Phuket province is located in southern Thailand. It is the biggest Island in Thailand and sits on the Andaman sea. The nearest province to the north is Phang-nga and the nearest provinces to the east are Phang-nga and Krabi.
Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese Restaurants around the City. A Chinese Vegetarian Festival is held there every year. While the Chinese community is quite big, there are many other ethnicities bringing all their traditions and festivals from all over the world to Phuket.
Being a big island, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent Beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep’s viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.
It isn’t all just beaches though, there is also fantastic classical architecture such as the Goom Restaurant. That and the very welcome atmosphere and the famous Phuket NIGHTLIFE, you can see why the island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand.
The beaches of the south coast are typically crowded, while the north is far more tranquil.
All the major beaches (such as Patong beach, Kata beach, Karon Beach, Nai Han beach, Mai Khao beach, and Nai Yang beach) offer instruction and equipment for diving, Snorkelling, windsurfing, and sailing. Don’t forget to notice the red flag! before swim.
Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Phuket Island
1. Patong Beach
Phuket’s longest beach was also once its most beautiful, until development and tourism turned it into a bustling hub of activity rather than a retreat from the world. Still, Patong is great for people watching, and part of the fun of Thailand is that (in addition to being a land of smiles) it is one of the contrasts.
You may not be able to find a quiet spot on Patong to read and contemplate life, but you’ll find plenty of shopping and activity to keep you entertained. Many resorts are strung along the beach road, and one of the island’s best hotels, the luxury Amari Phuket, perches on a headland overlooking the sea.
2. The Golden Sands of Kata Beach
Fringed with casuarinas and palms, Kata Beach is a lovely, curving bay hugged by lush hillsides at either end. Although it’s still touristy, it’s more peaceful than Patong Beach with fewer hawkers. A tiny islet sits just offshore, and the beach itself is broad, with soft, white sand and decent snorkeling spots at either end.
If you’re hungry, you can grab a papaya shake or a snack at one of the beachfront stalls, and larger restaurants are within walking distance. At the southern end of the beach sits The Boathouse Phuket, a luxury boutique hotel that is one of the only resorts fronting the sand. If you want an even quieter slice of shoreline, head south to adjacent Kata Noi Beach.
3. Swim at Karon Beach
Less developed than popular Patong Beach, about 15 minutes away, Karon Beach is a 3.5-kilometer-long strand of squeaky, golden sand and sapphire sea that attracts many couples and families.
When the weather is calm, it’s a beautiful spot for a swim, but when the winds whip up, big waves pound the wide-open shoreline here, so take care if you are swimming during these times.
Restaurants and resorts are spread out opposite the beach along the busy road, but a few four-star resorts offer direct beach access, including adults-only Beyond Resort Karon and the luxury bungalows of the nearby Marina Phuket Resort at the southern end of the beach. At its northern end, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket overlooks the shoreline with its own water park.
4. Experience Island Boat Tours
You may be tempted to lounge on the beach for your entire stay (and really, who would blame you?). But if you’re willing to exert just a little effort during your island getaway, sign up for an island tour to discover the stunning seascape surrounding Phuket.
Organized tours are the best way to make sure you see all the highlights. The nine-hour, guided Phang Nga Bay Day Trip from Phuket includes a visit to the distinctive “James Bond Rocks,” and the eight-hour Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Tour takes you to Koh Phi Phi and the famous Maya Bay beach from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. An expert guide, transportation, food, and refreshments are all included.
5. Go diving and snorkeling
The waters around Phuket Island offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in Thailand, with typically excellent conditions. Visibility is good, and the water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Apart from colorful corals and tropical fish, you can see seahorses, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks.
Many travelers come to Thailand to complete their scuba diving certification because the courses tend to be more affordable here than in other countries. Some dive operators will take you to Koh Phi Phi, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, and other picturesque locations.
Once you’ve earned your certification, consider checking out Similan Islands National Park. Comprised of eleven uninhabited islands, this area is famous for its superb diving.
6. Visit Phuket Big Buddha
Sitting serenely above the island at the top of Nakkerd hills between Kata and Chalong, the Phuket Big Buddha is one of the island’s most distinctive landmarks. Spectacular 360-degree views greet you once you reach the summit, where this 45-meter-high monument presides. Faced with white jade marble, the statue was constructed in 2004.
It’s a peaceful spot to take time out from your day. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and you’ll hear the tinkling of tiny bells. You can take a taxi or tuk-tuk up the windy six-kilometer road to the hilltop, but you have to climb a steep flight of stairs to the monument.
If this is your first time on Phuket Island, a tour like the Amazing Phuket Island Guided Tour & Big Buddha could be a great option. This five-hour tour takes you to some of the best spots in Phuket, including busy Patong Beach; the Karon Viewpoint for stunning postcard views over the Andaman Sea; and Phuket’s largest temple, Wat Chalong. The last stop on tour is the Big Buddha, where you’ll have 45 minutes to enjoy the views and explore the surroundings.
If possible, pick a clear day for the best views; mornings are generally less crowded.
7. Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is the largest, most popular, and arguably the most beautiful of all of Phuket’s 29 temples. It is dedicated to two highly respected monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, and you can see life-size wax models of them and other figures in the exhibition home.
The Grand Pagoda protects a fragment of Lord Buddha’s bone and features murals depicting images from the Buddha’s life story. As you wander through the complex, notice the many golden buddhas in various poses. Make sure you dress respectfully; visitors are not allowed to wear shoes inside the temple, and women must cover their shoulders and knees.
8. Wat Phra Thong at Thalang
This temple is steeped in local lore and houses a half statue of Buddha that was broken during a Burmese invasion. Legend has it that a boy was minding a water buffalo, which he tethered to a piece of metal protruding from the ground using a hemp rope.
Suddenly the boy died, but appeared to his father in a dream and told him about the piece of metal. The father began to dig and came upon a statue of Buddha cast in pure gold. The Buddha could not, however, be completely excavated and so a temple was built on the site in 1785.
When the Burmese conquered Thalang, a second attempt was made to dig up the statue at which point it broke in two. One half disappeared, but the other still stands in the temple today. The gables and windows of the temple buildings exhibit rich carvings.
9. Shop for Food and Souvenirs at Phuket’s Markets
A good place to start your market adventure is at the Sunday Walking Street Market. This is one of Phuket Island’s biggest attractions, set in the heart of the historical part of town. As the name suggests, this is a Sunday-only market, which runs from 4 to 9 pm. It’s vibrant, full of lights, busy and loud – a perfect way to end the week surrounded by beautiful old buildings, stalls selling arts and crafts, and tons of lip-smacking good food.
Located on Sai Kor Road, the well-designed indoor Banzaan Fresh Market is a good place to discover exotic fruits, pick up some vegetables or fruits, or try a glass of refreshing coconut water or sugarcane. Don’t forget to check out the stalls selling gifts and accessories on your way to the big food court upstairs.
If you’re after more typical Thai souvenirs, curios, or some cheap T-shirts, the Phuket Weekend Night Market is the place to be. Located just outside Phuket Town, the market is also a good destination to find second-hand goods, grab some odds and ends, and try some unique foods. Are deep-fried insects or fishcakes calling your name? This is the place to pick some up.
