Joanna James
The enchanting Thai island of Phuket is a destination that caters to the desires of every traveller, whether one seeks relaxation, cultural immersion, adventure, or a vibrant nightlife. If you haven’t been here before and are planning a visit (which you should!) these are the best things to do.
Phuket boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Be it to enjoy beachside bliss or exciting activities there's a stretch of sand here for you. Start your beach-hopping adventure at Patong Beach for water sports and vibrant nightlife. Then, head to Kata Beach for a quieter vibe and surfing. Don't miss the serene beauty of Freedom Beach, the Instagram-worthy Nai Harn Beach, and the sun-kissed Mai Khao Beach where you can engage in some ‘plane spotting’ too! Apart from working on your tan, you can engage in fun water sports from snorkelling and kayaking to jet skiing, parasailing and more.
When it comes to sightseeing adventures, you can visit some of the key temples in Phuket. One of the most well-known is the Big Buddha which features a colossal 45-metre-tall statue atop Nakkerd Hill; you can observe devotees at this sacred site, take in the awe-inspiring statue made from white jade marble and soak up the 360-degree panoramas that will take your breath away. Another temple to head to is the distinctive Wat Chalong where one will find intricately decorated halls and fascinating statues; also add the Jui Tui Shrine to your itinerary, a Taoist shrine that plays a focal role in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
To gain insights into local culture and heritage, make time to explore Phuket Old Town. Hotel options can be found close by as well with properties like Travelodge Phuket Town offering an ideal base for your island getaways. This charming town provides one with a chance to journey back in time and discover what this area must have been like in the days of old. As you wander the streets, you will come across well-preserved Sino-Portuguese-style shophouses, Chinese shrines and Buddhist temples as well as cafes and eateries where you can savour traditional dishes. Also of interest are the Phuket Town Central Market and the Sunday Walking Street Market where you can get some shopping done.
Apart from enjoying the many things to do in Phuket, don’t forget this destination is also a great starting point for excursions to other islands and captivating places in Thailand. Amongst these is the idyllic Phang Nga Bay known for stunning limestone karsts, emerald-green waters, and hidden caves; an ideal site for kayaking, this bay is also where you will find the famous James Bond Island made famous by the 007 movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun." Not to be missed is a chance to visit the Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh) home to picturesque beaches and where one can go snorkelling and diving as well.
As the sun sets, Phuket comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene where you can dance into the wee hours! Party central on the island is undoubtedly Bangla Road near Patong Beach which is transformed into a neon light landscape at night accompanied by pulsating music and revellers from around the world. There are plenty of beer bars, go-go bars, live music venues and nightclubs to be found here along with an opportunity to catch captivating ladyboy cabaret shows. For more laidback nightlife fun, you can head to Phuket Town where you can spend more time with friends drinking and dancing the night away.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
