway website to buy tickets in advance. Bookaway is a great resource to search, compare and book domestic transportation tickets on the Internet.
Some things to know before reaching Phuket
- The majority of tourists buy lots of clothes, bags, shirts, pants, etc. at the Jungceylon Shopping Mall because it is affordable. Unfortunately, the goods claimed to be branded are NOT. It is not a place to do bulk shopping, but choose some of the funky branded apparel for your wardrobe. Do bulk shopping in Bangkok!
- Phuket offers a plethora of services including massage, pedicure, manicure, massage, and hairstyling at affordable prices. You can pamper yourself with a Thai massage!
- Thailand is popular for its authentic food. However, you’ll find international cuisine served more than the local dishes in the restaurants. If you are keen on trying some traditional Thai food like Pad Thai, Tom Yam, Green Curry, or Thai Pancake, then street stalls are a place to feed your hungry soul.
- Phuket is a travelers’ heaven, so you will find all kinds of accommodations around suitable for every budget ranging from backpackers to luxurious resorts.
- Be cautious about your expectations to enjoy the popular nightlife. You will be amazed to read the menu, ‘Buy a drink and watch the show for free’. You’ll need to pay 45 to 100 USD for the drinks, not in Thai Baht, so drink wisely.
Now, let’s learn about all the places to explore in Phuket, so you can carefully plan your itinerary. The overall enjoyment will not be only the number of places you get to see, but even how you will visit it counts!
Beaches
The popular Patong Beach
It is the very first place travellers flock to as soon as they land on the island. Patong Beach is always crowded and bustling. At night, the place turns into a party hub. It is a hot and happening place, but someone looking to relax and stretch needs to visit Karon and Kata beaches.
The recommended Karon and Kata Beaches
Both are a short drive from Paton Beach. The sand is white, the water is clean, and the environment is laid-back. These peaceful beaches allow travellers to relax and enjoy the remarkable sunset on the horizon. The Kata Beach bars are perfect for a wonderful evening.
The offbeat Laem Ka Beach
It is a kind of private beach and hidden gem with stunning offshore island views. The sparkling blue water is crystal clear and perfect for some cool splash! It is a little remote from the central region with a perfect backdrop.
Other similar beaches are Paradise Beach, Nui Beach, and Freedom Beach.
Temples
Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
Phuket’s most famous landmark is the 45-meter massive statue of Buddha. This white marble figurine is perched on top of a hill, which offers stunning views of Chalong Bay. For serene prayer offerings, many travellers visit Wat Chalong, the biggest and most colourful worship place.
Wat Khao Rang
This temple hosts many golden Buddha figurines and other Hindu Gods. The incredible temple Wat Khao Rang was constructed by Luang Pu Supha, a monk. He is stated to be the world’s oldest man. A massive statue guards the entrance and a dragon slides down its stairway.
Natural attractions
Karon viewpoint
Although this point is called Karon, it is in Kata. On a clear day, travellers can get picture-perfect ocean views and the three wonderful beaches.
Promthep Cape
Nature lovers can experience the majestic sunset from this viewpoint. The Nai Harn beach and several offshore islands can be seen from this point. Evenings are crowded here as many people take a hike towards the southernmost point. If you too want to join them, then it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Bang Pae waterfall
The waterfall has a steady flow of milky white water, which is perfect for enjoying a swim after a memorable hiking experience across the scenic beauty.
Art museums
The Trick Eye Museum as well as the upside-down House have impressive displays, but are both quirky. The first one exhibits life-size 3D paintings, which appear to pop out at times. The latter one is designed with everything upside-down.
Cultural Show
Thai folklore is told uniquely at cultural shows Phuket Fantasea & Siam Niramit. You can enjoy gravity-defying stunts at the circus-style show Phuket Fantasea. Other things to enjoy are the tigers performing jumps and leaps, adorable elephants, fireworks, and magical illusions.
Siam Niramit takes guests back in time with hundreds of artists adorned in glitzy costumes displaying an entertaining and educational show. The popular ladyboy show at Simon Cabaret is glamorous. Guests get captivated by the graceful dancing, celebrity parodies, and performances revealing boundless energy.
Adventure
- Scuba diving or snorkeling
- Bungee jumping
- Ziplining
Have a refreshing experience and explore the underwater and the wilderness!
Island tours
Phang Nga Bay Cruise
You get to visit the popular James Bond Island. You can enjoy your lunch at Koh Panyee. It is a fishing village built on pilings. You can canoe leisurely along the popular limestone cliffs.
Phi Phi Island tour
Thailand’s most Scenic Island is the Koh Phi Phi. People are mesmerized by Maya Bay, a green lagoon enclosed by rocky cliffs. You sail along Pileh Covers, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave. You get to snorkel and explore the diverse marine life under emerald-green waters.
Nightlife
- Bangla Road is a crazy party street jammed with neon-lit bars and flowing music at night-time.
- Walk along with Phuket’s Night markets for an authentic experience of shopping for cheap clothes, and funky souvenirs and savor the best street food.
- WWF fans can watch the Muay Thai, a powerful martial art match involving hard elbow strikes and kicks at stadiums.
If you plan to spend more than 4 days in Phuket, then visit an overnight trip to nearby Khao Sok National Park!
