Phuket

Seven Phuket Attractions That You Should Visit

The largest island in Thailand and home to some of the best beaches in the world, Phuket will undoubtedly amaze you. Here are the top Phuket attractions that you should dare not miss.

Thailand’s most visited island, Phuket has a slew of natural and cultural attractions that will entice anyone. And if you’re into diving or snorkeling, the island’s mystic coves and crystal clear waters will leave you breathless.

You can easily enjoy the most authentic Thai cuisine and unwind at one of Phuket’s sandy beaches when and if you get tired from the watersports. Everything is open year-round, including Phuket’s most amazing attractions you’ll discover below.

1. Kata Beach

Nestled in a curved bay and surrounded by picturesque hills, Kata Beach is the best place to sip cocktails and relax. Compared to some other beaches, it’s more peaceful here as there are fewer hawkers.

Kata Beach is broad and covered in white sand, with a small islet close to its shore.

When you’re hungry, try some of the local snacks at the nearby stalls. There are also a few restaurants just a short walk away. Try a papaya shake and taste the beach’s unique flavor when you’re done hanging out at the beach.

If you’d like to go snorkeling, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do so at either end of Kata.

2. Phuket Town

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Phuket Town has a special place on the map of Phuket attractions. After all, it’s a bustling city situated in the southeastern part of Phuket.

The buildings reflect the area’s Portuguese and Chinese influences, which provides a nice contrast to the Thai aesthetics present throughout the city.

Its main attractions are the streets of Old Phuket Town adorned by Sino-Portuguese mansions, traditional shrines and temples, and restored shophouses. One site that’s particularly noteworthy is the Chinese Jui Tui Shrine.

If you’re down for a bit of art, go to the Phuket Trickeye Museum and explore the 3D gallery. When you’re done, you can stroll over to the Sunday Walking Street Market and taste the local street food.

3. Phuket Big Buddha

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Overlooking the island, the Phuket Big Buddha is atop the Nakkerd Hills. It’s an iconic landmark offering a 360° vista of the area when you get to the summit.

The statue is rather new, dating back to 2004. It’s 100ft tall and covered in white marble, prayer flags, and little bells.

To reach the hills, you can go in a tuk-tuk or a cab, though the open-air tuk-tuk could be a better option just for the novelty. Take note that you still have to climb up steep flights of stairs to reach the Buddha.

Visit the monument on a clear day for the best view of the surrounding landscape. And if it matters to you, know that the place is less crowded in the morning.

4. Wat Chalong

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There are 29 temples in Phuket, and Wat Chalong is the biggest and most famous. This temple houses life-size wax statues of two famous monks, Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Pho Chaem, among other figures.

A really cool thing is that the Grand Pagoda reputedly contains a piece of the Buddha’s bone. You’ll also find colorful murals portraying scenes from the Buddha’s life and many small golden Buddha statues in various poses.

When visiting Wat Chalong, know that it’s essential to dress appropriately. Women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders, and everyone must take off their shoes before entering the temple.

5. Sirinat National Park

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For a quieter experience, Sirinat National park is the place to be. This park occupies a considerable chunk of Phuket’s northwestern coast that consists mostly of protected marine areas.

There are also four beaches in near-unspoiled condition. Hat Mai Khao and Hat Nai Yang beaches, in particular, are fascinating as they’re known as the nestling place of leatherback turtles.

Want to see it for yourself? The best period to observe the turtles laying eggs at night is between November and February.

6. Gibbon Rehabilitation Center & Bang Pae Waterfall

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Those into wildlife conservation may want to make a beeline to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. It’s where you can learn about Thailand’s gibbons and support their conservation.

The center rescues and rehabilitates these cute monkeys before returning them to their natural habitat. What’s sad is that many of the gibbons were actually retrieved from poachers in the illegal pet trade.

To ensure that the monkeys can go be returned to the wild, there’s limited contact allowed. However, some of the gibbons are permanent residents that you can meet up close and hear the stories of their rescue.

Entrance to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center is free, but not if you want to venture into the nearby park. It’ll be money well-spent, though, as the park is a stunning tropical forest that takes you to the Bang Pae Waterfall where you can take a dip in the natural pool.

7. Rawai Village

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One example of authentic Phuket attractions is the village of Rawai. It’s located in the eastern part of the island and offers first-hand insights into the lives of the Moken, a tribe of people better known as sea gypsies from the neighboring islands.

Despite being mostly found in Phuket, the tribe has kept much of its old customs and traditions. The tribesmen are either semi-nomadic or live off the sea. Some of them could even be your guides for sea excursions.

The village itself is beautiful. There is a small harbor and a beach that’s littered with fishing boats and coconut trees. You can even buy the freshest catch of the day at a local market and get one of the restaurants to cook it for you.

Phuket Attractions, Here We Come

The amazing Phuket attractions and activities promise to leave lasting memories. Whatever you have in mind, the island can deliver. All that’s left is to pack your bags and get ready for an adventure.

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What to Do In Phuket with Friends

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Phuket

What to Do In Phuket with Friends

From scenic vantage points to exhilarating nightlife, you’ll have plenty of experiences to share with your friends when in Phuket.

As Thailand’s largest island and perennial tourist hotspot, you won’t have to wonder what to do in Phuket besides beach activities.

There are adventure and theme parks, animal sanctuaries, and cultural landmarks to begin with. And your visit probably wouldn’t even be complete without checking out one of Phuket’s night markets.

One thing is for certain – you and your friends can enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife no matter which part of Phuket you’re staying. Have a look at the activities and experiences you wouldn’t want to miss.

1. Slip N’ Fly Phuket

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If adventure water parks are your thing, a visit to Slip N’ Fly is a no-brainer. Plentiful slides and other adrenaline rides are how this park lives up to its name.

When you’re tired of all the slipping and sliding, you can retreat to a beach gazebo and enjoy your peace and quiet. And should you feel like partying while you’re there, there’s a stylish bar in addition to a chic restaurant with the neighboring mountains serving as a backdrop.

2. Patong Boxing Stadium

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Have you ever been to a live Muay Thai match? If not, make it happen when visiting Phuket with your friends.

An intricate part of Thai culture, Muay Thai is quite an experience to match. You’re likely to have a great time, or at least an unforgettable one, watching this action-packed sport with your friends.

The best seats are, needless to say, right next to the ring, which will require VIP tickets. And each match consists of five 3-minute rounds.

3. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

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One of the most fun attractions on the island, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary gives you a chance to get up close and personal with Thailand’s national animal.

You can feed or bathe the gentle giants within the sanctuary. But swimming with baby elephants is undoubtedly the experience you’ll remember for years to come. Who wouldn’t want to take a dip in a mud spa with elephants in the vicinity, right?

There’s also an option to organize a traditional meal in the forest or, if you wish, take a hike around the nearby woods and hills.

That the elephants are obedient and professionally trained makes the experience even better.

4. Hype Luxury Boat Club

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What to do in Phuket clubs?

Enjoy great music and food and have a great time with your friends, of course. But imagine doing that for a full day on a boat!

Hype is a luxury vessel with the amenities to satisfy the most demanding visitors. The menu is second to none and ranges from sushi to traditional Thai meals. There’s also no shortage of cocktails, spirits, and champagnes.

The boat will make a few stops along the way, including to the popular James Bond Island. Whether this means you’re going to have a 007-like experience is perhaps up to your imagination.

5. Bangla Road

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Every visitor to Phuket checks out Bangla Road in downtown Patong, the center of the city’s nightlife. The road is teeming with activities and treats for the senses. That’s why you’ll experience a sensory overload as you walk along Bangla and find a joint that appeals to you.

Without a doubt, this is the place to be for bar-hopping.

6. Spa Treatments

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Is there a better way to unwind after all the adventures and partying than getting a Thai massage? The top spas have several locations around the island and they offer different types of massages, including hot rock and aromatherapy massages.

The facial scrub, in particular, combines Indian and Chinese healing techniques to give your face a pampering that is unlike anything you’ve ever had before. Best of all, the masseuses are skilled at acupressure and stretching techniques for the rejuvenation of your muscles.

7. Skyline Adventure Phuket

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If you’re not sure about what to do in Phuket for a much-needed adrenaline rush, look no further than Skyline Adventure. This park stands out as an excellent outdoor destination with plenty of activities in store.

You can go ziplining for a start, tree or net climbing next, and take a heart-thumping walk over the cable bridge if you’re so inclined. While at Skyline Adventure, you can also traverse neighboring heights and forests.

A tasty herbal juice awaits upon your arrival, as well as the park’s Thai buffet for later.

8. Simon Cabaret

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Arguably the largest transgender variety show in the area, Simon Cabaret has a glamorous stage and a cast of famous performers. You’ll be amazed by a rapid succession of elaborate costumes, choreographies, and backgrounds.

The fun starts as soon as you arrive, as will be evident from visitors’ faces. But the highlight act is a Tina Turner impersonation, though you may enjoy the other performances just as much.

For a lasting memento of your visit, you can take photos with the performers for a fee.

9. Go Snorkeling

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When thinking about what to do in Phuket, Thailand, snorkeling should be a priority.

The Andaman Sea is balmy, clear, and calm that is perfect even if you and your friends are new to snorkeling. This is the best place to experience snorkeling for the first time, as the area is also known as a breeding ground for diverse marine life.

The best places for snorkeling are the Kata Noi Beach, Ya Nui Beach, and Kata Beach. Owing to the tropical weather, snorkeling is possible throughout the year, though the best months are November to April. Don’t worry about your gear as you’ll be able to rent or buy everything you need there.

Ready, Steady, Party

Are you still wondering about what to do in Phuket with your friends?

Just get together and pick a few activities and experiences from this write-up for non-stop adventures throughout your stay.

Why not start your day at the Patong Boxing Stadium? Then follow it up with a relaxing spa treatment to get ready for the cabaret, after which you can party with your friends well into the night on Bangla Road. Perhaps that’ll even put you in the mood for the Hype cruise later.