Places to Visit in Phuket

Phuket offers you its largest water park, Andamanda Phuket, which promises to bring to you a one stop locale for thrill, entertainment, and adventure. Spread over a whopping 9.3 hectares of land, the park offers recreational facilities segregated in five distinct zones. It also boasts other entertainment features, retail outlets, and food galore.

Enter the Phuket Bird Park, a lush green well-designed park having 1000 birds belonging to 100 different bird species from Asia, South America and Africa. Known to be the largest bird park in Thailand, you will feel enthralled looking at the colorful birds such as Hornbills, at one of the bird shows doing a series of tasks and tricks.

Located at the southern end of Ton Sai Bay, Long Beach is one of the most laid back destinations for holiday makers who look for a tranquil escapade during vacation.  Nestled under a canopy of palm trees, the Long Beach is a favourite of beachside tourists who look for walking in the soft, white sand of the seashore and indulge in various adventure sports. It is the only beach in Phuket where you can enjoy snorkelling directly from the beach. Stunning coral reefs and colourful marine life nestled under the shallow turquoise waters make Long Beach a diver’s dream destination. Being located at a walking distance from Tonsai Village tourists have easy access to the bars and restaurants and enjoy an electrifying nightlife with good food, music and dance.

About 200 metres from the Long Beach is a rock popping up the surface of the water. Standing at its cliff you can spot the black tip reef sharks some of which stretch over one metre in length. There are a number of activities and amenities you can enjoy during your trip to this tropical paradise such as beach kayaking, volleyball, boat ride, Thai Spa massage and hiking to the viewpoint.

After sunset the locals and tourists assemble at the beach for craziest beach parties with cocktails and lively music. It is also a tranquil haven for those who want to spend a laid back vacation by just reclining in a deck chair and watching a stunning sunset in the skyline. There are a number of plush resorts and cottages where you can enjoy comfortable accommodation along with the bonus of staying close to nature. Most of these resorts have fine dining and take away services of authentic Thai cuisines prepared with fresh organic ingredients.

Considered to be the lifeline of Phuket’s nightlife, Bangla Road is one of the most happening destinations in the city. While the road is mostly quiet during the daytime, it comes to life once the sun has set. It is a haven for party lovers and nightlife enthusiasts who are drawn by its colorful vibrant lights, lively music, and more.

The unique night-time attractions of the cultural theme park offer an unrivaled experience to the visitors. The park offers a one-of-its-kind show in a Las Vegas-style entertainment. Phuket Fantasea is a great place to have fun, shop, and enjoy delicious food either on your own or with family and friends.

Patong Beach is considered to be the party capital of Asia as it has got everything for a fun filled experience. Tourists will come across crowds all the time, who get to enjoy tons of adventure activities like swimming, surfing, parasailing, and more. Apart from all these, this beach gets a clean and sandy shore offering a notable nightlife experience.

Phuket Weekend Market, located in Thailand's popular island destination of Phuket, is a vibrant and bustling market that comes alive every Saturday and Sunday evening. This sprawling market offers a fascinating array of stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts, souvenirs, and delectable street food. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, haggle for unique bargains, indulge in local delicacies, and experience the local culture at its finest, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Thai shopping and dining experience.

Khai Island comprises three beautiful islands located 10 kilometers on the East Coast of Phuket, namely, Khai Nai Island, Koh Khai Nai, and Koh Khai Nok. Among the three, Khai Nai Island is the biggest island that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling activities, while Khai Nui Island is the smallest one with mesmerizing coral reefs and ideal snorkeling opportunities. 

Banana beach is one of the few beaches of Phuket that is still relatively untouched by human interference. It's fine white sand and clear blue waters give the beach a calm and peaceful look. Thanks to its prolific aquatic life, the beach offers one of the best water sports such as snorkeling and diving, enjoyed by the whole family.

Also known as Racha Island, Raya Island is a tiny island located in the Andaman Sea. If you are an adventure lover, Raya Island will allow you to indulge in several water sports activities, like scuba diving and snorkeling. Not only this, but you can also enjoy a long walk with your loved ones or relish a tranquil vacation with your family on the island.

Tiger Kingdom at Phuket is a tourist attraction that offers a rare opportunity of experiencing a close encounter with tigers. Visitors are allowed to touch, play and cuddle with tigers of all sizes and heights, under a trainer’s presence. The zoo is famous for its photography facility that captures splendid pictures of the visitors next to these mighty tigers.

Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket is the first ethical sanctuary for elephants in their natural habitat where they are allowed to roam freely. The sanctuary is the home to 15 elephants that work in the tourism industry and also other sick and old elephants. Visitors are allowed to watch the elephants play, take mud baths and touch and feed them.

Maiton Island, also known as Honeymoon Island, is a small privately-owned island hidden in the turquoise blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The island is a good place for snorkeling, offering many tropical sea creatures such as cuttlefish and sea turtles during your experience. Enjoy a pleasant day at this idyllic island as you swim through all your worries.

Patong Boxing Stadium is a massive arena where Thailand’s martial art, Muay Thai or Thai boxing is staged, that can accommodate around 350 people at a time. The stadium has a Muay Thai Gym where one can learn and train to be a Muay Thai fighter. The place is also equipped with a shop selling boxing gears and a bar.

Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach is a resort hotel that offers the experience of ultimate luxury in a pristine natural setting. The resort offers a wide range of modern facilities and amenities that make a visit worth a lifetime of savings. The beauty and grandeur of the resort and the services offered help you feel completely relaxed.

Families and retirees flock to Kamala beach, located north of Patong, for a relaxing vacation in this tranquil region. The beach is known for its cafes along the coast, notably Cafe Del Mar as well as other prominent Thai restaurants. There are also two small retail lanes where traditional items can be purchased.

Tha Rua Shrine happens to be one of the oldest and the largest temples located in the islands of Phuket. The temple is home to a number of striking carved dragons, traditional artworks, and many ancient relics. While you enter this heritage site in Phuket, you will be welcomed by the outstanding red, green, and gold coloured theme.

Aquaria is one of the biggest aquariums in Thailand, located in the heart of Phuket beneath the Central Phuket Floresta. A trip to the aquarium takes the visitors on an amazing underwater journey, where they can explore the wonders of the ocean. The aquarium features around 25000 distinct marine animals that entertain and inspire the visitors in their unique way.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is Phuket’s award-winning distillery that manufactures exotic rum and gin from the sustainably grown Thai sugarcane using traditional French techniques. Guided distillery tours and workshops about the art of making cocktails and mocktails are main attractions of the distillery. The in-house restaurant and bar offers a fine dining experience in a tropical environment for the luncheon.

Phang Nga Bay is a picturesque destination between Phuket and Krabi known for its splendid backdrop. The site is famous for the archaeologically significant vertical limestone karsts that extend magically out of the emerald green sea water.Phang Nga Bay houses small islands that are rich in mangrove forests, beds of seagrass and varieties of flora and fauna. Outdoor activities like boat trips, canoeing, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking are also available here.

Central Phuket is a huge shopping mall that has two enormous wings - Central Festival and Central Floresta connected by a footbridge. Shopaholics are sure to have the best time moving between 500 lifestyle stores and 15 luxury brand outlets at Central Phuket. An aquarium with over 25,000 species and nine different zones is also a key attraction here.

The crystal clear waters and the white sands of Kata bay have been known for seducing tourists with its charms. Located just a few meters away from Karon Beach, Kantaia a year-round magnet, well appreciated for its palm-lined beaches, elegant restaurants, and sophisticated nightlife. While Kata Centre, located at the northern end is known for its relaxing beach and soothing atmosphere, Kata South, on the other hand, is a one-stop-destination for food lovers as the latter boasts a variety of eateries.

Relatively less known among the masses, NaiHarn Island portrays the true flavors of Thailand. Untouched by urbanization this stunning beach retreat has just a few hotels thus sustain its flawless charm for the travelers.For people who are looking for some sun-soaked moments and panoramic view – NaiHarn is a heaven. Relaxing evening strolls o the beach while ravishing the coastal beauty are some added features that visitors mostly enjoy while in this slice of paradise.

Find yourself super excited to explore one of the liveliest markets of Phuket located on the huge complex of Wat Karon, Karon Temple Market. Spreaded over an extensive area inside the temple compound, the market comes alive twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Besides, the market offers a wide array of different products, delicious foods, and souvenirs to explore.

Wat Phra Thong, also known as the golden temple, is a popular Buddhist temple that houses a half buried golden Buddha statue. Built thousands of years ago, the temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the village. Situating with few other marvelous structures and colorful architectural designs, the temples define a whole vibe of tranquility. 

Blue Tree Phuket is a huge water park which is an ideal entertainment destination for both kids and adults. The colourful buildings, warm swimming pools and fun water games attract people of all ages. It is home to a host of spine-chilling outdoor activities along with exciting indoor play zones, and the gigantic Blue Tree Lagoon as its key attraction.

A small town in the Surin Province, this is one quieter place located towards the east of Bangkok. Surin’s only claim to fame is it annual Elephant roundup ceremony. This land of big elephants explodes into a dynamic city after November, as during this period the city hosts giant crowds of pachyderms.

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to branded fashion stores.

Location: Phuket

Activities: Mom Tri's Boathouse features an art gallery with rotating shows by local artists along with a jazz band, Thai cookery classes and a superb menu.

Nearby Attractions: Dino Park, Surf House, Kata View Point, Kata Temple, etc.

Keep your kids entertained on a rainy day by paying a visit to Phuket Seashell Museum which is storing one of the largest collections of valuable shells sourced from Thai and Phuket waters. Built around 1997, the museum houses 2000 different species of shells from the past three decades, which started as just a hobby of muesum's owner

Khao Rang Hill ViewPoint is considered to be one of the best places located on the northwest border of the town from where you can get stunning views of the bustling Phuket town. This place is also considered as a recreational park where locals come over to spend time in the early morning and evening hours.

Freedom Beach, which is both gorgeous and secluded, is an exception. With wonderfully smooth white sand and crystal blue waves, it is one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches. It's only a few minutes from Patong Beach, the island's busiest beach, but it's surprisingly tranquil and quiet. Freedom Beach has a special atmosphere due to its unusual location.

Khao Sok National Park is a wildlife reserve of Thailand enclosed by dense rainforest, emerald lakes, waterfalls, limestone hills and rare flora and fauna. The park has a plethora of adventure activities like hiking, canoeing, bamboo rafting, night safari, zip-lining and kayaking. The picturesque landscape, raw beauty of nature and thrilling activities make Khao Sok National Park a little paradise.

A visit to Phuket won’t be complete without visiting the most photographed destination, Phrompthep Cape. Sweeping through either the Rawai beach or the Naiharn beach several cars and tour buses reach the southernmost part of the hill where at the top, parking the cars loads of tourist and locals set forward to enjoy the fascinating natural show, the sunset. It also has a lighthouse which provides excellent views of the east and south-east part of the island. 

Highlights: Apart from this spectacular views of Phi Phi Islands, Koi Racha Yai and Koi Racha Noi can also be enjoyed from here. Along with enjoying the view one can cherish dining at the popular Phromthep Cape restaurant. The scenic beauty from here is awesome and the food is quite delicious and reasonably priced too. 

Location: Nai Harn- Rawai

Phuket Old Town is a unique location that takes you on a cultural walk in the midst of traditional architecture, lively shophouses and buzzing markets. It is a heritage rich Sino Portuguese locality that features stunning colonial buildings, holy shrines and souvenir shops. The cafes and restaurants at Phuket Old Town are a must-visit as they serve the best authentic Thai food.

Splash Jungle Waterpark, located on the Mai Khao beach, is one of the most popular theme parks in Phuket. It offers a wide range of exciting, thrilling, and relaxing activities for everyone to enjoy. Relish the taste of authentic Thai food, fast foods, and drinks while you take a break from the wildest rides and splashes of massive waves.

Panwa Beach, also known as Khao Kat Beach, is a secluded beach that offers quiet and personal space to people who are looking for a solace beach time. Combined by many bays, this beach offers many water sports activities such as parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. Enjoy sunbathing under the towering palm trees looking at the serene beach view.

Nai Harn Beach is a relatively unspoilt beach with stunning blue waves and lovely white sand. During the high season, this expansive beach is relatively uncrowded and offers a variety of amenities such as tourist stores, motels, and massage centers. Get a relaxing massage or sample some delectable Thai cuisine, or enjoy water sports like swimming, surfing, etc.

Located in the heart of Thalang, the temple is a house to one of the most beautiful attractions in Phuket, the statue of the sleeping Buddha that welcomes you while entering the holy place. Besides, the large complex houses multiple images and temples of Buddha that bring an immense vibe of tranquility to the place.

Flying Hanuman is an adventure hub where one can experience the adrenaline rush by taking part in daring activities. Set in the lush rainforest of Kathu Village, Flying Hanuman offers an array of adventure sports with the backdrop of the beautiful hills of Phuket. The place facilitates aerial activities like zip lining, spiral stairways, sky bridge and abseiling points. Experts and guides are available to take care of the protection and safety of the visitors.

Monkey Hill in Phuket Town is the fundamental attraction for people who love to see these human-like creatures doing their mischievous antics. It is the tallest hill in Phuket that contains a vast range of unique macaques. You can either feed them with little treats or watch them performing tricks, you will also find some recreational and jogging spaces.

Wat Chalong is one of the most beautiful and dominant Buddhist temples, known for attracted travellers from all over the world. While for the local population, this temple is a noteworthy centre of worship while for foreign visitors Wat Chalong is a source to know and learn more about this beautiful religion – Buddhism. Poh Than Jo Wat is an impressive and colossal Buddhist statues located in the old hall of the temple. Another fun fact about this place is that the temple also boasts a statue of an elderly gentleman called Ta Khee- lek who won a famous local Thai who won numerous lotteries after consulting Poh Than Jo Wat statue. Apart from the grandeur visitors also enjoy the stunning display of around a dozen small shops selling all kinds of souvenirs and visitor’s stuff.

The Big Buddha of Phuket is an iconic landmark of Thailand perched on top of the Nakkerd Hills. Built of white jade marble, this magnificent statue is 45 metres tall and glistens in glory. The atmosphere at Phuket Big Buddha is so peaceful and the panoramic view is breathtaking. The hall at the base of the statue has Buddhist teachings and a donation box for funding.

If you are looking for an amazing beach to soak up the sun rays, Karon Beach in Phuket is an excellent option. Watch the mesmerizing sunset from the northern end of the beach, for a hassle free experience as the sky turns pink. Known as one of the longest beaches, it’s a great place to relax and hang around.

Relish an amazing spiritual experience in one of the oldest and honored temples in Phuket, Jui Tui Shrine. Built around 1911, the temple holds a prominent significance during Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Standing with three large altars, the architectural design is dedicated to Chinese God Tian Hu Huan Soy. Here locals throng the place to celebrate different occasions and festivals.

Bang Tao Beach in Phuket is considered to be one of the luxury stretches that is about 4 miles long and is dotted with zillions of luxurious resorts, sprawling properties, and bountiful natural beauty. Heading over to this place, one can spend time in relaxation as well as indulge in a wide range of fun-filled yet adventure activities.

Phuket Trickeye Museum is a fascinating 3D museum and exhibition with about 100 different paintings and sculptures depicting famous scenes from movies. The art gallery featuring 3D pictures and carvings is a whole new world of illusion drawn with trompe-l’oeil techniques meaning ‘deceive the eye’. Phuket Trickeye Museum is an exciting attraction where you can capture many creative photographs.