Things to see in Phuket, Thailand – What not to miss

Located near Phuket, the Phang Nga Bay offers amazing scenery and one of the most important things to see here. With towering limestone pillars decorating the emerald waters, it makes for a great exploration trip, especially on a kayak! There are many caves that you can explore through, such as the Bat Cave. When you get to Phang Nga Bay, you will get the chance to spot the diverse variety of wildlife here which includes monitor lizards, monkeys, kingfishers and hundreds of fish! The bay can be accessed via a kayak or traditional longtail boat. If you're staying at a Phuket luxury resort, tours to Phang Nga Bay can be arranged!

Those travelling to Phuket, must get a taste of their vibrant nightlife that thrives down the Bangala Road. It's a great place to start and end your night as there are plenty of bars and nightclubs bordering the streets, each with their different tastes and music to offer. Grab dinner from the many roadside restaurants or get some of your shopping underway as you stroll through this road after dark. Try out the local food at these restaurants, or maybe consider dining at one of the restaurants in hotels and resorts such as COMO Point Yamu, Phuket.

Standing out quite prominently against the magnificent setting of Phuket is the 45 metre white marble statue of Buddha. Located on Khao Nakkerd Hill, one of the highest peaks in Phuket, it offers a stupefying view of the south of Phuket. Locally known as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, a large number of devotees visit the Buddha statue. The statue is a popular tourist attraction. The statue sits on a gigantic base that takes the shape of a lotus leaf. Although there isn't an entrance fee to visit the Big Buddha, donations are encouraged. As visiting other temples, do make sure to dress appropriately so as not to cause any disrespect.

Wat Chalong was built at the turn of the 19th century and is regarded to be the largest temple in Phuket and the most popular amongst locals and tourists. The temple is also believed to be one of the most sacred as it holds a revered relic of a fragment of a bone of Buddha. The relic takes the name of Phra Borom Sareerikatat and is held within a glass case, that's placed 60 meters high, on top of Phra Mahathat Chedi, brought down from Sri Lanka. Inside the chedi, you will come across a collection of images and mural paintings of Buddha and his life, which depicts scenes from the Jataka. The Jataka are a collection of stories from Buddha's previous lives.

Head over to Old Phuket Town and walk amongst the mansions that date back to the Sino – Portuguese period. This historical town provides a great insight to the lifestyles of the town's inhabitants. However, to keep up with the modern times, many of these old buildings have been converted to shops, hotels, restaurants and museums.