12 Best Things To Do In Phuket, Thailand

Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Phuket, Thailand’s stunning island and province. From chilling out on powdery white sandy beaches, exploring verdant rainforests and mangrove forests, submerging into the turquoise waters to revealing Phuket’s rich culture and history — the possibilities here are endless. Highlighted by its fun-filled water activities, sightseeing places, wild nightlife, and renowned gastronomy, Phuket promises an extraordinary experience every traveler seeks.

Exploring Phang Nga Bay

Exploring Phang Nga Bay: A Must-Visit Location

Phang Nga Bay is a spectacular sight to visit when in Phuket, Thailand. Known for its majestic cliffs that jut out from the sparkling emerald-green waters, this picturesque bay offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience optimum sightseeing.

Taking a Boat Ride to the Bay’s Most Famous Island

The best way to appreciate the beauty of Phang Nga Bay is by venturing out on a long-tail boat or a speedboat. The bay’s most notable feature is an island popularly referred to as James Bond Island, given its significant role in the film, The Man with the Golden Gun. The rugged beauty combined with the island’s Hollywood fame makes it a must-see site to add to any travel itinerary.

The Breathtaking Scenery and Beyond

Phang Nga Bay’s beauty lies not just in its sparkling waters or towering cliffs – the location is also dotted with numerous caves and lagoons waiting to be explored. These hidden gems provide an exciting challenge for adventurous tourists eager to explore beyond the obvious.

Canoeing Through the Caves and Lagoons

While exploring by foot is certainly recommended, one might also consider setting out on a canoeing expedition. It provides a unique perspective on the caves and lagoons and allows visitors to traverse the more remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible.

Adventures promise to be both exciting and informative as local guides usually accompany such expeditions, sharing stories about the bay’s unique features and the diverse array of marine life that call this location home.

In conclusion, a trip to Phang Nga Bay offers more than just a visual feast. It presents an immersive adventure that will surely cater to both the thrill-seekers and those seeking a serene encounter with nature’s splendor.

Visiting the Big Buddha

A Modern Marvel: The Majestic Big Buddha

Located at the peak of Nakkerd Hill, the Big Buddha stands as a symbol of faith and hope for the residents of Phuket. Towering at an impressive 45 meters, the sheer size of the statue makes it visible from almost anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. This gigantic religious edifice, also known as the Great Buddha of Phuket, has become synonymous with the Phuket landscape.

Constructed using reinforced concrete and then layered with beautiful Burmese white jade marble, the statue shines in the day and radiates a tranquil glow at night. The white marble echoes the purity of Buddha and dignifies the statue by giving its surface a subtle translucent appearance.

Travel Perspective: A Vantage Point Offering Unparalleled Views

The Big Buddha location is not just about the statue, the site offers panoramic vistas of Phuket’s wind-swept beaches and emerald green hills. Standing at the statue’s base you are immediately greeted by a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island, the Andaman Sea, and the vivid Phuket town itself. The stunning view can leave any visitor in awe of Phuket’s natural beauty.

Reverence and Respect: More than just a Tourist Attraction

Remember, the Big Buddha is not just a place where you’ll click some Instagram-worthy photos, but it is a sacred religious site for the Buddhist locals. Hence, cultural sensitivity is crucial while visiting this magnificent monument. Standards of appropriate attire should be maintained which includes covering bare shoulders and legs.

Visitors are expected to maintain silence, especially during prayer hours since many Thai people come here for worship. Moreover, it’s a rewarding sight to see locals and tourists alike, showing respect to these deep-rooted cultural norms.

A Serene Escape: Embrace the Peaceful Setting

Here at Big Buddha, peace permeates the air. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility and the spiritual aura of the place. Feel the calming chants resonate within you, see the golden prayer flags fluttering in the wind, or simply sit back and contemplate life, its beauty, and uncertainties. The place gives you a break from the bustling tourist trail and invites you to experience a part of Thai life that is serene, calm, and introspective.

Completing a visit to Phuket without seeing the Big Buddha would be an incomplete one indeed.

The panoramic views, peaceful aura, cultural significance, and an opportunity to understand and appreciate Thailand’s Buddhist traditions, all make visiting the Big Buddha a unique and unforgettable experience.

Taking a Stroll Around Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

Nestled towards the east coast of Phuket Island, is an intriguing blend of culture, history, and vibrancy. It’s unlike your typical beachside escapes in Phuket. Visiting Old Phuket Town allows you to experience a completely different side of Phuket, far removed from the pristine beaches and pulsating nightlife the island is widely known for.

The Town is best known for its well-maintained Sino-Portuguese buildings that narrate the tale of the island’s prosperous tin mining era. As you explore the narrow, alluring streets, you’ll discover colonial-era mansions painted in bright hues, many of which are still being inhabited by locals. Antique shops, local artist galleries, and small boutique stores occupy these elegant structures, providing you with an exclusive shopping experience.

The bustling fresh markets are also worthy of a visit. They offer an array of unique souvenirs, locally crafted items, and mouthwatering street food. Feel free to haggle over the prices, it’s all part of the thriving local culture.

Relish Thai Cuisine

Old Phuket Town is a haven for food lovers. It houses several charming cafes and local food stalls that serve an array of aromatic and flavor-packed local Thai dishes. From classic Tom Yum Goong to Phuket’s unique Hokkien Mee, food here is an unforgettable culinary journey through Thai culture and tradition. Don’t forget to try Roti, a local dessert that’s delicate, crispy and sweet.

Discover the Cultural Side

Cultural enthusiasts will find plenty to explore and appreciate in Old Phuket Town. Be sure to visit Thalang Road, the main historical strip that’s home to the Phuket Baba Museum, the Thai Hua Museum, and the Shrine of the Serene Light. Each cultural site provides captivating insights into Phuket’s past and its enduring Chinese influence.

Old Phuket Town

With its unique mix of history, culture, food, and shopping, provides a stimulating escape that encapsulates ”real” Phuket. A leisurely stroll around the town lets you immerse yourself in its fascinating stories, intriguing sights, and memorable flavors.

Embrace Nature at Similan Islands

Get a Dose of Adventure at Similan Islands

With Thailand being a diverse and stunning destination, one of the top things to do in Phuket is to witness the exotic beauty of the Similan Islands. Situated off the coast and well-known for its marine life, these islands offer visitors a rich underwater world to explore, often recognized as some of the best diving sites in the country. The vivid coral reefs situated beneath the clear turquoise waters are home to a variety of marine life, creating a haven for ardent divers or anyone with a knack for snorkeling.

Those who have been there love to narrate stories of coming across the exotic aquatic inhabitants such as bright clownfish, trevallies, and leopard sharks. While during the months from October to May, these islands also attract numerous flights of manta rays. Divers often come back with tales of swimming with schools of these magnificent creatures beneath the water – an experience that cannot be articulated merely through words.

But the beauty and offerings of the Similan Islands aren’t just confined beneath the water. Above land, one will discover stunning landscapes featuring huge boulders and virgin forests, providing a gateway to the diverse land-dwelling wildlife that inhabit this magical place. As the day ends, you can then unwind by spending the night camping under the canopy of twinkling stars.

Indeed, embracing the diverse nature of Similan Islands is not just an opportunity, it’s a necessity for every visitor to Phuket, Thailand. Its ethereal beauty, both above and below water, mixed with its tranquil environment, makes it an unmissable experience for nature lovers, divers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. The beauty of this landscape and the experiences it offers is something visitors remember for a lifetime.

Experience an escapade that is unmatchable in its unique mix of leisure, adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Phuket cleverly packs a punch with its range of activities that cater to different preferences, ages, and interests. Whether it is traversing through the marvelous Phang Nga Bay, paying reverence at the grandeur of the Big Buddha, walking down the history-laced lanes of Old Phuket Town, or letting loose in the aquatic wonderland of Similan Islands, Phuket leaves you filled with unforgettable memories. Regardless of the length of your stay, the charm of Phuket ensures that you leave with a promise to yourself – of returning back to explore its unending surprises.