Phuket is an amazing place and in case you are looking for a holiday full of fun and excitement head straight to this biggest island in Thailand. Phuket has one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. The white sands, fresh environment, pink hued sunsets, rocking nightlife what more can a tourist ask for. For the water sport enthusiasts, some of the best things to do in Phuket include wind surfing, snorkeling, sailing, and deep sea diving etc. Phuket, in fact, offers an interesting mélange of forested hills, cliffs and inland all waiting for you to be explored. If you're planning a Thailand trip package from India, add a few of the popular beaches in Phuket to your package that are Patong, Rawai, Mai Khao, Karon, Kata Yai, Kamala, and Kata Noi. The entire feel of this beautiful island is welcoming. There is a place in Phuket known as Laem Phromthep Viewpoint, it offers the most spectacular sunset in whole of Thailand.
Phuket seems to be offering the best combination of sun, sea and sand. If you want to relax and chill out you must visit the beaches which are located in the North side of Phuket. And if partying is what you are looking, the beaches in the South are more happening and lively. It is safe to travel in Phuket so even if you are going anywhere late in the night you do not have to worry about the security. At night you will see colorful Tuk- Tuk’s plying the road. Sitting in a Tuk Tuk is an experience in itself. As far as food is concerned all types of cuisines are available in Phuket. The city has a lot of Chinese influence so you will see a lot of Chinese restaurants serving mouth watering food. Besides, Thai food is available just about everywhere. From low budget food options to high end restaurants take your call and you will get whatever kind of food you want in Phuket.
Phuket Old Town is a unique location that takes you on a cultural walk in the midst of traditional architecture, lively shophouses and buzzing markets. It is a heritage rich Sino Portuguese locality that features stunning colonial buildings, holy shrines and souvenir shops. The cafes and restaurants at Phuket Old Town are a must-visit as they serve the best authentic Thai food.
The unique night-time attractions of the cultural theme park offer an unrivaled experience to the visitors. The park offers a one-of-its-kind show in a Las Vegas-style entertainment. Phuket Fantasea is a great place to have fun, shop, and enjoy delicious food either on your own or with family and friends.
Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket is the first ethical sanctuary for elephants in their natural habitat where they are allowed to roam freely. The sanctuary is the home to 15 elephants that work in the tourism industry and also other sick and old elephants. Visitors are allowed to watch the elephants play, take mud baths and touch and feed them.
Tiger Kingdom at Phuket is a tourist attraction that offers a rare opportunity of experiencing a close encounter with tigers. Visitors are allowed to touch, play and cuddle with tigers of all sizes and heights, under a trainer’s presence. The zoo is famous for its photography facility that captures splendid pictures of the visitors next to these mighty tigers.
Aquaria is one of the biggest aquariums in Thailand, located in the heart of Phuket beneath the Central Phuket Floresta. A trip to the aquarium takes the visitors on an amazing underwater journey, where they can explore the wonders of the ocean. The aquarium features around 25000 distinct marine animals that entertain and inspire the visitors in their unique way.
Freedom Beach, which is both gorgeous and secluded, is an exception. With wonderfully smooth white sand and crystal blue waves, it is one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches. It's only a few minutes from Patong Beach, the island's busiest beach, but it's surprisingly tranquil and quiet. Freedom Beach has a special atmosphere due to its unusual location.
Patong Beach is considered to be the party capital of Asia as it has got everything for a fun filled experience. Tourists will come across crowds all the time, who get to enjoy tons of adventure activities like swimming, surfing, parasailing, and more. Apart from all these, this beach gets a clean and sandy shore offering a notable nightlife experience.
Considered to be the lifeline of Phuket’s nightlife, Bangla Road is one of the most happening destinations in the city. While the road is mostly quiet during the daytime, it comes to life once the sun has set. It is a haven for party lovers and nightlife enthusiasts who are drawn by its colorful vibrant lights, lively music, and more.
Located at the southern end of Ton Sai Bay, Long Beach is one of the most laid back destinations for holiday makers who look for a tranquil escapade during vacation. Nestled under a canopy of palm trees, the Long Beach is a favourite of beachside tourists who look for walking in the soft, white sand of the seashore and indulge in various adventure sports. It is the only beach in Phuket where you can enjoy snorkelling directly from the beach. Stunning coral reefs and colourful marine life nestled under the shallow turquoise waters make Long Beach a diver’s dream destination. Being located at a walking distance from Tonsai Village tourists have easy access to the bars and restaurants and enjoy an electrifying nightlife with good food, music and dance.
Banana beach is one of the few beaches of Phuket that is still relatively untouched by human interference. It's fine white sand and clear blue waters give the beach a calm and peaceful look. Thanks to its prolific aquatic life, the beach offers one of the best water sports such as snorkeling and diving, enjoyed by the whole family.
Khai Island comprises three beautiful islands located 10 kilometers on the East Coast of Phuket, namely, Khai Nai Island, Koh Khai Nai, and Koh Khai Nok. Among the three, Khai Nai Island is the biggest island that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling activities, while Khai Nui Island is the smallest one with mesmerizing coral reefs and ideal snorkeling opportunities.
Maiton Island, also known as Honeymoon Island, is a small privately-owned island hidden in the turquoise blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The island is a good place for snorkeling, offering many tropical sea creatures such as cuttlefish and sea turtles during your experience. Enjoy a pleasant day at this idyllic island as you swim through all your worries.
Patong Boxing Stadium is a massive arena where Thailand’s martial art, Muay Thai or Thai boxing is staged, that can accommodate around 350 people at a time. The stadium has a Muay Thai Gym where one can learn and train to be a Muay Thai fighter. The place is also equipped with a shop selling boxing gears and a bar.
Also known as Racha Island, Raya Island is a tiny island located in the Andaman Sea. If you are an adventure lover, Raya Island will allow you to indulge in several water sports activities, like scuba diving and snorkeling. Not only this, but you can also enjoy a long walk with your loved ones or relish a tranquil vacation with your family on the island.
There are several water sport activities which you can do in Phuket.
The most famous aerial activity in Phuket is the Flying Hanuman Ziplining experience at Kathu. Thi zipline takes you right amidst the jungle and you feel as if you are just flying. Another famous aerial activity which you can do in Phuket is paramotoring. You simply glide across the waters of Phang Nga Bay.
Which are the best cruise trips in Phuket?
Phuket is famous for offering the best cruise trips. Mentioned below are some of the popular cruise trips in Phuket.
• Phi Phi Island Morning or Sunrise cruise trip
• Phang Nga Bay Cruise Tour
• James Bond Island Cruise trip
• June Bahtra Full Day Lunch Cruise
• Sunset Dinner Cruise to Phang Nga Bay
• Half Day Mai Ton Island Cruise
• Island Hoping Cruise
These are some of the popular cruise trips available in Phuket.
Scuba Diving enthusiasts flock to Phuket in huge numbers. Basically, this lower Andaman region comprising of Phang Nga Bay is regarded ideal for scuba diving. Few of the most sought after sites are Koh Phi Phi, Richelieu, Rachai Yai, Koh Dok Mail and The Similans. There are different charges for different sites. A scuba diving excursion to Phi Phi Island costs around INR 7,258 onwards per person.
The beaches of Phuket offer perfect location for snorkeling. The underwater world is just fascinating. Some of the famous places for snorkeling in Phuket are mentioned below:
Snorkeling expedition usually costs around INR 400+ per person.
You can try zip lining at Hanuman World in Phuket.There are 16 lines which extend up to length of 400 meters. 30 platforms are put on the trees. 3 separate packages are available.
Package World A includes all 30 platforms, 16 ziplines, 3 sky bridges, 3abseil points and 2 spiral staircase. It costs around 2700 baht per person. Then there is
Package World B which includes 15 platforms, 9 ziplines, 3 abseil pints, 1 sky bridge and 1 spiral staircase. It costs 1900 baht.
Package World C which costs around 1500 baht includes 7 platforms,2 abseil points, 3 ziplines and just 1 staircase.
Phuket is a fun destination where you can have a nice time with your family. There are so many places in Phuket where you can go for enjoyment such as:
Riding on an elephant is undoubtedly a unique experience for most of us. This huge animal is an actual delight to the eyes. Elephant safaris are quite popular in Thailand and it takes you to some of the best spots in the country. For elephant safari you can go to:
Surfing is a fun activity and there are several schools in Phuket which offer you training to surf.
Some of the well known surfing schools in Phuket are:
Catch Beach Club on the Bangtao Beach and Kata Beach are some of the best places for stand paddling in Phuket. If you do not know how to do stand paddling you can hire a trained instructor to teach you the same. A 1 hour 30 minute session with the instructor costs around INR 3,000+ per person.
Open Water diving can be done at various local islands as well as coral reefs in Phuket. One of the best open diving sites is Phi Phi Islands, Koh Bon Island, Similan Island etc. Open water diving is safe if you are trained to do it and if it is done at the proper site.
If you want to let go of stress and tensions from your body and mind you must go in for health and wellness spas in Phuket.
Some of the popular spas which you must try out are mentioned below:
Phuket is quite famous for offering exotic golfing holidays. There are 8 golf courses in Phuket. Most notable among them are the Blue Canyon and Red Mountain. Blue Canyon Course was chosen to host Johnnie Walker Classic; it is in fact one of the most sought after world championship golf courses. It is flanked regularly by leading international players. Besides Blue Canyon Red Mountain is also a hugely popular golf course in Thailand. Golfing is an expensive sport. It costs about INR 2,400 for a session during high season. This does not include cart, tip and caddy fee.
Phi Phi Island is at a distance of 46 kms from Phuket. You can go there via a speedboat or a ferry. A wide array of activities can be done at the Phi Phi Island such as snorkeling, diving, canoeing, fishing etc.
Thai cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. A very popular cooking class is Kata Thai cooking Class. You can even join the Phuket Thai Cookery School.
Some of the must visit museums in Phuket are: