Holidays in Phuket. How and where to spend time?
Visit Phuket’s main attractions
Wat Chalong, Wat Phra Thong and Wat Phra Nang Sang are the most famous, revered and beautiful temples on the island. Wat Chalong is located in the south of Phuket near the bay of the same name. It is decorated with golden statues of Buddhist monks who, according to legend, could heal any disease. Locals will eagerly tell you stories of miraculous recoveries that still happen today.
Wat Phra Thong is known for its “half-buried” Golden Buddha statue and the legend of its discovery. Long ago, a boy tied his cow to a small stake sticking out of the ground. The next day, both fell mysteriously ill. Villagers noticed the golden-looking stake, dug deeper — and found the statue. The temple was later built around it.
Wat Phra Nang Sang is one of Phuket’s oldest temples, though just 250 years old. It was built to commemorate victory over the Burmese. Inside, they still perform rituals to bless weapons. The temple also holds hollow Buddha statues that contain smaller statues inside.
Phuket Town, the island’s capital, is charming and vibrant. It offers museums, Chinese and Thai temples, shops and stalls where you can find unique souvenirs.
Don’t miss the Big Buddha on the hill in Chalong. Built from local donations, even unfinished it’s impressive. A new staircase leads to a viewpoint with stunning vistas over the island.
Explore the islands!
Take a trip to the nearby Similan, Phi Phi and Krabi islands.
Phi Phi Islands are just 20 km from Phuket. Guides call them the “jewels of the Andaman Sea” — and rightly so. They boast untouched nature, tropical jungles, deserted beaches, coral reefs and underwater caves. Perfect for diving, with professional centers and instructors.
Similan Islands are known for their soft white sand (like flour) and crystal-clear turquoise water. They’re part of a National Park. Shoes aren’t even allowed! It’s a paradise for diving and freediving amid coral gardens and marine life.
Krabi blends unspoiled nature and amazing human-made sights. Cliffs, white beaches, palm groves, the Wat Tham Sua cave monastery, ancient rock paintings, a fossil shell cemetery and the “Buddha’s footprint” in Bokkorani Park all await discovery.
Sports & activities
Phuket offers excellent facilities for all kinds of sports: fishing, sailing, diving, windsurfing, canoeing, rafting, golf. Boats and yachts are available for rent with or without crew. Golf lovers will find top-class courses.
Also:
- Trips to stalactite caves and Tum Lod grotto in Phang Nga.
- The famous “James Bond Island” (Khao Phing Kan).
- Elephant safaris, river rafting, Thai food tasting and waterfall swimming.
- Pearl farm, Butterfly Garden, Shell Museum, Phuket Aquarium, Phuket FantaSea, private zoo, Dino Park, botanical garden and bird park.
- Tree-top adventures for kids & adults.
- Mountain biking, rock climbing and plenty of fitness centers.
Want a yacht cruise? Find all the details here.
