In the necklace of the most beautiful islands of Thailand, Phuket has a special role. It will forever captivate even the most experienced tourist with the splendor of its western and eastern coasts with picturesque bays, wide beaches with soft, white sand, unique mangroves, amazing gardens and parks. The sights of Phuket will appeal to brave divers, connoisseurs of oriental culture and those who want to get acquainted with the modern life of an exotic country. So, what should an experienced tourist and a beginner visit in Phuket? We will be happy to tell you about it!
Natural landscapes of the island
1. Phuket Botanical Garden
This garden, of course, was created by man, but it is still considered a natural attraction of the island. The garden area, amounting to more than 10 thousand m2, is divided into several thematic zones and decorated in Thai style. There is an orchard with exotic trees, an orchid pavilion, a valley of ferns and much more.
2. Phuket waterfalls
Waterfalls on the island of Phuket are a landmark that is best visited immediately after the end of the rainy season, i.e. In November. The island has three waterfalls that are open to tourists - Ton Sai, Kathu and Bang Pae. Each of them is unique in its own way. The most atmospheric among them is Katu. The road to each of the waterfalls passes through a real jungle, reminiscent of the adventures of the heroes of Hollywood films.
3. Prom Thep Cape
This cape is the southernmost tip of the island and is best visited at sunset. It is at this time that you can see an amazing display of nature here. The fiery ball of the sun slowly sinks into the sea, painting it in the most fantastic colors. There is also a small Buddhist temple and an old lighthouse, which in no way spoil the colorfulness of the cape.
Popular beaches in Phuket
Phuket is primarily a seaside holiday destination, so it would be wrong not to mention the island's amazing beaches.
4. Nai Yang beach (Beach with airplanes)
It is famous for being in close proximity to the airport. It is interesting that planes that land and take off from Phuket airport pass at a very low altitude above the beach. Of course, flying over the heads of enthusiastic tourists, they raise columns of sand into the air, but this does not in the least prevent them from taking fantastic photos in Phuket. Looking at them, it sometimes seems that you can reach the plane with your hand!
5. Karon
The most popular beach, where the atmosphere of a real holiday reigns. This is where most of the island's VIP hotels are located. Karon is crowded at any time of the year, so tourists who prefer peace and quiet are better off looking for another place to stay.
6. Bang Tao
A beach that can satisfy the needs of a wide variety of tourists. Its southern locations attract attention with their developed infrastructure. The central feature is several picturesque lakes connecting to the sea. The northern part of the island is an ideal option for a secluded holiday.
Paradise beaches of Phuket
Not all Phuket beaches attract attention with liveliness. There are places here that were created by nature itself for a relaxing holiday. This is a real tropical paradise that everyone should see!
7. Kata
Locals often call this place the beach with the most beautiful locations, and those who have ever been there have no reason to doubt it. The coastline on Kata runs along a coral reef, so here you can admire the beauty of the underwater world. And also, the coastal waters are very popular with surfers.
8. Surin
A beach for a romantic getaway with the cleanest coastal waters. Surin is not crowded, but is not devoid of civilization - shops, massage parlors and cozy restaurants. In the northern part of Surin, snorkelers can enjoy the beauty of a small reef, while everyone else can simply swim in the turquoise waters.
Bird's eye view of the island: Phuket observation decks
A story about what to see in Phuket would not be complete without a description of the island’s observation decks.
9. Khao Rang
An observation deck, which is located on the outskirts of the capital at an altitude of 140 m. From here you can admire the beauty of the city, the Andaman Sea and the nearby hills. They say that this is one of the most romantic places on the island, which is why couples come here in the evenings.
10. Karon
An observation deck overlooking the magnificent landscapes of the island. There is a gazebo on its territory, but not many lucky people manage to occupy it. The fact is that Karon is too crowded, so it is unlikely that you will be able to find peace here.
11. Windmill Viewpoint
This is a less popular, but no less interesting site, which can be classified as a non-tourist place in Phuket. This place is located far from tourist routes, so, as a rule, it is not crowded. And therein lies the main appeal of Windmill Viewpoint. It offers views of the beaches of Nai Harn and Yanui.
Animal parks in Phuket
One of the highlights of the island is its amazing nature. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that on the map of Phuket attractions you will find several animal parks.
12. Tiger Kingdom
A park where you are guaranteed to get an adrenaline rush! Here you can watch how tigers are cared for and these dangerous predators are fed. You can also go into their cage, pet them and even take a photo. Do not deny yourself this pleasure, and photos of Phuket from the tiger kingdom will take their rightful place in your home album.
13. Monkey Mountain
A familiar place for a resident of an Asian country and an extremely exotic place for Europeans. Here the monkeys feel so free that they gladly take treats from tourists who come to the mountain.
14. Bird Park
A real kingdom of birds, located in the very center of Phuket. The park is home to more than 300 species of birds that came here from all over the world. A pleasant addition to such diversity is colorful landscape design. 3 times a day, park workers, together with their pets, show visitors a bright show.
Historical heritage of Phuket
15. Wat Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong is the crown jewel of the island's collection of religious buildings. Externally, the Buddhist shrine resembles an oriental palace, so it must be included in your photos from Phuket. The temple includes several buildings. The most important among them is the Ubosot prayer temple. Surprisingly, the exact date of construction of Wat Chalong remains a mystery. It is only known that its age is at least 150 years.
16. Old Town - Phuket Town
The most attractive, from a historical point of view, part of the island's capital. Almost every house here is a striking representative of the amazing style that arose as a result of a mixture of Chinese and Portuguese traditions. The most interesting places in Phuket Town are museums, cute cafes and restaurants with authentic Thai cuisine.
17. Sarasin Bridge
Not all of Phuket’s attractions, which have become its cultural heritage, have a long history. One of them is the Sarasin Bridge, built in 1967. In addition to the fact that it has a memorable architecture, the bridge performs an important task - it connects the island with the mainland. Until 2011 it was open to car traffic. Now it is a pedestrian path with a beautiful observation deck and restaurants.
Phuket night markets and traditional shopping for Europeans
What is customary to bring from every tourist trip? Of course, nice little things! You can buy them in stores located near hotels. But don’t forget that the prices here are special – tourist prices. You can save money by visiting night markets in Phuket and large shopping centers.
18. Naka Market
This is the island's most famous nightlife spot. Why night? Yes, because it works from 16.00 to 23.00. Here you can buy anything - from original jewelry to street food, which Thais will prepare right before your eyes.
19. Lard Yai
Sunday market in Phuket. Locals love to visit this marketplace, so prices here are lower than at other markets on the island. The market is open on Sundays from 16.00 to 22.00. The main assortment is food, souvenirs and things.
20. Central Festival
The largest shopping center in Phuket, not much different from similar sites around the world. Modern design, an abundance of boutiques, numerous massage parlors - this is what awaits the tourist who wants to escape from the exotic at Central Festival.
21. Rawai Seafood Market
One of the most original types of shopping in Phuket. People don't come here to buy fish as a souvenir. Here tourists get a unique gastronomic experience. To do this, you need very little - buy the seafood you like and give it to a chef from a local restaurant, who will prepare an exotic dish from it.
Exotic modernity
22. Big Buddha of Phuket
When choosing where to go in Phuket, many tourists decide to visit this attraction. Of course, the Buddha statue is majestic and magnificent. But there is a nuance - it has nothing to do with the historical heritage, because the construction of the 45 m high monument began in 2002. The statue is surrounded by a temple complex, the construction of which is still ongoing.
23. Muay Thai
Thanks to the efforts of Hollywood directors, Thai boxing has become a legendary sport. It differs from regular boxing in being more entertaining and dynamic. Muay Thai competitions don't have the staged theatrics of wrestling. At the sports stadium in the resort area of Patong, real fights with fantastic energy are held.
24. Bangla Road
Bangla Road is a street living two lives at the same time. During the day it is an unremarkable pedestrian area with small Thai massage parlors, cozy cafes and restaurants. At night, those tourists who are interested in special entertainment in Phuket flock here. After dark, exotic ladyboys gather here and are very popular among tourists from different countries.
Enchanting shows in Phuket
25. Simon Cabaret
One of the most famous shows in Phuket, most of the artists are transgender. But this is not the only thing that attracts cabaret. Spectators will be treated to an interweaving of tradition and modernity, an extravaganza of luxurious images and stunning arrangements, as well as the artistry of the actors.
26. Phuket Fantasy
This is a colorful show that attracts thousands of tourists. In addition to the usual actors, elephants take part in it. Together, animals and people recreate scenes from Thailand's magnificent history. The performance is accompanied by the most modern special effects.
27. Siam Niramit
Another historical pageant that is a worthy rival to the previous show. The programs of the performances, of course, are not the same, but in some ways they are similar. Is it worth attending both shows? You decide!
Trip from Phuket to the islands
Phuket is not the only island that deserves the attention of tourists. There are many other islands in the immediate vicinity, which can be visited as part of a sightseeing tour or individually.
28. Ko Tapu
The island is better known as the island where the James Bond film Agent 007 was filmed. Externally, this small piece of land resembles a rocky spire, surrounded by mangroves. You cannot land on it, so tourists take pictures with the famous scenery from the Bond movie from the shore of Khao Ping Kan.
29. Rock and HA - islands
They are located quite far from Phuket. Their main attraction is the dizzying beauty of the beaches and the depths of the sea. Here you can go snorkeling - swimming with fins and a breathing tube under the very surface of the water surface.
30. Coral Island
This is a pleasant surprise for those who thought that the most beautiful coral reefs await tourists in the Red Sea. The entertainment industry on the island is quite developed, so you certainly won’t get bored here!
31. Phi Phi
This is an entire archipelago consisting of 6 islands. To get here you need to cover a whopping 48 km, but it's worth it! Small picturesque bays, the waters of which wash wild beaches, will not leave even the most convinced skeptics indifferent. A pleasant addition to your vacation is amazing diving in the company of experienced instructors.
It is impossible to talk about what to do in Phuket in one article. How to meet them? There are several options for this. If you are just planning a trip to Phuket, check out our review of the most interesting places on the island. In it we have collected not only famous attractions, but also non-tourist places, which, nevertheless, are worthy of the attention of guests of the island. And those who have already arrived in Phuket can choose THEIR excursions in our company and immerse themselves in the wonderful world of exotics!
