Phuket, aptly named the pearl of the Andaman for being a rare, beautiful jewel held inside the protective shell of the Malay Peninsula, is the largest (and probably the best known) island in Thailand.
Your first idea might be to fix a sun lounger in the sand with a case of cold ones by your side. But you should know Phuket doesn’t end at the golden-sand beaches. We have curated a list of destinations and activities to help you plan your next trip to the well-known island.
Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri
Try pronouncing that to the taxi driver. Luckily for us, it also goes by the moniker Big Buddha temple which should get you to one of Phuket’s major attractions sitting atop the Nakkerd Hills. The whopping 45-metre image is made of concrete and covered in white Burmese marble. You can buy the same marble tiles, sign your name on them, and be forever placed inside the Big Buddha. And even better, you can experience the best 360-degree panoramic views of the southern cape of Phuket island, Phuket Town, Kata beach, Karon beach, and Chalong Bay.
Address: 42/14 Moo 2, Thepkrasatree Road, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket, Phuket Entrance fee: it’s free Opening hours: every day from 8am to 7pm Phone number: 081-891-3827, 076-373-138-9
Old Phuket Town
The architect-approved (and without question, Instagram-approved) part of Phuket town mixes old, colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings with newer Thai decor. For much of the artsy side of Phuket, the old town has been the hub for museums and street art, but also local restaurants and cute, little boutiques. Walk down the charming streets while photographing yourself in front of the beautiful murals. And if it’s a Sunday and all stars align, Phuket walking street (Lard Yai), a lively street with tons of food and entertainment, sets in motion along the Thalang Road in the heart of the old town.
Address: Lat Yai, Phuket Old Town, Talang Road, Mueang Phuket, Phuket Entrance fee: it’s free Opening hours: Lard Yai (walking street) on Sundays from 4pm to 10pm Phone number: Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket office) 076-211-036
Thai Hua Museum Photographer: Akeluk
Thai Hua Museum
If you want more history than Phuket’s Wikipedia page can offer, you should visit the Thai Hua museum. But this is not another story about the French East India Company and their mining efforts in southern Thailand. Thai Hua museum, formerly a Chinese language school, narrates the history of the Chinese population in Phuket through the eyes of tin miner migrants. So, if you’re interested in little-known historical stories with lots of posters and short films, admit one to Thai Hua museum in old Phuket Town.
Address: 28, Krabi Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket Entrance fee: 50 baht Opening hours: every day from 9am to 5pm Phone number: 076-211-224
Wat Chaiyathararam (Chalong Temple)
Chalong Temple, or if you really like tongue twisters, Wat Chaiyathararam, is considered the largest temple complex in Phuket. At least it’s the most visited. Plus, it’s a favourite spot for both locals and tourists because of its long history and accomplishments in herbal medicine. The colours and decor of the temple buildings and the white pagoda are stunning and pay homage to traditional, ornate Buddhist architecture.
Address: 70 Chalong House, Chaofa Road, Moo 6, Chalong, Mueang Phuket, Phuket Entrance fee: it’s free Opening hours: every day from 7am to 5pm
Phuket FantaSea at night Photographer: Максим Улитин
Phuket FantaSea
Phuket FantaSea is Thailand’s (and obviously the world’s) first Thai cultural theme park. This is the destination for 60 acres of theatrical shows, a gigantic themed buffet restaurant, and an entire shopping arcade on Kamala Beach.
Address: 99 Moo 3 Rim Haad Rd., Kamala, Kathu, Phuket Entrance fee: 1,800 baht for show only, 2,200 baht with buffet dinner (see show schedule) Opening hours: every day except Thursdays from 5.30pm 11:30pm (see show schedule) Phone number: 076-385-000
Flying Hanuman
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to take Tarzan’s preferred mode of travel? Stop wondering, and book yourself for the Flying Hanuman experience. If you aren’t scared of heights and danger is your middle name, climb on a sling or a ride down the zip line from atop the waterfalls. They have 28 zip lines, starting from child safe short lines all the way up to big boy lines. The whole activity takes around two hours, and it’s worth every second.
Address: 89/16 Moo 6 Soi Namtok Kathu, Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Kathu, Phuket Opening hours: every day from 8am to 5pm Entrance fee: varies by date and time Phone number: 081-979-2332, 076-323-264