Staying busy in Phuket is not a problem. Phuket offers its vacation makers, locals and foreign residents an array of exciting adventures and never forget experiences that keep travellers and locals coming back.
In this post, we are only going to cover 10 out of many more amazing things you can do when you are in Phuket. As mentioned there are many more locations to check out and activities to try and we will cover them in a blog post soon but for now, let’s get stuck into these.
1. Laem Phromthep and the viewpoints (แหลมพรหมเทพ และจุดชมวิว)
Laem Phromthep (แหลมพรหมเทพ), is locally called “Laem Chao”, and is located on the furthest southern point of the Island. This is one of the favourite locations amongst photographers and tourists in Phuket due to its breathtaking scenery and beautiful Sunset and is the perfect place for a romantic early evening.
You will see a line of palm trees from the edge of the cliff that inclines down to the cape’s end. It is also a site of the Laem Phromthep Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse, built for the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of King Rama IX’s succession to the throne.
The lighthouse is a must-see as it is also an exhibition about the lighthouse’s construction, display of the times of the sunrise and sunset for you to plan ahead. It is said that boats can see the light from the lighthouse from as far as 39 kilometres away. Make sure to head up to the top of the lighthouse and take in the breathtaking scenery.
2. Old Phuket Town (ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต)
If you are someone that likes to explore the city then strolling around Phuket town is one of the favorite activities for tourists to explore the history of Phuket. Phuket has a diversity of ethnicities and religions; such as Chinese, Indian, European and American to only name a few, who came to reside in the 19th century and made a living as merchants in the city.
The people that migrated here constructed houses in a row along both sides of the street, so-called Sino-Portuguese. Many buildings have been preserved as museums; for example, the Phuket Thai Hua Museum and Peranakan Nithat Museum, while many buildings have turned into restaurants, stylish coffee shops or accommodation.
The lifestyle of the local people and the baba-Nyonyadressing Culture is one of a kind, it is recommended to be adventurous and taste the local food, as well as take pictures with all the street art, also every Sunday there is a market called ‘Lat Yai’ held for visitors to enjoy and try local foods.
3. Ko Racha and Ko Mai Thon (เกาะราชา และเกาะไม้ท่อน)
Ko Racha and Ko Mai Thon are located in southern Phuket, Ko Racha is composed of two Islands – Ko Racha Noi and Ko Racha Yai. Ko Racha Yai is covered by white sandy beaches with crystal blue waters.
To tourists, this is a paradise, especially, for those who enjoy diving or snorkelling. The island is equipped with full facilities and is ideal for staying. Ko Racha Noi is a popular diving spot, although this is only suitable for professional divers. Divers will also have a chance to meet Manta rays or even great white sharks here.
Ko Mai Thon (เกาะไม้ท่อน), is also a small island located in the southeast of Phuket and is enriched with nature and beautiful sandy beaches. It doesn’t take long to get to Ko Mai Thon so this island is a great destination for people with limited time as it is reachable by speed boat. Go see the clear blue waters for yourself and immerse in some of the best nature in the world.
4. Wat Chalong (Wat Chai Tharam) (วัดฉลอง) (วัดไชยธาราม)
Wat Chalong (Wat Chai Tharam) is an incredible historical temple that is the centre of faith of the Phuket people carrying the history of the legendary, Luangpho Chaem of Wat Chalong, a monk who mastered in Vipassana or insightful meditation, magical power, and traditional medicine.
During the time of the Ang Yi (The Chinese Secret Society) rebellion, he gave Phra Prachiat, a good luck charm to the people who fought the fight and helped defeat them. Luangpho Chaem was granted a title from King Rama V the Great as Phrakhru Wisutthi Wongsachan Yanmuni, holding an ecclesiastical rank of Sangkhapamok, a monk dean of Mueang Phuket.
5. Hat Patong (หาดป่าตอง)
When you visit Hat Patong beach you will notice a wide curved bay, with golden sands and the clear indigo sea suitable for any kind of water sports and beach play.
It is also an internationally well-known beach and popular for tourists to visit. Patong Beach itself is like a small developed town that is equipped with hospitals, large department stores, hotels and other accommodation, along with restaurants that offer fresh seafood, Thai food and other international food so there is something for everyone.
6. Hat Nai Yang (หาดในยาง)
Hat Nai Yang is located in the Sirinath national park and is best known for its well-preserved white sand beaches. These golden sand beaches are surrounded by pine trees, and is ideal location for relaxing and swimming in the picturesque sea.
You will also find large coral reefs, which gives habitat to a variety of marine life species, in particular, sea turtles that lay their eggs from November to February.
7. Hat Surin (หาดสุรินทร์)
Hat Surin is a peaceful beach at the approximately 24 kilometres from town . The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it has a steep sloping beach and the weather fluctuates during the southwest monsoon. In addition, there is a golf course which was established in the reign of King Rama VII.
8. Hat Laem Sing (หาดแหลมสิงห์)
Hat Laem Sing is a tiny and tranquil coved beach that is covered by clean golden sand with beautiful rocky reefs and this beach is suitable for swimming and relaxing.
9. Traditional Festivals(งานประเพณี)
There are many traditional festivals to attend throughout the year however the Chinese New Year held in the Old Phuket is a favourite and is annually held after the Chinese New Year Festival and shows the local life and Culture of Phuket as well giving an unforgettable experience to tourists.
During the Festival, the main roads in old Phuket town including Thalang, Krabi, Dibuk, Phang-nga, Thep Kasat Tri, and Phuket will turn into walking streets. Spectacular colorful and exciting parades march as local culture hit the streets, with locals dressing in traditional costumes in the baba-Nyonya style, local food demonstrations and food stalls selling tasty must-try treats, and other interesting activities will be offered to the public. The last day of the festival will be organized on God Worshipping Day, which is an ancient tradition of Phuket.
10. Phuket Fantasea (การแสดงภูเก็ตแฟนตาซี)
Phuket Fantasea is located at Hat Kamala and this show is one of the most famous attractions in Phuket as well as the world’s first Thai cultural theme park. The show’s highlight is the performance called the “Amazing Kamala”, this show is a mix between Thai arts and traditional culture and special effects using light and sound and also includes around 10 Thai elephants and other animals on the stage.
Phuket Fantasea also offers other services to guests that also include Dinner Buffet style and of course souvenir shops so you can pick up some memorabilia to remember the night. The shows are open daily except for Thursday from 5.30-11.30 p.m. For more and for booking information, please visit the Phuket Fantasea website.
