The top 10 places to visit in Phuket include The Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, Patong Beach Market, Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn, Wat Chalong Temple, Phuket Old Town, Chillva Market, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and Sirinat National Park. If you have 3 days in Phuket, this itinerary fits perfectly. In this post, we’re going to explore these places in detail so you know what to expect when you’re here.
What is famous in Phuket?
Phuket province is Thailand’s largest island, located in the southern part of the country. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a popular beach destination known for beautiful sunsets, places of religious interest, amazing nightlife, and lots of good food. Here’s a sneak peek into what Phuket is famous for:
- Beaches: As an island destination, Phuket is famous for its white-sand beaches that open onto crystal-blue waters. The best beaches in Phuket include Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches.
- Nightlife: Thailand is known for its nightlife, and Phuket is a standout in this regard. Bangla Walking Road, Chillva Market, Kata Night Market, Sunday Walking Street Market, and Naka Weekend Market are the best ones to explore.
- Water activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, yachting, taking a day boat to explore Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay are fun things to do in Phuket.
- Cultural experiences: explore the spiritual side of Phuket, including iconic landmarks such as the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong Temple, and Phuket Old Town.
Top 10 places to visit in Phuket
Here’s elaborating on the top 10 places to visit in Phuket and what makes them special:
1. The Big Buddha
Phuket Big Buddha is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue that was constructed on top of Nakkerd Hill. The construction was done in a strategic location to offer a 360-degree view of Phuket Old Town, Chalong Bay, and Kata Karon beaches.
The statue, seated in the Maravijaya position, exudes a sense of calm and is known as the Buddhist Treasure of Phuket. There is a temple complex beneath the statue, as well as many more brass statues that reflect Buddhist beliefs and culture.
2. Karon Viewpoint
Locally known as Khao Sam Haad, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Kata Noi, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach. Interestingly, the moment I looked at all three beaches in one frame, it looked like a trident to me!
The best time to come here is at sunset, as the rays split into multiple shades of orange, merging with the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea below. The gentle sea breeze, the quietness around, and the dramatic landscape make this one of the top 10 places to visit in Phuket for couples.
3. Patong Beach Market and Bangla Walking Street
Right opposite Patong Beach lies a street that takes you to the most happening place in Phuket. As soon as you enter, you will find people on the streets welcoming you to eat at a restaurant, attend an infamous ping-pong show, musicians playing live on the streets, and dancers making acrobatic moves.
Parallel to the street lies Bangla Walking Street, filled with nightclubs, music bars, and street food stalls. The place has an energetic vibe with loud music playing in the open clubs and bars. The streets are illuminated by neon lights that showcase the bold, fun side of Phuket.
4. Kata Noi Beach
While Kata Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket, you can’t miss Kata Noi. They are not the same, but are located adjacent to each other.
Kata Noi has a tiny shoreline of about 700 meters long and 50 meters wide, and is full of rocks. The beach is at a dead end, so the road leading up to it ends here.
Kata Noi is quieter than Kata Beach, with no hustle and bustle. Tourists love sunbathing under the large palm trees, but it can be risky because the water can get very deep very quickly.
5. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn beach is one of the stunning beaches where you can experience the best shades of turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. What makes this beach so pretty are the palm groves on either side, making it one of the most picturesque places in Phuket.
The shoreline is about 700 meters long and 55 meters wide. Since this beach isn’t as crowded as Patong or Karon, you will not find a lot of shade and sunbeds on the beach.
If you’re traveling with family, this is the perfect beach, as it’s free of rocks and the water is shallow. Locals love this place for family picnics, and it is less commercialized with few eateries and souvenir shops.
6. Wat Chalong Temple
The Chalong Temple is almost 200 years old and is considered the most important of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket. Officially named Wat Chaiyathararam, it is the largest temple in Phuket that has a significant historical and cultural value.
The temple was constructed by two revered monks, Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, who played a significant role during the 1876 Chinese rebellion. The monks stood against the rebels with the support of the local community. They also had the wisdom of herbal medicine, which cured wounds during the resistance. Visitors enter the temple thinking it is a specimen of Buddhism, but leave after paying their respects to the monks who built it.
Recently, a 60-meter-high Chedi (Thai Buddhist stupa) was added to the temple premises. Here you will find a fragment of a Buddha’s bone. You can climb up the Chedi to experience spectacular views of the temple and also witness an artwork that defines the life of Buddha.
7. Phuket Old Town
Long before Phuket became one of the most sought-after beach destinations for tourists, it was a trading port connecting India, Arabia, China, and Europe.
During the 18th century, tin mining boomed in this area, drawing people from neighboring countries to settle here. This is what led to the inception of Phuket Town.
If you want to know the real Phuket, you have to visit the Old Town. It is the cultural hub that retains 200-year-old Sino-Portuguese shophouses, colorful cafes, street art, and more. While it is a compact area, it is filled with shopping places, eateries, and museums.
8. Chillva Market
Phuket has many night markets, but Chillva remains open from Monday to Saturday, making it accessible to most tourists. Other weekend and Sunday markets are open fewer days of the week, so Chillva covers weekdays. It is located north of town at Sam Kong and is smaller than the Weekend Market.
Chillva is alcohol-free, with bars and restaurants nearby, but no hard drinks are sold on-site. It is a cheap place to dine at the outdoor tables in front of stalls selling Thai noodles, burgers, pancakes, seafood on skewers, and more. This place has a mix of shops selling bags, clothes, and accessories. You will find plenty to shop for if you bargain to get the best price.
9. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
The Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket is the town’s first ethical wildlife conservation program, spanning 30 acres of tropical jungle. It borders the Khao Prae Teao National Park and is home to retired working elephants.
Tourists are allowed to observe elephants roam freely, bathe, and forage for food. It is a guided tour where you learn interesting stories about the elephants you meet. Additionally, you can visit Phuket’s first elephant hospital, which provides veterinary care for elephants across Thailand.
10. Sirinat National Park
Sirinat National Park, spanning 90 km, is a protected paradise in Phuket filled with beaches, mangrove forests, marine life, and coral reefs. Tourists visit this place to spot turtles, go birdwatching, and spend a leisurely day at the beach. It is one of the most uncrowded places, located 30 km from the main city and about 50 minutes by car.
Unlike other beaches that are free to enter, this place charges 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children. This tropical part of Phuket is protected due to its unique ecosystem, which includes rare birds and reptiles. It is home to untouched beaches, Nai Thon and Nai Yang, among other beaches, including Mai Kha and Sai Kaew.
What’s more to explore in Phuket?
There are more than 40 recognized beaches in Phuket, a dozen night markets, hundreds of cafés, and innumerable things to do. Depending on how many days you have here, you can explore more sights to see, like Green Heart Garden, Black Rock Viewpoint, Freedom Beach, Kathu Village, and more. Even a month falls short when you want to explore this beautiful island of Thailand. But this list gives you the most popular and sought-after places to visit!
0 Comments