What to see in Phuket, interesting places. What to see in Phuket, cool places on the island What to do in Phuket
For many years, Phuket has been breaking records in popularity and demand among travelers. And not without reason, because the island’s resorts are located on excellent beaches, the sea water is clean and transparent, and prices for vacations have always been kept at an affordable level.
According to many tourists, Phuket is a strong and worthy compromise between the controversial Pattaya and places like Samui, Krabi or Phi Phi. The island has heavenly views, tranquil lagoons, traditional temples and hundreds of entertainment venues.
In the capital of the island, Phuket Town, you can wander through the streets and enjoy the amazing architecture, and then rent a bike and ride to one of the many observation decks or to any beach. Everything is nearby, so the traveler does not have to travel hundreds of kilometers of tedious road.
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What to see and where to go in Phuket?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
1. Big Buddha in Phuket
The monument is 45 meters high, installed on Nakkerd Hill in the southern part of the city. The Buddha statue is part of a large temple complex that is being built with charitable funds. Construction of the monastery began in 2002 and is still ongoing. Anyone can donate money for construction. The majestic statue of the god is visible from many points in Phuket; several roads lead from the coast to the attraction.
2. Wat Chalong Temple
The temple is located in the center of the island on the way to the Big Buddha statue. The attraction is included in all sightseeing tours of Phuket. Wat Chalong is the largest and most picturesque temple on the island; it is deservedly popular among tourists. In the interior, the decoration of the elements is dominated by gilding, the floor is made of marble. The walls are painted with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.
3. Suwan Khiri Ket Temple
The structure was built at the very end of the 19th century in the Karon beach area. The small temple building looks quite well maintained, as it is carefully maintained. At the entrance there are figures of emerald-colored snake guards. Twice a week there is a night market on the site near the temple, where you can buy food and clothing. Some tourists claim that you can enter the monastery in a swimsuit, given its location on the beach.
4. Phuket Old Town
Phuket town is located in the interior of the island, away from the beaten tourist paths. There are no beaches or vacation activities, but it has its own special atmosphere. The mansions from the last century that decorate the streets of the old city are built in the Sino-Portuguese style - a mixture of Chinese and European traditions, which indicates the times of alternating dominance of the Portuguese and Chinese on the island.
5. Sarasin Bridge
The bridge was built in 1967 and connects Phuket with mainland Thailand. Over time, it could no longer cope with the increased flow of cars. In 2011, a new modern bridge was built nearby and Sarasin became pedestrian. An observation deck has been installed here, which offers views of Phang Ga Bay and the exit to the Andaman Sea. At the foot of the bridge there are restaurants serving fresh seafood.
6. Bangla Road
A walking alley on the territory of Patong Beach, the center of Phuket's nightlife. There are more than 200 bars, several large night discos, shops, and shows for adults. During the day, the street is an ordinary resort alley where they sell souvenirs and offer local cuisine. At night it turns into a motley gathering of wandering tourists, local transsexuals in breathtaking costumes and girls of easy virtue.
7. Night market in Phuket Town
A weekend or, more correctly, weekend market, which is located in Phuket Town next to the Naka Temple. On weekdays, only a few outlets are open here. Trading starts at 16.00 and continues until 22.00-22.30. This is a very bright and colorful place where you can try several dozen types of Thai street food, buy souvenirs, clothes, shoes and various trinkets.
8. Lard Yai Sunday Street Market
Lard Yai is considered the largest market in Phuket. Unlike many other similar places, local residents shop here, so prices are lower than in tourist places. The shopping area is located in Phuket Town and is open only on Sundays from 16.00 to 22.00. The rest of the time it is a busy street with fairly heavy traffic. Like any Thai market, Lard Yai's counters are bursting with an abundance of food items.
9. Shopping center "Central Festival"
A large modern store in Phuket Town where a tourist can spend a fair amount of money. This is the most ordinary shopping center, of which there are many in all cities of the world. In addition to goods from global manufacturers, Thai products are sold here, and at the local food court you can taste fast food with a national flavor. Numerous massage parlors offer their services on the territory of the center.
10. Boxing stadium in Patong
The stadium is located in the center of Patong on Bangla Road. It is considered one of the best in Phuket. Boxing matches are held here three times a week, usually about 10 fights per evening. Serious professionals often come to demonstrate their skills. The arena has a capacity of 350 seats. Those interested can attend Muay Thai training sessions, which are held in the evenings on days when there are no competitions.
11. Phuket FantaSea
A colorful theatrical performance telling the history of Thailand. The show involves several dozen elephants and more than 400 people. For an hour and a half, the viewer is immersed in a fascinating world of magnificent scenery, colorful costumes, acrobatic stunts, traditional dances and special effects. The show has been running since 1998, since then it has been visited by a huge number of tourists.
12. Siam Niramit
The second historical performance, opened in 2011 and is a worthy competitor to Phuket FantaSea. Tourists often face a dilemma: which show to attend? Many people decide to watch both. Siam Niramit is a branch of the capital's show park in Phuket. Before the performance begins, spectators are invited to visit an impromptu Thai village and have dinner at a restaurant.
13. Simon Cabaret
A famous show featuring transsexuals and transvestites. They perform mind-blowing funny stunts, dance and sing superbly, causing indescribable delight among the audience. The actors demonstrate all their skills on stage, and the grateful audience responds with incessant applause. Simon Cabaret has been operating since 1991 on the beach (resort village) Patong.
14. 3D museum - Phuket Trickeye Museum
Museum of 3D paintings and optical illusions, opened in 2013. Against the background of “volumetric” images, magnificent photographs are obtained, since in the picture the entire composition is combined into an overall picture. The gallery has reproductions of works by famous masters - Van Gogh, E. Munch, Da Vinci. Before entering the museum, you must take off your shoes, as some parts of the 3D images are located directly on the floor.
15. Sea Shell Museum
The museum exhibits a collection of the Patamacantin traveling brothers. For 40 years, they traveled to countless countries and collected many artifacts around the world. The collection contains more than 2,000 exhibits, many of them are quite rare and valuable. For example, the museum houses a 140-carat pearl and a huge shell weighing 250 kilograms. Some shell fossils are several hundred million years old.
16. Phuket Aquarium
Oceanarium, which opened in 1983. The aquarium displays the rich fauna and flora of the ocean and fresh water bodies. Moray eels, catfish, huge perches, bright tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other inhabitants of the depths (about 160 species in total) live here. Some of the most interesting creatures of the aquarium are the cat fish, box fish, clown fish and leopard shark.
17. Bird Park in Phuket
The park is located in the central part of the island about 8 km. from Phuket Town, it has been operating since 2013. The territory is home to more than 300 species of birds brought from all over the world (about 1000 individuals in total). The creators of the park worked hard on the landscape design. There are gazebos, wooden figurines, sculptures scattered everywhere, there are even a few artificial reservoirs. The main attraction is the bird show, which takes place three times a day.
18. Botanical Garden
A small picturesque park located on an area of 1 hectare. It opened quite recently, but already claims to be a popular attraction on the island. The park space is divided into zones. There is a Japanese garden, a palm grove, a prairie with cacti, a Balinese corner, a European park, and a traditional Thai provincial house. In the Botanical Garden there is an artificial waterfall, where a tunnel entwined with greenery leads.
19. Tiger Kingdom
Small "branch" Buddhist monastery, where there are long-standing traditions of keeping tigers and training them to interact with people. Several animals live on the territory; the tourist can choose which one he wants to enter into the cage. The cost of visiting depends on this. It is believed that these tame tigers are not aggressive and do not attack people, so they can be petted. But before entering, each visitor is given a paper to sign, according to which he agrees with all the consequences of visiting a dangerous predator.
20. Monkey Mountain
A hill located near Phuket Town that is home to a colony of monkeys. There are a lot of animals there, they are not at all afraid of people - they calmly walk along the road, hang on trees, and happily eat treats from the hands of tourists. Sometimes a whole flock of monkeys can tag along behind a car or moped; this sight looks very funny. At the top of the hill there is an observation deck overlooking Phuket Town.
21. Bang Pae Waterfall
One of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Phuket. Jets of water fall from a height of 15 meters; you can swim in a small lake at the foot if you wish. The place became famous due to the fact that on its territory there is a nursery for orphan monkeys. Here, baby gibbons left without care for some reason are nursed. You cannot enter the nursery, but you can make a donation.
22. Sirinath National Park
The reserve was founded in 1981. Its territory stretches along the northwestern coast of the island. Within the national park there are wild beaches Bangtao, Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Kao, where giant turtles nest. The reserve has a unique mangrove grove, where various species of this tree are represented and mangrove snakes and monitor lizards live. The total area of Sirinath is about 90 km².
23. Karon Observation Deck
The point is located between Nai Harn and Kata beaches. From the top of the hill there are views of the coast and beaches of Karon, Kata Yai, Nai Harn, and the statue of the Big Buddha is clearly visible. The observation deck is popular among tourists; many people come here to admire the surroundings. There are a couple of cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat. There is a large gazebo on the site.
24. Rang Hill Viewpoint
Rang Hill is located within Phuket Town, overlooking Chalong and the emerald Andaman Sea. At the top of the hill where the observation deck is located, there is a monument to P. Ratsadanupradit, one of the respected governors of Phuket province. Wild monkeys live on the slopes and sometimes beg visitors for food. Near the observation deck there is a restaurant and a small park for sports.
25. Observation deck "Windmill"
A less popular and famous viewpoint in Phuket. It offers views of the beaches of Nai Harn, Ya Nui and a small uninhabited island off Prom Thep Cape. The site is equipped with a gazebo and several tents with food and drinks. There are not many people here, as the well-trodden tourist routes pass away from this picturesque place. But this is perhaps for the best.
26. Prom Thep Cape
The cape is the southernmost point of the island. From the local observation deck you can watch stunningly beautiful sunsets. Travel agencies they even organize special evening excursions so that people can see the magical colors of the sun setting into the waters of the Andaman Sea and painting the entire horizon in all shades of pink. In clear weather, you can even see the distant shores of India from the observation deck.
27. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn is located in the southwestern part of Phuket. On both sides it is surrounded by low mountains, which are covered with palm groves. The beach is small - only 1 km. in length and up to 50 meters in width. It is suitable for a quiet family vacation with children, since the descent into the water here is smooth and gentle. Thanks to warm currents, the water temperature remains within a comfortable range of 27-30°C throughout the year.
28. Karon Beach
Member of the three most popular and popular beaches on the island, which, in addition to it, also includes Kata and Patong. It stretches along the coast for several kilometers. There are a lot of hotels and tourists here, but still not as crowded as in Patong due to the greater length coastline. There are fewer people on the outskirts of Karon, so those who like solitude are advised to go there straight away rather than look for a place in the central part.
29. Bang Tao Beach
A large beach with golden sand and a shallow entry into the sea with a length of more than 7 km. It is located next to Patong. South part The beach is more populated; there are restaurants, cafes, retail outlets and other infrastructure. The northern part is less popular due to its inaccessibility. In the central part of Bang Tao there are several natural lakes that are connected to the sea through a narrow channel.
30. Kata Beach
The coastline of the beach stretches along a coral reef. According to some tourists, this is the cleanest water in Phuket. From May to October, winds blow here, so the place becomes popular among surfers. Many local hotels are located in close proximity to the beach and their windows offer excellent views of the azure Andaman Sea. Kata is suitable for both family recreation and active pastime.
From the comic Tin-Tin in Thailand.
If you are going to Phuket for the first time and haven’t quite decided on what plans to do there yet. Then this is for you.
By the way, even if this is not your first time in Phuket. The question of what to do there may still be relevant.
All people have different opinions and different interests, some like history and temples, others prefer leisure, while others, on the contrary, just love relaxation under the sun. Of course you can't please everyone. But that’s what’s good about this island; almost everyone can find something to their liking.
Well, are you ready to decide how you will spend your time in Phuket?
By the way, when my friends come to visit me. I recommend the same to them.
1.Visit small islands. It could be any island, of which there are a lot here. , or Racha Island. It could be a one-day, two- or even three-day trip, it doesn’t matter. But when coming to Phuket, you must visit any small island.
2. First time in Phuket? First time in Thailand? The most party-loving, most outspoken and drunkest street on the entire Island. Even if you don’t like all this, and I, for example, don’t like such things, then this place is still worth visiting. Phuket's Eternal Carnival. Every day and all year round – the people are dancing merrily and the trancers too!
3. Try local, spicy and not very spicy cuisine. Be sure to try it Thai cuisine, you won’t find such a combination of flavors anywhere else. Take yourself on a little gastronomic tour, forgetting about your figure for a while, and experience new taste sensations. Having tried everything without fear, even the most scary-looking things. The main thing here is to choose the right food. The right restaurant will save both your budget and your health. Phuket has very good seafood and one a good place I can recommend that it is located on the beach, where you can choose seafood for every taste, and then they will cook it in front of you. There is another good place
And of course, you need to try all the exotic ones, Thai fruits . You still have to forget about the diet.
And don't skimp by choosing cheap places to eat, otherwise you'll end up spending more on toilet paper.
4. Ride Asian elephants through the real jungle and take yourself on a mini safari. Elephant riding is honestly something that people usually do once in a lifetime. They understand that there is nothing interesting in this and never repeat it again. But it’s good for one time, and the kids like it, so we’re putting it on the list. (there is a little about elephants here).
5. Visit Thai temples and observation platforms. There are two places in Phuket that you must visit. This is Wat Chaolong - the largest and most famous temple on the island. And a big Buddha statue.
– Wat Chaalong, at a minimum, needs to be visited at least in order to understand what Thai temples are all about.
– The second place is a statue of a large Buddha. First of all, it is the largest sitting Buddha statue on the island. Secondly, it is located on a hill and is an excellent observation deck. Therefore, feel free to add it to your list of places to visit.
6. Evening show with elephants. There are currently two such elephant shows on the island. This is a show Siam Nimiramit and show. Here I will not write which is better - all felt-tip pens have different tastes and colors. Especially when it comes to such vivid performances.
If you haven’t seen either one, choose either one. I liked the food included in the show program everywhere.
All the beaches on the island are very different.
7. Number seven is the simplest entertainment - go to another beach. But simpler doesn't mean it's less exciting. All beaches in Phuket are different. And the feeling of relaxing on different beaches is different. You should not spend all your time on the same beach, at your place of registration. Get up early, have breakfast and go with your whole group to another beach. Usually a taxi to the nearby beach costs about 300 baht. . (there is information about different beaches here).
8. Shopping. I won’t say much about this activity. You know how exciting it is.
What interesting things can you buy here?
I can highlight the following products: Cheap textiles, precious stones, leather goods from exotic animals, souvenirs made from local wood, sea pearls and jewelry made from sea materials. Various spas, such as oils, creams, aroma, etc. Some people are also pleased with Thai traditional medicine. Religious items such as Buddha or Ganesha statues.
And of course electronics, where to buy electronics in Phuket you can read here.
9. Rent a motorbike and ride it around the island. This is an extremely dangerous activity and I would not recommend doing it. Although I admit, I ride a motorbike myself.
Anyone who wants to will go anyway, so those who decide not to stay for long will join the free community of bikers in Phuket. And feel the spirit of the roads yourself. The first thing I recommend is to always wear a helmet, the second thing is to read this material - written by .
10. Last in the ranking. But sometimes the most frequent and important activity is Thai Massage. Shrouded in mystery and legend and with healing properties, Thai massage, priced from 250 to 1000 baht for an hour or two of work, will make your holiday in Thailand...
If you liked the article, you can leave a comment below. Believe me, you are not the only one reading this article and your opinion will be interesting and useful. Have a nice holiday.
You may also be interested in the following notes:
It's time to tell what to see in Phuket on your own and with excursions what places to visit in 2020. We traveled the length and breadth of the island, swam at almost every beach, drove into the mountains and admired waterfalls, visited elephant farms and Buddhist temples. For convenience, we marked the main attractions of Phuket on a map with descriptions and photos. And at the end of the article there will be a lot useful links about various interesting places. In general, about everything in order, what you can see in Phuket.
Where to buy excursions in Phuket
Many people ask where they can buy excursions, so that there are trusted guides and preferably small groups. Russian guides are definitely needed, although according to Thai laws foreigners cannot work in this position. Many places are actually more profitable to visit as part of a group than to come on your own and buy a ticket at the box office. This has already been checked more than once, although we check it every time just in case. So, there are three types of places where they sell excursions in Phuket:
At first glance, it may seem that there is so much in Phuket that you couldn’t see it in a year. We read articles that described places in different areas of the island, and our heads were confused about how to have time to see everything. But it turned out that there are not so many places, if you examine them correctly, and everything can be divided into groups and systematized, which is what we did. In one day we usually look at several places and it is important that they are not very far from each other. It is unlikely that you will go first to one end of the island, and then on the same day to the other. As a result, we divided what you can see in Phuket by beaches, areas, and we will also tell you about neighboring islands and provinces.
What to see in Phuket near Patong, Kata and Karon
Most often, tourists begin their exploration of Phuket with the “magnificent three” - the three beaches where the most of our tourists are - Patong, Kata (with Kata Noi) and Karon. We even did a separate review about what to see and do in Patong. Spoiler: there are no special attractions there, but there are places to spend time. But next to Karon and Kata it’s more interesting. As a result, we identified places that are worth seeing in Phuket in this area: Simon Cabaret, Bangla Road, paradise beaches of Paradise, Freedom, Tri Trang, Thai boxing stadium, Karon View Point observation deck.
- Simon Cabaret- probably the largest transvestite cabaret show on the island of Phuket. Located in Patong, on the road towards Karon on the right side, you can even walk there. This show is known for having the most beautiful ladyboys. They say they choose the prettiest and slender ones, and the rest of the ladyboys, who are not so beautiful, go to work in bars and clubs (in Bangla, for example, but more on that later). The Simon Star show is beautiful, the costumes are chic, bright, there are special effects, but they sing to a soundtrack, sometimes they don’t even get into the voice. In total, more than 100 artists participate in the show. Every evening Simon Star shows take place at 17.30, 19.00 and 20.30. Photography inside is strictly prohibited, so sorry, the photo is from the Internet. You can buy a ticket at the box office or online.
Simon Cabaret
- Paradise beaches Paradise, Freedom, Tri Trang. A small amount of advertising worked here too, but these are the beaches that are called paradise in Phuket. They are all located on the same mountain pass, between Patong and Karon. If the height difference doesn’t bother you, you can even walk. Entrance to two of them is paid - Paradise and Freedom (200 baht), and Tri Trang is free. These beaches are just as beautiful as others in Phuket, only because of their inaccessibility, there are fewer people here, the water is cleaner, and you can even see fish in the sea (this is not news for Phuket, there are fish on almost all the beaches of the island). A great place for photo shoots on the swing, quiet time and lazy relaxation. We talked in more detail here about and.
Freedom Beach
- . I don’t know who decided to call this observation deck Karon View Point, but it is located between Kata Noi and Nai Harn. True, Karon is also visible, but after Kata Noi and Kata. Probably to confuse tourists and reduce their number on the site. But no, they still find and come, the bastards. The observation point is located on a mountain pass, equipped with the “latest technology” - there is a gazebo and paid toilets (10 baht!), as well as photos with birds for money (100 baht!). Everything else is beautiful views of Katu Noi, Katu and Karon, which are slightly blocked by neighboring trees, and buses with tourists who are also brought here. You can even see the Big Buddha on the mountain, but the road to it leads from Chalong, so it will be discussed in another section. Now Karon View Point is included in sightseeing tours, for example.
- Thai Boxing Muay Thai. Considering what to see in Phuket and reading reviews about Thai boxing, we can say that it is rapidly gaining popularity. This dangerous contact sport is based on respect and tribute to tradition. In Phuket, you can attend Muay Thai competitions with well-trained martial arts masters. Moreover, there are even Russian Muay Thai boxers, there are fights between children and women. The most famous stadium is located right in the center of Patong - Bangla Boxing Stadium. The ticket costs 1700 baht. There is a live broadcast on a monitor outside, which also attracts viewers.
- Bangla Road, Patong Beach. - the main party street on the entire island of Phuket. You can look at Bangla Road in Phuket yourself, it is located on. Here you will see madness a large number of clubs, bars and restaurants, a hangout of transvestites, exotic girls, dressed-up Europeans. You can just walk around the shops, drink beer at the bar. Each establishment has promoters on the street, there are inexpensive offers for 79 baht. This is the main crazy and party attraction of Phuket according to tourist reviews. Also on Bangla Road you will be offered an erotic show, or a ping-pong show. Promoters invite free entry and ordering drinks from the menu. You can come in for 5 minutes to look and appreciate the atmosphere. A glass of beer in such an establishment costs 900 baht, cocktails from 1000 baht. Bangla Road has grown so much that clubs and bars can be found on all faces within a radius of 500 meters: Soi Crocodile, Soi Gonzo, Soi Patong Resort, Soi Sea Dragon. For nightlife lovers you can take it.
What you can see in Phuket near Nai Harn and Rawai
The areas of Nai Harn and Rawai are cool and suitable for living in Phuket. The main attractions here are the beauty of nature and the beaches (this does not apply to Rawai, there are no beaches there). It is here that the famous Promthep Cape, the southernmost point of Phuket, the Windmill observation deck, Nai Harn Lake, Yanui and Ao Sein beaches, and the Rawai fish market are located.
- - a very popular place. Crowds of tourists come here to watch the sunset, but it’s still worth it. On west side Phuket the sun sets into the sea, so everything is according to Feng Shui. The photos come out great, the place is beautiful. The area is equipped and there are places to sit. And those who are especially desperate go for a walk right on the cape (we somehow didn’t risk it). Entrance to the observation deck is free. Come here around 17.00-17.30, on the way stop at the Windmills observation deck (more about it later).
- I like it 200% more than Cape Promthep. She's more soulful. There are no equipped viewing rooms, benches or anything else. People arrive on bikes, take their things and sit on the grass. Watch the sunset and listen to relaxing music. A very cool place to see in Phuket. From here you can see views of Nai Harn and Ao Sein, yachts at sea and the island of Man. There are no crowds of tourists, Chinese or bustle here. Arrive at 5:30 pm to enjoy the day. A map with attractions is at the end of this article.
- Lake Nai Harn — a nice place for walks on the east side of Nai Harn Beach. Here we see athletes jogging, mothers with strollers and couples in love. If I stayed on Nai Harn, I would walk near this lake every day.
- Yanui and Ao Sein beaches- very beautiful, both are located near Nai Harn. In general, Nai Harn itself deserves special attention; it is called “the most beautiful beach in Phuket” and is among the twenty best in the world. As for Ao Sein, it is rocky and resembles a hippie retreat. There are huts on the shore, obviously not tourists live here. Yanuy is more touristy, with cafes and restaurants, boat rentals and SUP. Here you can take a boat to the Isle of Man. And some comrades swim there themselves.
Beautiful Yanuy
- Rawai Fish Market created purely for tourists. Prices here are higher than everywhere else, but for some reason people keep coming and going. Plus this place is popular among the Chinese. Here you can choose fresh seafood and have it cooked right away in the restaurant opposite. Here are just the prices... Shrimp from 400 baht (but there are also for 600, 900, 1300 baht!), lobsters from 1500 baht, mantis from 500 baht, plus cooking costs 50-100 baht per kg. How many times have we come here, looked at the prices, been shocked and gone to our favorite non-tourist market in Kathu, where everything is 2-3 times cheaper, but not so beautiful, and there are no restaurants nearby.
Rawai Fish Market
What to see in Phuket near Phuket Town and Kathu area
- . If you decide what to see in Phuket on your own, then go to Phuket Town. Fortunately, blue buses go here, and the final stop is right next to the Chinese-Portuguese quarter. Prices in Phuket Town are lower than in beach resorts. Therefore, tourists like to come here to go shopping and visit markets. One of the attractions of Phuket Town is the center, with buildings in the Sino-Portuguese style, and as they are called, the Chinese colonial style. These are the same two-story houses, only painted in bright colors, with columns and balconies. Against the backdrop of such lush abundance, beautiful photographs are obtained, and newlyweds arrange wedding photo sessions here. One of the famous streets in the center of Phuket Town is Soi Rommanee, there are many shops, cafes and shops. Interesting bars, guesthouses and cafes have been opened in the ancient buildings of Phuket Town. Here you can enjoy a calm evening and atmosphere. Thai families have lived in these colorful buildings for several generations. Most of them have Chinese roots, the so-called ethnic Chinese, so here you can see houses with red lanterns and dragons. And the assortment of local stores is replete with everything red, incense sticks, and Chinese goods. By the way, there are also a lot of Chinese tourists here. Most establishments in Phuket Town open after 18:00. On Sundays, the famous one operates on Thalang Road. Soi Romani hosts live jazz performances during the high season from November to April. If you are interested in the sights of Phuket in Thailand and real Thai life, then come to Phuket Town.
- located near Phuket Town. Local athletes like to jog here, and tourists walk here. And, of course, the mountain is famous for its short-tailed macaques. Many people go to the mountain as if they were going to a zoo, and forget that these are, first of all, wild animals. It is forbidden to feed them, but tourists do not listen. By the way, these monkeys are the most aggressive, long-tailed monkeys are much calmer and safer; they can be seen in the cave temples in Phang Nga. The climb uphill in the heat is difficult, take water with you and wear comfortable shoes. The walk to the very top is more than 3 km, and you cannot go up the mountain by transport.
- (emphasis on U) is one of the most famous in Phuket. Located on a mountain in the Kathu area, admission is free. There is not much of a waterfall in high season, but the others in Phuket are even worse. A well-equipped staircase leads upstairs. Since the Kathu area is not a tourist area, and mainly Thais live here, they also like to relax at the waterfall. So you will see here picnics, meadows and the number one local entertainment - karaoke (possibly).
What to see in Phuket near Chalong
- - one of the main attractions of Phuket in Thailand. It is so huge that the Big Buddha can be seen from most places in southern Phuket. The statue stands on top of a hill and overlooks the beaches of Chalong, and. The Buddha cost 30 million baht to make and is 45 meters tall. Next to it stands a smaller statue made of brass, and there is also a temple. Everyone can contribute to the construction of the Big Buddha; all you have to do is buy a white plate, which will later be used for construction. Also here you can tie a rope on the hand woven by a monk - sai sin, and at the same time make an intangible wish. The road to the Big Buddha passes through the “real” Thailand and the view from the top is impressive, especially if you take a map with the sights and find them on it, looking from above. Opening hours: 08:00 – 19:30. The most interesting time is at the observation deck near the Big Buddha statue during sunset, around 18:30. How to get there: Take the road to Chao Fa Road East near Chalong. There are red and white signs along the way. After turning onto Soi Yodsane, follow the signs for the next 6 km uphill.
- - another place to see in Phuket. There are more than 30,000 temples in Thailand, and new ones are built every day. (or Wat Chalong in Thai) is located in the heart of Chalong and is considered the most important temple in Phuket. Hundreds of tourists flock to this temple every day. Wat Chalong is one of the main attractions on the entire island of Phuket. Like other popular places, there are crowds of tourists here. People come here on a sightseeing tour of the island. There are a lot of Chinese. Therefore, I recommend coming here in the morning or late in the evening. Most tour groups arrive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There are several souvenir shops around the temple where you can buy soft drinks and fresh fruit. How to get there on your own: Wat Chalong is located approximately halfway between Chalong and Phuket Town on West Road. There are many signs along the way indicating the way in English and Thai.
What to see in Phuket near Surin and Kamala
Surin and Kamala are areas that are not as busy with tourists as Patong or Karon. On Kamala there is the famous Fantasy show and Bang Van waterfall, and on the mountain towards Kamala there is our favorite Laem Sing beach and observation deck.
- Show Fantasy is a professional show featuring acrobats, gymnasts and animals. The show shows scenes from the life of Thais. For example, in the second part of the play they talk about ethnic Chinese, the same ones who now live in Phuket Town. Ships come from the sea, the Chinese come out with fabrics and silk, and they are met by Thai girls with fish and shrimp. If you don’t know what to do in Phuket, come to the most spectacular theater on the island, Fantasy Show. It opens its doors at 17.00 every day, and on Thursdays at 20.30.
- Laem Sing Beach- almost our favorite secret beach in Phuket, which is worth seeing. The fact is that until recently the beach was paid and tourist, then the road through the mountain was closed, and there were much fewer tourists here. Now the beach can be visited for free; there is a path along the cliff from the southern edge of Surin Beach. The road itself is an adventure, but there are signs so you don't get lost. Now on Laem Sing there is only one cafe, not many tourists, there is no beach infrastructure, and it is not needed. And most importantly, there are no Chinese here. This beach is still a secret for them, so be it.
Our favorite Laem Sing beach
- - located on the mountain pass between Kamala and Surin. This place from the selection of what to see in Phuket could be combined with Laem Sing beach, but in fact you need to make a huge detour to get from the observation deck to the beach. So the beach is separate, the observation deck is separate. From here you can see Laem Sing, which not everyone knows how to get to (you know now). The observation deck is free, the views from here are wonderful.
What to see in Phuket near Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao
- . Perhaps this is the most Instagrammable beach in Phuket. And although it is far from the tourist center, there are always tourists, that is, photo hunters, here. Planes land every 10-15 minutes and fly directly overhead, 40 meters high. Depending on the direction of the wind, planes land from the side of the beach and from the opposite side. The best shots are obtained only in the first case. The beach itself is not particularly remarkable, there is little shade, there are no sun loungers, and even planes cross the sky every 10 minutes. So for quiet rest not particularly suitable.
- - one of best beaches in Phuket. Very beautiful, wild, with colored fish near the stones. Located on a mountain pass between Bangtao and Naithon. No worse than Freedom Beach (near Patong), only free. There is a good road from the mountain through the forest. There are no sun loungers or umbrellas for rent, but there is plenty of space in the shade of the trees. There is one cafe.
What to see outside of Phuket
Considering that there are many places in Phuket that you can see on your own and not so much, you still need to allocate time to the neighboring islands and provinces. As for the islands, there are many of them - Khai, Racha, Phi Phi, etc. There are two neighboring provinces: Phang Nga and Krabi. It is best to take excursions to these places, because going on your own is difficult and expensive. We were here - we liked everything.
- Phang Nga Bay Province and Bay. Phang Nga is a province northeast of the island of Phuket. Drive over the Sarasin Bridge and you are in Phang Nga. It can be distinguished by its picturesque nature, blue bays and green rocks protruding from the water. According to tourists, this is one of the best attractions outside of Phuket. There are also islands inhabited by rare animals. To see Phang Nga province from Phuket on your own, you can take a boat trip at any travel agency on the street. There are also excursions by land, with visits to the temple with monkeys, the Temple of the Black Monk, and the Sa Nangmanora nature reserve. The most famous island among tourists in Phang Nga Bay is James Bond Island, or in Thai “ Koh Ta-pu." They even built a monument to him on land. And the area around James Bond Island is fantastic, like in the movie “Avatar”. Now during the peak season there are a lot of tourists here. Phang Nga province includes about 100 islands, most of which are oddly shaped. James Bond Island became famous after the release of the 1974 James Bond film. There are many nature reserves around Phuket, and the island is also protected. Boats are prohibited from approaching close due to its precarious position - large at the top and small at the bottom. You can view James Bond Island from a boat or from a small beach on Koh Ping Ghan. Near James Bond Island you can kayak through coves and grottoes. These are such small depressions in the rocks that you can swim in some of them only at low tide. If you take a tour to James Bond Island, it is often combined with a visit to the sea gypsy village of Koh Panyee - a neighboring fishing village on stilts. The only negative is that in addition to you, a couple of hundred more tourists will be brought here. But when the tourists leave, Koh Panii closes its restaurants and shops and turns into a quiet fishing village. To see the bay and Phang Nga province from Phuket on your own, you can rent a boat from the pier for 2000 baht for 3-4 hours. The boat can accommodate up to ten people. But it’s better to go on a speedboat, so you’ll have time to see more islands. The nature here is truly fantastic. The location of the bay itself is also interesting. Phang Nga Bay is protected from the northeast and southwest monsoons. Its waters remain calm all year round. But Phang Nga Bay is not suitable for swimming; there are a lot of silt formations at the bottom, and the water here is always cloudy.
- Spend a day (or two) on Phi Phi Leh). Another attraction near the island of Phuket is Phi Phi Ley. This is an uninhabited island that is located 1.5 km from the southern tip of Phi Phi Don Island. The same one where the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. Now Maya Bay is closed to tourists; boats have destroyed the coral reef with their anchors; nature needs decades to recover. The Thai government has taken up the protection of these places, landing 100 reef sharks in the sea to maintain the ecosystem. Phi Phi Ley is a very picturesque place with snow-white beaches and steep cliffs, the tops of which are covered with green vegetation. Monkeys live on steep cliffs. Most tourists get to Phi Phi Ley during an organized tour from Phi Phi Island or Phuket, for example. You can also rent a boat for independent trip. All tours without visiting Maya Bay (reason above).
Attractions of Phuket on the map
If you want to visit the sights in Phuket on your own, interesting places are marked on the map. To get directions, you need to click on the icon in the upper right corner of the map. The map will open in the Google Maps application (you must install the application in advance) and will automatically provide routes to interesting places from your location.
So these were attractions of Thailand in Phuket, reviews from tourists. Of course, we simply could not fit all the interesting things on the island into one article, so here is a list of other popular articles:
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To make your vacation the most vibrant and eventful, it is better to think through the program in advance and choose what to see in Phuket. Believe me, this wonderful resort has a lot of activities that can create an unforgettable experience. In this article, we'll look at 10 great places to visit and things to do in Phuket.
1. Elephant ride
The first thing you should definitely do in Phuket is ride elephants. These cute animals will not only give you unforgettable moments of communication, but will also show you the beautiful surroundings of Phuket. There are several options with different durations (from half an hour to an hour) and walking routes. A good-natured elephant can take you to the spectacular Bang Pae Waterfall or to the elephant village of Camp Chang Kalim. There are also Elephant Care programs with swimming and eco-tours with a walk through the jungle for 3 hours.
2. Getting to know the underwater world
The coast of Phuket and nearby islands is an ideal place for snorkeling and. Warm and clear water, corals, and exotic marine life will make your dive into the water unforgettable. It is possible to order a variety of programs for experienced divers and beginners. Professional instructors, high-quality equipment, round-trip transfers will make your acquaintance with the underwater world as convenient and interesting as possible.
3. Walk through Khao Sok Park
The national park is the place where you can see the real Thailand - without the noise, night lights and modern buildings. This is one of the few places where nature has remained untouched by civilization. Unique plants and animals, clear lakes full of fish, breathtaking waterfalls await you in Khao Sok. Also within the park is the Suan Kuha or Monkey Temple. This ancient building is loved by hundreds of monkeys who willingly accept treats from park guests. In Pakarang Cave, you can take bright photos near the walls decorated with colorful coral patterns.
4. Thai massage
A visit to Phuket should be a must on your holiday program. Ancient Thai massage techniques combined with the basics of Chinese medicine will charge you with vivacity and energy. You can massage your head, hands, feet or whole body using various oils, herbal compresses, stones, bamboo sticks and much more. In just 1.5-2 hours of massage you will feel healthier and younger by at least 10 years.
5. Visit the surrounding islands
They attract guests from all over the world with their unique combination of wild natural sites and developed tourism infrastructure. Snow-white beaches, clear waters, caves and rocks unusual shape in combination with local restaurants, bars, discos will make your holiday unforgettable. Most of the islands are associated with many legends and interesting stories. For example, the “James Bond Islands” got their name after the filming of one of the films about the adventures of agent 007 against their backdrop. You can find out the full list of excursions to the islands, the program and the cost on our website.
6. Go on a beach tour
In Thailand there is no such thing as “private beaches”; all beaches are municipal property and are open to everyone. So you won’t find any fences or signs here. Phuket has all the conditions for an ideal beach holiday: a very large number of beaches with developed infrastructure. What they all have in common is white sand and clear azure water. Here everyone can find something to their liking: sunbathe in the sun, swim in warm water, have lunch in a cafe, ride a boat, banana boat, speedboat, etc. Some beaches, for example Patong, are more aimed at young people, Karon beach is more suitable for families. A beach tour is an excellent solution to diversify your vacation and find a place to your liking.
7. Go shopping
Shopping lovers will definitely find something to do in Phuket. The most popular souvenirs from Thailand are: jewelry with precious stones and pearls, natural cosmetics, leather goods from exotic animals, latex products and creations of local artisans. There is more than enough space: shops, markets, street and souvenir shops are located everywhere. It is best to purchase products from certified stores, which are often located near manufacturing factories. This way you can be sure that you have purchased quality products at an affordable price. Competent sales consultants will help you choose the best option for you and your loved ones. You can view the full list of stores and book a tour in a special section of our website.
8. Try Thai cuisine and exotic fruits
Phuket is famous all over the world for its gastronomic diversity. Here you can try original dishes from exotic fruits, vegetables and seafood. The island's tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons allows local farms to grow unusual fruits: durian, mangosteen, rambutan, carambola and much more. Delicious juicy fruits contain many useful components that help strengthen the immune system, energize and prevent many diseases. Buying groceries in Phuket will not be difficult; they are sold here at every turn.
9. Attend an evening show
This is an integral part of the entertainment in this exotic place. Musical performances, transvestite shows, and Thai boxing will immerse you in an atmosphere of celebration and fun. All performances are organized on the highest level using expensive costumes, loud music and lighting effects. You can find detailed descriptions of show programs and reserve tickets on our website.
10. Go fishing
The richness of the local waters attracts a large number of fishing enthusiasts. Conditions for fishing in Phuket are ideal: warm sunny weather, clear water, professional equipment and a guaranteed good catch. This is where you can catch the best big fish weighing up to 30 kg. A wide selection of programs will allow everyone to choose a vacation to their liking. You can go on an individual or group fishing trip, on the sea or lake, on the shore or on a boat. A complete list of excursions, as well as their prices, can be found on our website.
Thailand has always been considered a favorite holiday destination for tourists all over the world. Its most picturesque and comfortable resort is the island of Phuket. (P.S. See also: “ ?”) Phuket is washed by the Andaman Sea and connected to the mainland by three bridges, and its size is comparable to the size of Singapore. Amazing nature and unusual culture Phuket will not leave anyone indifferent. Due to the large number of attractions, the question may arise: what to visit in Phuket? Let's figure this out!
One of the main attractions worth visiting in Phuket with children is the Aquarium, where you can get acquainted with the life of the underwater world of the island. This famous aquarium houses many unique fish: about 150 different species of marine and freshwater inhabitants. These include endangered green turtles, which are bred by the center's specialists. If you're lucky, you can watch real sharks feeding: in the morning hours, a worker comes down to the aquarium with a bucket of fish. Predators eat directly from the hands of the feeder.
In the Aquarium itself, it is worth visiting a ten-meter underwater tunnel. Fish and seahorses swim directly overhead, which gives the impression of actually being under water. Children will be especially interested in visiting this Phuket attraction.
For those looking for natural beauty, this national park is a must-visit in Phuket. Its area is about 90 sq. km, and there are beaches such as Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon and Bangtao. They attract tourists with their pristine beauty and privacy.
Those interested can rent a bungalow or a tent and relax from the bustle of the metropolis in the lap of Phuket nature. Clean sandy beaches annually attract dozens of colonies of sea turtles arriving to nest. It is worth visiting the coast of Phuket for this unforgettable sight.
It will be interesting and educational to take a walk along the Tachachay trail, which goes through mangroves. For the convenience of visitors, there are signs along the route with descriptions of the types of flora and fauna.
Get acquainted with the culture and ancient customs local residents you can visit this village in Phuket. For tourists, entertaining circus performances with elephants are held here, and strong Thai men will show Muay Thai - Thai boxing or sword fighting. Be sure to watch this exciting spectacle!
Guests of the village can also learn a craft under the guidance of a Thai master, for example, making umbrellas or making silver jewelry. This is a great way to make your own souvenirs.
An unusual service in a Thai village is offered to couples in love: a wedding ceremony in the Thai spirit. Do not refuse this, the exotic ritual will be remembered for a long time.
Visiting an exotic snake farm in Phuket means getting a lot of unusual emotions. The excursion program includes an extraordinary show: taming, stunts and dancing with poisonous snakes. The main number of the program is the trainer's kiss on the cobra's head. The spectacle is not for the faint of heart!
After the performance, guests are invited to take a souvenir photo with a large python. There is also a shop on the farm with goods directly related to these reptiles. Here you can find snakeskin products: wallets, handbags, belts. For daredevils, there are tinctures with snakes and medicinal ointments based on poison.
The Van Chalong temple complex is the main attraction of the island of Phuket. Its luxurious decoration, golden shine and high spiers simply amaze with their beauty.
The Buddhist chedi houses a holy relic - the remains of Buddha. Many believers come here to touch the divine ashes. In the central part there is Vihan, in front of which there are figures of elephants. In its prayer hall there are three statues of monks. Residents and guests of Phuket traditionally stick a piece of gold leaf to them to receive a blessing for happiness and good luck.
Not far from the chedi there is a souvenir shop, and nearby there is a crematorium and a forgiveness hall. Funeral processions are very noisy; Thais drive away “evil spirits” with the sounds of drums. You can also visit fairs that take place from time to time in the complex. All sights can be photographed, but rules of conduct must be observed: do not photograph worshipers and do not interfere with ceremonies. Clothing must cover the shoulders and legs above the knees for women.
You should definitely see the unique butterfly museum in Phuket. Here you can not only see numerous species of this insect, but also observe live all stages of the life of these beauties. Upon entry, guests are offered butterfly food.
The museum includes a research center that studies them in their natural habitat. All these species were collected and bred on the island of Phuket. It is worth noting that there is an additional section in the garden where other insects live. Here you can find dragonflies, cicadas, tarantulas and even scorpions. There is also a small department dedicated to silk: extraction, processing, manufacturing. You can take a break by the pool with carp and an unusual shellless turtle. A small shop is open to sell souvenirs. It is worth purchasing silk products from Thai craftsmen or jewelry with butterfly symbols. Some types of insects are presented in frames.
While relaxing on the beautiful island of Phuket, do not forget to visit this observation deck. The panorama that opens from a bird's eye view is simply amazing: snow-white sands, the expanse of blue sea and an incredibly beautiful sunset. It is in the evening that this observation deck is crowded with tourists and island residents who have come to admire this spectacle.
From above, three beaches of Phuket are visible: Karon and two Kata beaches. A large Buddha statue can be seen nearby, and to the north you can see the small island of Pu. For convenience, the area is equipped with numerous shops, parking and several bars, which allows you to comfortably eat Thai dishes. A little further there is a gazebo where you can hide from the sun and relax.
In any case, when you come to the amazing and beautiful Phuket, you will find something to visit here. Exotic nature and Thai friendliness will make your holiday unforgettable and leave many pleasant memories.