Phuket is the most accessible of Thailand’s island destinations and it’s also the gateway to a great many of the world famous Thailand beaches, national parks and islands that come to mind when you think of Thailand.
Phuket island has a rich cultural history, especially in Phuket Town . The locals live at a more ‘traditional pace’ and there are many beautiful examples of Chinese Shrines and Temples. You are seriously spoiled for choice for food options in Phuket with probably a greater variety of cuisines than anywhere else in Thailand, outside of Bangkok of course, from hawker stands, beach vendors, local noodle shops, great Thai and Seafood restaurants right up to the finest International Dining. While the beaches and blue skies are a major draw, it is the huge range of activities on offer that makes Phuket such a great all round destination. You’ve got Famous island excursions, world class snorkeling and dive trips, boat trips, Elephant Trekking, Jungle Safari, World Class Golf Courses, cooking classes, traditional Thai massage, Cabaret, go-carting, water parks, shooting ranges you name it, Phuket’s got it.
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Things to do
Kalim Bay
At the northern end, this Phuket beach has become the ultra-hip place to hangout and you will find the trendiest bars and restaurants along this stretch of coastline.
Vibrant and Chaotic Phuket Night Markets
They Stretch all the way along the beach road and just about every available space in-between. Browsing the colourful stalls of handmade crafts, souvenirs, clothes and dubious counterfeit items is an experience that is integral to travel in Asia and they don’t come much more full on than in Patong.
Colorful Nightlife
Patong has an infamous reputation for it’s ‘colorful’ nightlife and everyone should experience the beer bars, discos and go-go bars of Soi Bangla (the main strip) at least once in their life.
Kata and Karon Beaches
For a more Phuket laid back scene I’d recommend Kata and Karon Beaches as some of the best beaches in Phuket. There is still enough going on here to keep you interested and the beaches are some of the very best on the island. There are also some amazing viewpoints nearby, which you can visit by motorbike, car or Tuk Tuk.
Things To See
Big Buddha
Sat on his mountaintop is the enourmous Buddha of Phuket island, which can be spotted from most places in the south of the island. It is even more impressive from the top and there are some brilliant viewpoints all the way up the mountain, not just from the summit.
Phuket old town
Is a great place to be and really gives you a glimpse of what life was like on the island 100’s of years ago when the Chinese and Europeans arrived and started mining for tin. There are many stunning examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture and Chinese shop houses, which are still to this day operating as traditional textiles, gold and printing businesses. Nowadays, they are also home to quaint cafes and coffee shops, clothes boutiques and some lovely restaurants, guesthouses and local bars.
For accommodation, Marriott’s Phuket Beach club is the perfect place to base yourself to see all of the nearby sights. Set in tropical gardens next to the stunning Mai Khao Beach, this upscale, all-apartment beach resort is 7 km from the Splash Jungle Water Park and 16 km from Sirinat National Park.
