Phuket

• Wat Chalong temple: Whether you’re religious or spiritual by nature, you have got to visit Phuket’s most important temple – The Wat Chalong Temple. The place is beautifully decorated with tiny shredded glasses pieces and pagodas. On special occasions, there are numerous country fairs that are hosted within the temples’ premises making it a very exciting atmosphere. Snack on the thai food and get lost in the interesting history that lies behind Phuket.

• Watch the Simon Cabaret show: Think Phuket lacks entertaining activities? Well, you certainly haven’t visited the Simon Cabaret show then! It is probably one of the biggest transvestite carbaret that you will ever witness. The show features everything, all the way from musicals to fabulous costumes to different dances and more!

• Watch the sunrise/sunset at the Phuket viewpoint: What better way to start or perhaps end a day? Check out Phuket’s numerous viewpoint atop a hill and get a bird’s eye view onto the city island. Experience magnificence at its best but do make sure you don’t miss this.

Phuket as a tropical climate so for most time in a year the weather keeps fluctuating between being warm, cool and rainy.

• The months from November to February are cool, pleasant and dry. After these months, the climate remains hot until May. The rains start pouring in by mid-May and continue till the month of October.

Phuket is well connected to all parts of Thailand as well other countries. The Phuket international airport is considered to be the second busiest airport of Thailand.

By Flight-

Countries like India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany and many more have regular direct flights to Phuket. Some regular airlines flying from India to Phuket are Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Jet Airways.

By Road-

Regular buses to all parts of Thailand like Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Na and Surat Thani operate are available. These operate at the BKS terminal located just off Thanon Phang Nga in Phuket. Both, air-conditioned as well as non-air-conditioned buses are available at different prices.

By Train-

There are no direct trains to Phuket. But you can always arrive at the nearest station and get a bus thereon. For example- You can board the Bangkok to Singapore train and get off at Phun Phin railway station which is another 5 hours by bus and is located in the Surat Thani Province of Thailand.

Being the largest island in Thailand there are a plenty of places to visit in Phuket. Let us take a look at some top places you must definitely visit on your trip to Phuket. These are all very beautiful and welcoming to tourists…

• Trip to Kata Noi Beach
• Tour the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
• See The Phuket Big Buddha
• Relax at Nai Harn Beach
• Wander at Karon View Point
• Trip to Wat Chalong
• Visit the Tiger Kingdom
• Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
• Explore the Phang Nga Bay
• Take a walk to old Phuket Town
• The Shrine of the serene light
• The Gibbon Rehabilitation project

There are a number of things-to-do in Phuket for all its visitors. The largest island of Thailand has the best of food, entertainment, relaxation therapies, nightlife and everything you need on your holiday. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss out trying while in the country-

• Shop at Phuket Town Weekend Night Market
• Take up a Thai cooking class
• Night Out on Bangla Road
• Try spotting a celebrity at the Surin Beach
• Watch out the monkey at the Monkey Hill
• Meet the ladyboys at the Simon Cabaret Show
• Enjoy the Phuket FantaSea Show
• Get inspired at Jui Tui Shrine
• Dine In Luxury at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
• Get wild at Patong

With beautiful places come beautiful resorts. Your accommodation plays an important role in your trip as that’s where you tend to spend all your time relaxing. Here are some of the best resorts in Phuket that are a perfect blend of comfort, views, ambiance and hospitality. Check them out!

• Trisara Villas and Residences
• The Shore at Katathani
• Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort
• Twin palms Phuket
• COMO Point Yamu, Phuket
• SALA Phuket Resort and Spa
• The Vijitt Resort
• Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, MGallery by Sofitel
• Rosewood Phuket

We have curated the best set of restaurants where locals of Phuket go to eat the authentic local food. It is a crazy ride for your taste buds and you are ought to enjoy these restaurants that are very simple and homely. A few of the best ones are-

• Phuket Floating Restaurant

• Mor Mudong
• Bangpae Seafood
• Khun Jeed’s Rad-Na Yod Pak
• Lock Tien Food Court
• Kota Khao Man Gai
• Mee Ton Poh
• Keawjai Bakery and Restaurant
• Wilai
• Tamachart

Local commuting in Phuket is hassle free as you have a number of options to choose from as per your budget and convenience. Here are some modes of transport that local residents as well as tourists in Phuket usually use-

SONGTHAEW

Songthaews are the most common mode of transport in Phuket. These are pick-up trucks with two wooden benches for seating on either side of van. Songthaews travel on almost all routes particularly from Phuket Town to all major beaches. However, they don’t go from one beach to another and don’t have any fixed stops. They pick and drop passengers as requested.

TUK-TUK

Tuk-tuks are small mini-vans that usually are coloured in red. You may also spot them in yellow. Since they don’t have meters you must make sure you negotiate on a price before getting on it. Or there is a fair possibility that you end up paying a lot more than you should.

TAXI

These metered yellow and red taxis are a cheap mode of transport and are very dependable. However, there are very few of them so you might not be able to find one easily. You can ask your hotel for the number of a metered taxi. So if you do find one, take it because they are safer and more comfortable than tuk-tuks. You may need to bargain during peak tourist season.

MOTORCYCLE

Motorcycles are easily available on rent in the Patong area of Phuket. These rentals are quite reasonable and fares vary depending on the type of vehicle. Don’t forget to negotiate for discounts and do wear a helmet to avoid being fined 500 THB. Also, it is advised to check the condition of the bike before hiring it so that you don’t get charged for pre-existing damage.

BOAT

If you plan on island hopping, you may like the idea of taking a long tail boat from one island to another. The cost should be about 500 THB per hour or 1,800 THB for a day. They’re not usually equipped with lifejackets so be careful if you are with children or non-swimmers.

Phuket is like the hub of shopping and literally has everything you would want to take back home. So here are some incredible shopping destinations where you can splurge all your money and not regret a bit!

• Bangtao Beach Shopping
• Mai Khao Shopping
• Chillva Market
• Central Festival Phuket
• Phuket Weekend Market
• Phuket Walking Street
• Premium Outlet
• Supercheap
• Jim Thompson
• Phuket Town Shopping
• Patong Beach Shopping
• Kata Beach Shopping
• Karon Beach Shopping
• Kamala Shopping
• Surin Beach Shopping

Phuket has a beautiful coastline. The beaches are beautiful and well maintained. The waters are worth soaking in and the sunlight is apt for some sun bath and sun tanning. Here are some of the best beaches where you can enjoy all of this in Phuket-

• Kata Beach
• Freedom Beach
• Kata Noi Beach
• Ya Nui Beach
• Surin Beach
• Paradise Beach
• Nai Harn Beach
• Bangtao Beach
• Patong Beach
• Laem Singh Beach

Phuket is an ideal destination for water babies. It gives you immense opportunities to conquer all your fears and have the perfect adrenaline rush. For all those who find the waters alluring but cannot get a toe in it because they can’t swim, we have a good news... These amazing water sports in Phuket don’t even need to know swimming! So get ready and try them all!

• Scuba Diving
• Banana Boat
• Jet Ski
• Wakeboarding
• Sailing
• Kite Surfing
• Windsurfing
• Snorkelling
• Water Ski
• Kayaking

There are a number of island from Phuket and most of them are not very far. But there are so many big and small ones that it will take an life to explore them all. Exactly why we have decided to help you with the best islands that are easy to travel to and worth exploring.These islands make up for a great day-out from Phuket. Check them out below!

• Phi Phi Island
• Coral Island
• Similan Islands
• Koh Bon
• Racha Island
• Koh Khai
• Maiton Island
• Koh Panyi
• James Bond Island
• Koh Yao
• Rang Yai Island
• Koh Kaeo
• Koh Hong
• Koh Maphrao
• Koh Sirey

Distance from Phi Phi Island to Phuket is 55 km and it takes nearly an entire day for your travelling.The best way to reach Phi Phi islands is to use a transport which is easily available at every hotel. There are regular ferries and speedboat that go to this island and are a fun ride. A Speed boat is 900 baht and takes only 50 minutes. On the other hand, you can book your ferry at Rassada Pier, in case that’s your choice.

Phuket to Krabi is one of the most commuted routes. You can board a ferry, bus, or taxi to reach Krabi from Phuket.

By Bus- You can get to Krabi bus station by public transport that have a fixed route.

By Ferry- The Phuket to Krabi ferry is a very exotic, fast way to get from one province to another and is overall a very fun ride.

By Taxi- You can use a taxi service for a convenient and private journey. It is advisable to book one in advance.

Krabi Island is a beautiful stretch of an exotic location. At no point do tourists feel boredom because there is so much you can do here. A few not to miss things are...

• Visit Railay beaches and caves
• Rent your own boat
• Hire a guide
• Explore Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
• Visit the temple in a cave at Wat Tham Sua
• Take a dip at Klong Thom Hot Springs
• Discover Khao Khanab Nam
• Chill at Koh Lanta
• Walk at the streets of Krabi town
• Take a tour to Four Islands

Imagine sun-drenched beaches, romantic sunset cruises, intimate and romantic restaurants and create memorable moments. That’s exactly how a honeymoon in Phuket feels like. And, to add to the love trip are a few very romantic destinations that make it all the more beautiful. Some of these places are…

• Enjoy sunset at Phromthep Cape
• Visit Phang Nga Bay
• Party and romance the entire night in Phuket town
• Pamper your partner with a spa therapy in Phuket town
• Go for cafe hopping on random streets of Phuket

With mostly an international crowd, Phuket has maintained a decent nightlife. There are many bars, clubs, ladyboy cabaret shows, discos and clubs, live bands and international DJs who manage to keep you entertained for the whole night. Most parts of Phuket have their own private party scenes and you can enquire about these with the locals. But, there are some places you can go to anyway to experience the best of Phuket nightlife.

• Soi Bangla in Central Patong
• Night Clubs in Soi Bangla
• Beach clubs around the island
• Sunset bars around the island
• Simon Cabaret in Sirirat Road
• Phuket FantaSea in Kamala
• Live Music at Patong Beach
• Gay Phuket at Patong Beach
• Thai Boxing at Patong Beach
• Dino Park Mini Golf at Patong Beach
• Siam Niramit Phuket in Phuket town
• Go Go Beach at Bangla Road

If you are a water baby, you are going to love Phuket. Except for a number of beaches and watersports activities, Phuket has many water parks as well that let you have some chilled out time with your family and friends. Some of these are-

• Splash Jungle Water Park
• Grand West Sands Resort & Villas
• Rawai Park
• Anthem Wakepark
• Phuket Water Ski Cable Way

Temples in Phuket comprise of Watts and Shrines. Wats are among the most important symbols of Thailand, mainly because majority people in Thailand are Buddhist. Similarly, Chinese shrines also have a great importance in Thailand, and especially Phuket, due to the great Chinese community that migrated to Thailand through the centuries. Some of the best temples worth visiting in Phuket are…

• Wat Chalong
• Big Buddha
• Wat Khao Rang
• Jui Tui Shrine
• Wat Phra Thong
• Wat Srisoonthorn
• Wat Phranang Sang
• Wat Suwan Khuha
• Kiew Tien Keng Shrine Kathu Shrine

Phuket invites adventure sports enthusiasts from all over the world for many activities. Some of which are….

• Scuba Diving
• Sea Kayaking
• Surfing
• Kite Surfing
• Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding
• Flying Zipline
• Island hopping on big tail boat
• River rafting
• ATV rides
• Elephant trekking

Cruise rides are fun, especially when you are surrounded by clear blue waters. Cruising in Phuket is a similar experience that should be done at least once by every tourist. These cruise rides are of different types so you can take one according to your preference. The different types of cruise rides in Phuket are-

• Sunrise Cruise
• Sunset Cruise
• Lunch Cruise
• Diner Cruise
• Multi Day Cruise
• Party Cruise
• Private Cruise

Phuket is the base for sailing in the stunning Andaman Sea. There might only be a few places on earth that compare to the Andaman Sea when it comes to sailing and Phuket is blessed to be its hub. Here’s where you can try your hand on sailing in Phuket..

• Patong Beach
• Layan Beach
• Surin Beach
• Kata Beach
• Karon Beach

Elephant trekkings in Phuket are very exciting rides. For many people, riding on the back of these giant creatures and exploring different parts is an exciting thing to do and is on their bucket list. You can also try this fun activity at any of the below places in Phuket-

• Siam Safari at Chalong
• Safari Elephant Club at Patong Beach
• Kok Chang Elephant Camp at Kata Noi
• Seaview Elephant Camp at Nai Harn
• Camp Chang Kalim at Kalim Beach
• Kinnaree Elephant Trekking Tours

Diving like any other watersports activity is very safe when practised with precautions and safety measures. Phuket is one of the best destinations in Thailand to have some of the best diving sites. Some of these sites are…

• Racha Noi
• Racha Yai
• King Cruiser Wreck
• Koh Dok Mai
• Anemone Reef
• Shark Point
• Richelieu Rock

There really is nothing quite like a spa treatment and Phuket has dozens of independent spas and massage parlours for your rescue. Indulge in some self pampering at one of the below listed spa resorts in Phuket and we bet, you will have the best of time!

• Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
• Mangosteen Resort and Ayurveda Spa
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Banyan Tree Phuket
• Trisara Villas & Residences Phuket

Some of the local and independent spas are-

• Oasis Turquoise Cove Spa
• Santosa Detox and Wellness Center
• De Surin Health Spa
• Let’s relax spa!
• Siladon Spa

Phuket has a few markets that only open after the heat of the day. These night markets have a special festival feel to them and are accompanied by street performances and music. These are absolutely fun to visit and attract tourists with the perfect lightings, food feasts, fancy clothes, souvenirs, etc to shop. If you plan to visit one, here are the best ones to choose from…