Joanna James
Fun, exciting and fascinating experiences to be had on Thailand’s largest island are absolutely plentiful, but for those looking to venture beyond the beaten path, you surely aren’t disappointed either. Come, unleash the avid explorer in you and uncover a side to Phuket that awaits your discovery.
If there’s one thing that Phuket absolutely has no shortage of, that would be miles and miles of picture-postcard beaches, for the Thai island is ringed by nothing but palm-fringed shores and turquoise blue waters. However, not many of Phuket’s gorgeous beaches afford the luxury of serenity, which is no surprise at all, given that it’s the beaches that put Phuket on the map after all. Make your way to the likes of Ao Sane Beach on the island’s southwest coast, where beachgoers are afforded both the tranquillity of an untouched beach and breathtaking seaside scenery.
Thailand’s largest island is blessed with so much beauty that it is certainly one that’s meant to be admired. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Phang Nga makes the perfect vantage point to take in Phuket’s mind-blowing seaside whilst enjoying the serenity made possible by the hilltop’s seclusion. Visiting the viewpoint will have you on a 30-minute drive outside the town of Phuket, which also makes for a delightful experience in itself. After reaching the base of the mountain, the truly adventurous are welcome to summit the viewpoint on foot while others can opt to hitch a ride to the top on a pick-up truck available for rent.
Travellers to the island of Phuket need no introduction to the Phuket Big Buddha, for the giant White Buddha statue is one of the most visited attractions of the Thai island. For something off the beaten path, visit the Wat Khao Rang Samakhitham temple on Khao Rang Hill, where you are greeted by a gigantic golden Buddha, just as majestic. After a dose of fascinating history, culture and heritage at the striking temple, retreat to an elegant Phuket luxury beach resort; your options include Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.
For many travellers to Phuket and the vicinity, island-hopping is one of the most looked forward to adventure activities. But, it is often the tourist hotspots with the likes of James Bond Island and the Similan Islands that top most itineraries. Koh Yao Yai Island, nestled halfway between Phuket and Krabi, is one of the lesser-known islands in the vicinity, perfect for an offbeat island-hopping adventure.
For those island visitors looking for something truly authentic and offbeat, a visit to Koh Panyi Floating Village certainly wouldn’t be in vain. The traditional fishing village sitting on stilts amidst the wide-open seas has a Muslim-majority population and offers visitors to the village a glimpse into authentic island living.
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