There are plenty of best things to do in Phuket. The island itself has a beautiful historical old town, great viewpoints and iconic cultural attractions. It’s also a good base for exploring the nearby islands and their must-see attractions.
The following list is our pick of the things which are definitely worth a visit while you’re in Phuket. Being a place of great variety, there’s something among the best things to do in Phuket for virtually every kind of traveller. Take a look below and see what sparks your interest.
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Best Things To Do In Phuket
1. Take a Trip to Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi beach is a small bay just a short drive from Kata beach, it is a small beach but the scenery is breath taking, take some time to relax, walk along the beautiful sands or maybe go for a swim. From the Kata viewpoint you can look across at the bays of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, The best time to visit the beach is between November and April as swimming can sometimes become dangerous during the monsoon season.
2. Have a Tour of The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
For any keen rum drinkers the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is sure to whet your appetite, the company produces high end white rum which is now starting to be noticed around the world. There is lots to do when you arrive at the distillery, you start by taking a tour where you will learn about the way the rum is produced before taking a look at the work that goes on behind the scenes. The final part of the trip is in the cocktail workshop and bar, here you will learn how to make various cocktails that all include Chalong Bay Rum and then relax while you sample them.
3. Come And See The Phuket Big Buddha
This huge Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Phuket, sitting at the top of the Nakkerd Hills and standing at forty five meters tall it is very difficult to miss. From the top of the hill you are able to get a panoramic view of the island. When you are at the Buddha you will notice that it is very quiet apart from the sound of dharma music and some little bells. The Buddha is made from white Burmese marble and sparkles elegantly in the sun.
4. Take a Wander to Karon View Point
Sitting just to the south of Kata Noi Beach is Karon View Point, it is the most popular viewpoint in Phuket and is normally crowded with tourists on a daily basis. The viewpoint looks out over the Andaman Sea in one direction and the other direction points towards the three west coast beaches on the other side of the island. If you like looking at white sandy beaches and beautiful blue seas you will understand why it is so busy at the top.
5. Take a Trip to Wat Chalong
For over a century Wat Chalong has been open to visitors, when you arrive there is a lot to see, starting with Poh Jao Wat which houses two statues of elderly men, one is Ta Khee-Lek (a local who won various lotteries after he had been to visit the Poh Than Jao Wat statue, the other is called Nonsi. Probably the highlight of your visit will be the Grand Pagoda which contains a small splinter from the bone of Lord Buddha, The pagoda is beautifully decorated with Buddha images and pictures that depict his life story.
6. Hang Out at Tiger Kingdom
If you have ever wanted to get up close to a tiger this is the place to do it, the Phuket Tiger Kingdom hand raises Indochinese tigers in captivity from birth until their final days. The tigers typically get fed at around 19:00 hours but it is also worth a visit when they open first thing to avoid the crowds. The kingdom has two restaurants on site should you be hungry, one of which allows you to look out at the tigers. There are many rumors about Tiger Kingdom, one of them is that they drug the animals (which seems NOT to be true).
7. Explore Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are Thailand’s superstar archipelago, particularly famous for Maya Bay’s central role in the 2000 movie The Beach. It’s the topic of conversation for travellers all over Thailand. For some, it’s the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn’t disappoint.
Phi Phi’s beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to a beach-fringed jungle. To most, it’s love at first sight.
8. Wander Through Bangla Road
There are few things in this world to prepare you for an after-dark stroll down Patong’s Bangla Road. However, a sense of humour and an open mind are essential if you’re looking to have some fun. The biggest collection of nightclubs, bars, shows and general nocturnal fun in Phuket, it’s pretty much an all-out assault on the senses. In spite of this, it is still very much one of the essential things to do in Phuket.