Best Places to Visit in Phuket – Amazing Attractions
Phuket with its fascinating nature offers its guests amazing options for the best places to visit in Thailand. Phuket has many wonderful beaches, tropical islands, beautiful bays, historical temples, waterfalls, and more. It is also one of the famous destinations for Thailand nightlife. Especially in Patong…
Best places to visit in Phuket, Thailand – Travel to Southeast Asia
Phuket is an island with a surface area of 570 square kilometers. It is located in the southwest of Thailand. You can find the opportunity to visit the buildings that prove their cultural richness besides the natural wonders and historical settlements here.
Best Places to Visit in Phuket Island
Phuket Island has a fascinating effect with its endless beaches, magnificent sunsets that will warm you up, fun activities, crazy nightlife, and Thai massage. Actually, it was a small mining town before. But now, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for a holiday.
With its warm climate, crystal clear turquoise blue water, and long beaches with white beaches, Phuket is among the top 10 diving centers in the world. It hosts visitors from all over the world with its exotic culture, exquisite cuisine, and tropical vegetation. So where are the must-see places on Phuket Island?
1- Patong Beach & Bangla Road
Patong is the most famous beach resort in Phuket and the tourist heart of the island. Bangla Road and Patong Beach are places that played a big role in making this area so popular.
Patong Beach & Bangla Road are some of the fun things to do in Phuket.
The natural wonder beach, where the intensity does not decrease for even a moment during the season, offers the travelers pleasant hours with its turquoise sea and golden yellow beach during the day.
Bangla Road is the street of entertainment in Patong District. Everyone who comes to Phuket has their way to this street at least once. There are many bars, nightclubs, striptease bars, go-go bars, girls on this street. If you want to stay in this area, you can book your hotel by clicking the booking website.
2- Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay has a very nice atmosphere. It offers many options such as nature, shopping, and entertainment opportunities to its guests. Moreover, from the port here, there is transportation to Coral Island. Coral Island is one of the most important diving centers in Thailand.
One of the must-see destinations in Chalong Bay is Wat Chalong (Wat Chaithararam). It is a very important temple for Buddhists.
Chalong Bay – Things to do in Thailand
Also, you can do many different activities. If you are interested in local cuisine and enjoy cooking, you can attend culinary classes. When you look for excitement, you can turn your route to Jungle Xtrem Adventures Park.
You can even test your marksmanship skills on the shooting track and watch the Muay Thai matches, which are considered the national sport of the country. In the evening, you can choose one of the entertainment venues in the region.
3- Big Buddha
While spending time in Chalong Bay, I recommend that you first visit Big Buddha. Because it is one of the most important and respected places on the island.
The magnificent statue, which can be easily seen from almost half of the island with its 45 meters height, was started to be built on the top of Nakkerd Hill in 2007. The temple is frequently visited by local people to pray. Moreover, it attracts travelers with its 360° view.
Big Buddha Statue – Things to do in Phuket
When you reach the statue on the top of the hill, you can first examine the temple made of gold. Then, you can focus on watching the breathtaking view of Kata’s magnificent bay, Karon’s golden sand-covered beach, and the canal islands in Chalong Bay. So Big Buddha is must be on the list of the best places to visit in Phuket.
4- Wat Chalong
The temple is the largest and most important Buddhist temple on the island. It was built in the 19th century. Local Thai people come to the 3-story building to remember and respect the monks who were their founders. Poh Than Jao Wat is one of the most important Buddhist sculptures in Wat Chalong.
Wat Chalong has an architecturally impressive appearance. Especially the interior decorations of it are excellent. All the walls and ceiling of the temple are decorated with pictures depicting the life of Buddha.
Wat Chalong Temple
5- Karon Beach – Best Places to Visit in Phuket
Karon Beach is the third-longest beach on the island. It is located on Phuket’s west coast. It is covering an area of 5 kilometers between Patong and Kata. Karon Beach is divided into 3 regions that offer different opportunities to travelers.
If you decide to stay in this area, you can choose among hotels on Karon Beach Road. So you will also have the opportunity to be close to the popular Karon Bazaar.
Beautiful Karon Beach – Best Places to Visit in Phuket – Where to Swim
On the south end of the beach, which is considered ideal for diving, restaurants and entertainment venues with high-quality service await you. So Karon Beach is one of the best places to visit in Phuket.
6- Kata Beach (Kata Noi Beach)
Unlike Patong, you can enjoy the sea in the calmer environment of the family-friendly neighbor Kata Beach.
The beach is full of palm trees. It also attracts great interest from surfing fans from May until October. If you want to just swim and sunbathe, November and April are the best periods.
Kata Beach Thailand – Where to swim and surf
When you want to go shopping after swimming and sunbathing on the beach, you can wander around the shops or stalls set up in the streets. When you get hungry, you can choose many options from affordable street foods or restaurants.
If you are a sunset lover, you should visit Karon Viewpoint and watch the sunset. Where to stay in Kata Beach in Phuket? Check this hotel list.
7- Phuket FantaSea – Best Places to Visit in Thailand
Phuket FantaSea is a theme park on a 60-acre area. Hundreds of elephants and animals of different species show along with players.
You can also find a lot of Thai traditional things in the theme park. Different options in the park offer to the guests to have a pleasant evening.
Phuket Fantasea – The Best Things to Do in Patong Thailand
It attracts the attention of all age groups. Aside from the great show, you can shop, participate in carnival-style games and taste the most special flavors of the local cuisine here.
8- Old Phuket – Best Places to Visit in Thailand
Phuket attracts attention with its population diversity as well as its natural beauty. The best place to observe this multinational community, Apart from the Thai, There are many Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Nepalese living here.
Old Phuket gives travelers the opportunity to learn about the architecture of the colonial period as well as getting to know its multicultural nature.
Old Phuket Town – Best Places to Visit and Travel in Southeast Asia – Backpacking
Phuket’s old town is divided by 5 main streets and numerous streets. On the streets called Rasada, Phang Nga, Thalang, Dibuk, Krabi, there are many historical buildings and cultural facilities, as well as shopping venues selling authentic products.
If you travel to this place during the Chinese New Year, you may have the opportunity to participate in the festival that will make it easier for you to get to know the local culture. By the way, you can the hotel list by clicking this link.
9- Kao Khad View Tower
There are many viewpoints to observe the legendary landscape on the island. One of the viewpoints is Kao Khad View Tower. Many tourists come here to watch sunset and sunrise.
You can watch large and small islands, lush forests, and wonderful sea views from the tower. You can reach here by renting a motorbike. Kao Khad View Tower must be on the list of best places to visit in Phuket.
Kao Khad View Tower
10- Karon Viewpoint
I briefly mentioned the Karon Viewpoint while giving you information about Kata Beach above. The viewpoint looks directly at the Andaman Sea. When you come here, you will see that everyone focuses on the eight-kilometer coastline.
There is no better place else on the island that reveals all the beauty of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon beaches. That is why the viewpoint is known as “Khao Saam Haad” in the local language, “Three Beaches Hills”.
Karon Viewpoint -Thailand Travel Guide
11- Phuket Aquarium – Best Places to Visit in Thailand
About Thailand, the first things that come to mind are tropical beaches, islands, elephants, and amazing adventure. However, there is an amazing richness about underwater life here as well.
If you are also curious about the biological diversity of the Andaman Sea, you should visit the Phuket Aquarium. In addition to the creatures living in saltwater, you can also observe species found in Thailand’s lakes and rivers.
It is a really good place to explore the underwater world. So you should add Phuket Aquarium to your travel itinerary for Thailand. And also it is one of the best things to do in Phuket.
12- Elephant Sanctuary
Elephant Sanctuary is a kind of farm established for elephants to live in healthy conditions and natural environments. If you want to observe the admirable elephants in their most natural life, you can join the safari tours organized in Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
It is a place where elephants rescued from various parks in the region spend their “retirement” days. In this way, elephants can once again enjoy freedom in wildlife. You can buy a tour on the GetYourGuide website.
Elephant Sanctuary – The best places to visit in Phuket – Travel Guide Blog
13- Promthep Cape – Best Places to Visit in Phuket
Another point where you can watch the sunset view during your Phuket holiday is Promthep Cape, the southernmost tip of the island.
If you go to the cape, which stretches towards the Andaman Sea, especially on clear days, you can easily see the islands of Koh Racha Yai, Noi, and Phi Phi Islands. Although those islands are quite far from the land.
14- Maya Bay (Phi Phi Islands)
Near Phuket, there are bays that host many islands. However, none of these attract as much attention as Thailand’s superstar island, Phi Phi.
Maya Bay has become more popular after the movie called ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo di Caprio. Because of that, many tourists started to visit Maya Bay. So every day it was very crowded. Unfortunately, people and boats damaged the bay. So the Thai government closed this place temporarily.
So you will just see Maya Bay from far, during your Phi Phi Island daily tour.
Maya Bay – Phi Phi Islands Boat Tour
15- Simon Cabaret Show
If you intend to watch exotic-style entertainment during your holidays on the island, you can include the Simon Cabaret Show in your list of best places to visit in Phuket.
This show is one of the most important entertainment options on the island. You will like great choreography, magnificent costumes, high-level sound, and lighting systems.
Simon Cabaret Show
All of the artists performing in the Simon Cabaret are transsexuals. However, this does not mean that the shows in the cabaret are sexual. After watching the 70-minute show, you can take pictures outside with the artists for an extra fee.
16- Monkey Beach
Many tours with Phi Phi Islands visit Monkey Beach. So probably you will see this beach during your daily boat trip. Actually, Monkey Beach is a part of Koh Phi Phi Don.
There are many monkeys on the beach. You can take pictures with them, feed them, or play with them. But be careful, they can steal your stuff like phone, hat, sunglasses, etc.
Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Island Tour
17- Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island)
Khao Phing Kan is one of the 100 islands in Phang Nga Bay. The island owes its reputation largely to the 9th film of the James Bond series, The Man with the Golden Gun, which was released in 1974. So it is also known as James Bond Island.
The island (Ko Tapu) has already been protected as a national park. For this reason, no boats or canoes are allowed to approach the island.
James Bond Island – Best places to visit in Phuket & Patong – Travel Blog
You can either take boat tours or rent a canoe at Surakul Pier and go to the small beach in Koh Ping Ghan to see the island. It is closed to visitors in order not to damage the rare and beautiful rock formations and local plant and animal species.
18- Tiger Kingdom
The Tiger Kingdom in the list of the best places to visit in Phuket opened its doors to visitors in 2013. It provides its guests the opportunity to be close to a group of tigers that have been raised by people since their birth.
In the facility, tigers are fed and cared for by experts. If you want to take photos with tigers and love them are charged extra. It is one of the fun things to do in Phuket.
Tiger Kingdom – Best Places to Visit in Phuket
19- Nai Harn – Best Places to Visit in Phuket
Nai Harn is a place where you can enjoy the sea during the day and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of nightlife in the evenings.
Nai Harn Beach is a great place to swim from November to April. If you are into surfing, you should come here between May and October. The waves are really good for surfing.
Considered among the most popular beaches of the island, tourists discovered the area newly discovered compared to the others. Many travelers visit here every year. There are many hotels, beaches, bars, nightclubs around here.
Nai Harn – The Best Places to Visit in Phuket – Beautiful Beaches in Thailand
18- Phuket Town Weekend Night Market
When you decide to focus on shopping, you can go to Phuket Town Weekend Night Market. It is like an exotic shopping paradise. The local people call this market “Naka Market”.
Chao Fa West Road hosts the night market. Although not as much as Chatuchak in Bangkok, the market easily attracts shoppers with its large dimensions and hundreds of stalls.
You buy products from different categories such as toys, electronics, shoes, bags, jewelry. If you feel hungry while wandering around the market, you can head to the dining area to the right of the main entrance. Because it takes hours to see the whole area of the market. So, it should be in your itinerary for the best places to visit in Phuket.
While you are traveling to Thailand, you should read this post: ‘Places to Visit in Bangkok‘
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