Listly by Anastasia Smith
There will be an array of engrossing places to visit on the island of Phuket that would delight the sightseer, such as Phuket Town, Patong Beach, Phuket Big Buddha, Sirinat National Park, Phi Phi Islands and more; these will capture the interest of visitors with diverse tastes and preferences.
An excellent locality at which to commence your tour of this island’s attractions is Old Phuket Town which is sure to capture the interest of the discerning visitor. You will find numerous attractions and restaurants for tourists here. Architecture lovers would enjoy taking a leisurely stroll through Old Phuket Town’s streets where they will encounter buildings with Portuguese and Chinese architectural styles as well as an interesting collection of shophouses, shrines and temples. An interesting religious attraction here is the appealing Chinese temple known as the Jui Tui Shrine.
Patong Beach would be the place to go if you don’t mind mingling with many other visitors and desire to experience the mainstream tourist-oriented attractions. Whilst this locality wouldn’t be the obvious choice if you seek tranquillity and seclusion, you will find an abundance of water sports opportunities; you may try out pursuits like jet skiing, flyboarding, parasailing, banana boating, paddleboarding and more. Patong is also renowned for its exciting nightlife which you could experience by making your way to Bangla Walking Street.
A well-known landmark on this island is the impressive Phuket Big Buddha which presents an arresting sight for the observer. To reach this immense statue, you would be obliged to travel to the summit of the Nakkerd Hills; from the 45 m tall Buddha statue, you could experience spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding areas. You will find that the Big Buddha is located in a tranquil spot where you can enjoy the calm, peaceful ambience.
Meanwhile, nature lovers visiting Phuket should undoubtedly take the opportunity to experience the pleasant Sirinat National Park. This sizable and peaceful national park will also provide a respite from the more tourist-oriented localities on the island. Two of the beaches belonging to this sanctuary, Hat Mai Khao and Hat Nai Yang are visited by leatherback turtles who arrive here to nest and lay their eggs. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could easily visit this national park would be Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas where you could stay at appealingly located Phuket villas.
You will find that visiting the renowned Phi Phi Islands would be a marvellous experience to enjoy during your visit to Phuket. These islands are known for their amazing beauty; as you approach them by boat, they will seem to rise out from the seas, creating an absorbing sight. At the Phi Phi Islands, you will notice sheer lofty cliffs towering overhead, in addition to a jungle-fringed by beaches.
Wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those who love elephants may choose to head to the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park which may be regarded as an ethical haven for pachyderms. During your visit to this sanctuary, you will have the chance to pet, bathe, brush and feed these gentle creatures. You may even spot an endearing baby elephant frolicking in the waters. As you might expect in an ethical sanctuary, riding the elephants is not permitted.