Attractions in Phuket

Island Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is also one of its most prominent, well-known and popular attractions. An attraction that many combine when visiting Thailand, alongside visiting and stopping at other points or choosing to dedicate their entire vacation to this huge and beautiful island. Along with the crowds of tourists who come to it throughout the year and especially during the season, around 400 thousand inhabitants live on the island and its area is about 543 square kilometers. The tropical nature of the island, its spectacular beaches, the multitude of attractions it offers and the excellent facilities, including Accommodation solutions, available to tourists make a vacation in Phuket a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy a few days, or more, in a great destination.

Accommodation options in Phuket

We gathered here to talk about attractions, but let's just remind you that before planning what to do in Phuket, you should close the corner of a hotel, because due to the size of the island, the attractions you will visit will in many cases be derived from the location of the hotel. In Phuket, for example, there are many beaches around the entire island, and if you prefer a specific beach, you will probably also want to stay at a hotel close to it.

If you still don't have a place to sleep in Phuket, you should skip to the list of recommended Phuket hotels on the website, and then come back here and plan what you want to do without pressure. The list is here.

The beautiful beaches of Phuket

As you can guess, Phuket's beaches are an attraction in themselves and you can spend quite a few hours there every day and enjoy "belly-back" or various water activities. They are characterized by clear turquoise water and clean and soft sand, which is one of the reasons why many flock to them. 

Please note that Phuket is a relatively large island and has many beaches, some of which are far from each other, so you should know in advance which beach is closest to you according to your hotel.

Kata Beach

This beautiful bathing beach offers everything you need from a beach, which is also a prominent attraction on the island: soft white sand, palm trees scattered throughout its territory and adding quite a bit of beauty, clear water, good surfing conditions and various activities, which can be combined while staying there. It is considered one of the two best and most recommended bathing beaches of Phuket and at times it may be crowded with tourists and visitors. It is visited by young people from all over the world, families with children and adults who want to enjoy its unique atmosphere and also to watch the charming sunset it offers every day, throughout the year. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Kata Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Kata Beach area are: Grand Kata VIP, Chanlai Romance Resort (Perfect for couples!) fChanalai Flora.

Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach is located in a small bay along the west coast of Phuket and is considered one of the most beautiful and recommended beaches on the island. It has soft white sand and amazing views that make staying there a one-of-a-kind experience. All this, of course, together with clear, clean water that you can swim in, especially in season, between the months of November and April. It is precisely on this very beach that some of the most luxurious and expensive resorts of Phuket are located, as well as good restaurants that attract crowds. Those who want to enjoy a good beer and a beautiful sunset will find it in one of the bars on the beach, and it is also highly recommended to combine a good dinner, which includes some of the well-known local delicacies. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Kata Noi Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Kata Noi Beach area are the luxury hotel  The shore at Catatni, De Sis Kata also Katani Phuket Beach Resort. 

Surin Beach

This beach is known to attract celebrities and the rich. This, mainly thanks to the prestigious resorts in it and the many houses next to it, houses that cost several million dollars. Although it is very popular among many tourists, it is not a busy and noisy area and it is very similar to a small and pleasant village. The sand is white and soft and the water is clear turquoise water. There are good restaurants on the beach and adjacent to it, reputable wine bars and quite a few vacation options available to guests. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Surin Beach area:

Other recommended hotels in the Surin Beach area are: Sixth Avenue Surin Beach (a beautiful apartment hotel), Twinpalms Phuket and the amazing villa complex Ban Po Prana. 

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in Phuket. The total length of the beach is only 150 meters, it is considered relatively small compared to others and it offers a great view across Patong Bay. Along the length of the beach you will find palm trees, which shade those staying there, large granite rocks on both sides and also various corals that are a few meters from the beach. Jet skis are not allowed near this beach, leaving it a calm and peaceful place.

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Paradise Beach area:

Although Paradise Beach is relatively isolated, nearby, in the Patong Bay area, you can find other excellent recommended hotels such as Patong Heights, Jirana Patong וAmari Phuket that the distance from them to Paradise Beach is about a ten minute drive. 

Ya Nui Beach

This beautiful beach is one of the recommended beaches in Phuket. It offers two spectacular viewpoints on the island and is located in a small and charming cove, where various activities are available, such as snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. The sand on the beach is nice and soft and there are quite a few shells, which children (and adults too) can collect. When the weather is comfortable and calm in the area, you can wade in the water and see the many corals up close. The local fishermen usually come to it, climb the rocks and throw their nets into the water to catch one or two fish (or more...). 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Ya Noi Beach area:

Freedom Beach

The total length of the beach is only 300 meters, but its perfect location makes it a pilgrimage site. It is located in a charming bay, dotted with granite rocks and surrounded by hills, which are covered by dense jungle. Although it is less accessible than others, it definitely justifies the effort and it is well worth stopping by when spending a few days' vacation in Phuket. Beyond a back belly and a good tan, you can also enjoy various water activities and sports on this beach, such as snorkeling in the area, beach volleyball, jet skis and more. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Freedom Beach area: 

For the list of the 10 best hotels along the beaches of Phuket >> 

Points of interest on the island that should not be missed

Along with the spectacular beaches of Phuket, you will find some special points of interest on the island, which are recommended to stop at. Some of them are well known and well known, and others less so. Some of them may be crowded with tourists while others are quiet and peaceful.

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is one of Phuket's most recognizable points of interest, attracting crowds of visitors. The bay is known for its vertical limestones that jut out of the turquoise-green colored water. It is also known for the famous James Bond and Koh Panyee islands, which in themselves are very popular attractions.

We first heard about James Bond Island (known as "Koh Ta-Pu") in this bay in the James Bond movie in 1974, which made it a very prominent tourist attraction in Phuket, one that many tourists flock to as part of guided tours, to which it is recommended order tickets In advance.

A bay tour is the best way to experience this beautiful bay and all it has to offer and includes a boat ride from the northern part of Phuket (although theoretically you can go anywhere), hotel pickup, a good meal and entry to famous sites and prominent points of interest such as the island James Bond and Ko Fanny - a small and charming island with a colorful village and a local market where we stop for a light meal. Most of the inhabitants of the village are fishermen, while the others make a living from tourism, in light of the arrival of many to it.

The cruise can be done as part of a day trip and if this is your destination, in this area you will find several recommended hotels such as 8IK88 Resort and other hotels in the area of ​​the north and northeast coast of Phuket.

Bangala Road

This street, which is closed to traffic after sunset, comes to life in the hours of darkness and becomes one of the most prominent attractions of the island. Along 400 meters, this street has a bustling and turbulent nightlife, crowds of visitors who arrive, clubs and bars open until the wee hours of the night, and loud music and a big commotion. There are also peddlers trying to sell their wares, they have colorful street shows that attract many and the discotheques play the best hits. 

If being in the center of things is what you are looking for, the area is full of hotels that will accommodate you within touching distance of the local "downtown": La Flora Resort Patong, Best Western, The beautiful Clover Hotel and a hotel La Piccola.

Old Phuket Town (Old Phuket Town)

The city of Phuket is a little different from other cities in Thailand and it has something special. The ancient part stands out thanks to the rich history it brings with it, the multitude of temples in it, the small printing shops, the elaborate cafes, the museums, the galleries and also the passers-by who add a lot of color. In the ancient part of Phuket there are buildings from the last century, mansions previously occupied by the barons of the city and quite a few architectural elements that are hard not to notice.

The best time of day to visit this part of the city is in the early morning, when it's less hot, combine the tour of the area with a stop at one of the cafes or restaurants and enjoy a good light meal, or join an intimate culinary tour where you'll learn about Phuket's culinary culture alongside a local guide and other food lovers. Curious? For more details and to order tickets, click here.

Phuket night markets

Phuket night markets - It is impossible to visit Thailand without visiting the night markets, which are held almost everywhere and also on the island of Phuket, mostly in the old city. Phuket's night markets are just like a festival, and along with the multitude of stalls where street performances and music are also held. You can find great bargains and souvenirs to bring home and they are a favorite pastime for many. In this list you can find the following markets: Chillva market which is open Monday through Saturday from 17 p.m. to 23 p.m. (on Sundays the market is closed, Phuket Weekend Market which is open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 16:23 in the afternoon until XNUMX:XNUMX at night, Phuket Indy Night Market which is open Wednesday through Friday from 16:22 p.m. to 30:XNUMX p.m. and Malin plaza patong which is open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.

If you want to stay really close to what the old city has to offer, including the colorful markets, these are the hotels that will suit you Eco-Loft Hotel, Blue Monkey Sr, Ming Suo Boutique Veda Memori at On Hotel.

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha of Phuket is visited by quite a few locals as well as crowds of tourists. It is hard not to see it thanks to its impressive height - 45 meters and it is known as one of the most important points of the island, especially among its residents. When you get there you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the island, including impressive views.

The Big Buddha is located in the southwest of Phuket, and to reach it you have to go up a 6 km long winding road, which is considered one of the main traffic arteries of Phuket. The site itself is open to visitors every day, from 6:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. and we recommend purchase tickets For a guided tour, which combines a visit to the site, a tour of a local cashew nut factory and a visit to a lovely gem shop.

Similan Islands

These spectacular islands, which are located northwest of Phuket, at a distance of 84 km, are another prominent tourist destination for those arriving in Phuket itself. The clear blue waters that surround them from all sides and being one of the most interesting and outstanding diving sites in the world, all these and more make them a place that should not be missed and a favorite destination for both yachts and various cruise tours.

Important to know: The islands are officially open to visitors between October 15 and May 15, but these dates may change each year. In order to make the most of your time in the islands, it is recommended order tickets For a guided tour around the island, where you will look for hidden coves, wild animals and a spectacular underwater world.

Wat Chalong

It is a historical landmark and also a very important Buddhist temple in Chalong Bay in Phuket. For hundreds of years, the magnificent temple has attracted crowds of locals, who come almost daily to pray, while Westerners stop by for a short stay as part of their Buddhist studies. Although officially the name of the temple is Wat Chaitararam, most people call and know it as Wat Chalong.

A fascinating fact about the temple - the locals report that over the years quite a few miracles have happened there and it is known for its central role in healing during the fighting in China in 1876. So if you believe in the chance of witnessing a miracle and want to be impressed by the magnificent temple, it is recommended reserve tickets In advance.

Phuket Elephant Farm

These farms allow an almost direct encounter with these huge and gentle animals. The farm's emphasis is on ethical and friendly interaction with these majestic animals, many of which have been rescued from abusive and exploitative industries. This is an opportunity to meet the elephants in a way that causes minimal damage and disturbance to them and to learn a lot about them, without riding on them and burdening their backs. More details and purchase of tickets to the elephant farm, Right here.

A second before you travel - don't forget travel insurance

As mentioned, the island of Phuket is steeped in particularly worthwhile attractions, many of them in the sea sector or adventurous trips. Therefore, one of the most important things before traveling to Phuket is taking out appropriate travel insurance. It goes without saying that you don't travel to Thailand at all without basic travel insurance that covers any case of needing medical treatment, injury or illness (certainly on a trip to Thailand which is usually longer). But if you want to enjoy the really worthwhile attractions, you should expand it so that it also covers attractions such as adventure sports, water sports, diving and more. This way you can get on a boat or go under the water with peace of mind, when you are covered from all directions and fully enjoy everything Phuket Island has to offer.

For more information on travel insurance and preparing travel insurance online, click here.