Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a paradise for sea lovers. However, its attractions are not only water and sand; this island has many temples and viewpoints that are in themselves a good reason to visit the area. Moreover, this was one of the places most devastated by the deadly tsunami, but it has recovered its spirit in an incredible way.
Best beaches
Patong beach
Patong is not as much of a beach paradise as Phuket but it is one of the most popular places, full of bars, restaurants and nightclubs with a great nightlife. Even if you are not a night owl, it is a very curious place to visit and have a cocktail after sunset.
Karon beach
This is one of the longest beaches on the island, with over 2.5 kilometres. Although the beach is not as spectacular as others on Phuket, it is a good choice for sunset viewing and is very close to Phuket Old Town. The best thing to do is stroll along the long seafront promenade.
Panwa beach
This is one of Phuket’s most spectacular beaches, with its white sand and deep turquoise blue sea. In fact, in this area there are several hotels and resorts that take advantage of this spot, which is around 10 kilometres from the capital. It is perfect if you are travelling with all the family because the sea is very calm and not very deep. It is also a good plan if you want to snorkel because of the proximity of the coral reefs.
Banana beach
This beach is not as well known yet, so you can visit it without the risk of not having a place for your towel. Although it is not very accessible, it can only be accessed on foot, and it is quite small, this corner in the north of Phuket is a jewel worth visiting.
Kata Noi beach
This is considered by some social media platforms to be one of the most beautiful beaches on Phuket and is still largely unspoilt, allowing for some peace and calm. It is located in the south of the island, very close to Kata beach.
Phuket temples
Wat Chaithraram
This is the largest Buddhist temple in the province. Construction began in the 19th century and it is striking because of its large pagoda, which is said to have been built with splinters of Buddha’s bones. One of the most visited areas are the walls depicting the life of Buddha. And an interesting fact: there is a statue of a local resident who won the lottery several times.
Big Buddha
This is the largest monument on Phuket. It is a 45-metre high white marble statue perched on a mountaintop where the views are incredible. A grand staircase of 94 steps takes you to the top of Buddha’s pedestal although to descend you have to walk down a path along the hillside.
Although many people go there for the views, remember that it is a religious site and you cannot wear sleeveless clothes or shorts.
Jui Tui Shrine
This shrine, away from the centre of Phuket Old Town, is one of the oldest temples and the main venue for the famous Vegetarian Festival held in October and November. It is common to find processions of the faithful dressed in white in the midst of religious rituals.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
This is a tropical jungle in the heart of Phuket Island where there are many hiking trails that follow the wildest paths in the area and pass by two waterfalls. This area is home to one of the almost extinct apes, the Gibbon, who still have this national park as their natural sanctuary. Remember to wear suitable footwear for walking in this terrain and a swimming costume in case you end up getting soaked among the waterfalls.
Phi Phi Islands
Located 1.5 hours by boat from Phuket, this is the most common trip if you spend several days in this area of Thailand. There are four islands, only one of which is inhabited, with incredible natural scenery in the Andaman Sea.
There you can see Maya Bay, which is where the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach was shot, snorkel near Bamboo Island or enjoy the expanses of water and sand at Mosquito Island.
On the island of Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave, a cave where paintings of ships in the shape of Viking vessels have been found, is also a must.
Phang Nga Bay
This bay holds some of Thailand’s most incredible sights such as the Ao Phang Nga National Park and the famous James Bond Island. It is very close to Phuket and also to Krabi, so the recommendation is to visit some of its paradisiacal white sandy beaches and see the deep blue of its sea which clashes with the green of its palm trees.
Many compare some parts of the bay to Halong Bay in Vietnam, especially the limestone cliffs with lush green vegetation.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket’s historic area with its colourful houses is reminiscent of Portuguese influences and retains a certain charm beyond its temples and markets. The best thing to do is leisurely stroll through it without any expectations and let yourself be surprised by some of its cafés and restaurants.
As a curiosity, you will see considerable mural and street art that has turned this oldest area into an urban gallery that completes the Thai Hua Museum, where it is explained how Phuket has become what it is today.
Do not miss its Amulet Market, very close to the Shrine of the Serene Light which, for a long time, was an almost secret place only for the locals.
