Interesting places in Phuket. What to visit in Phuket - the best attractions to visit on your own. What to see in Phuket on your own

We placed a lot of emphasis on excursions. If for one reason or another they are not suitable for you, then let's find other entertainment on the island.

It doesn’t matter who you are, a young and active couple in search of adventure, or a family with a small child. There is something for everyone in Phuket.

So, you're in Phuket, what to do? Our offers. Let's start, perhaps, with the simplest ones and move on to active recreation.

1. Visit the island's observation decks. In fact, there are a lot of beautiful places on the island. The most common of them: Karon view point (observation point between Kata and Naiharn beaches), Promthep cape (windmill observation point), Khaorang view point (observation point in Phuket town), Panwa view poit (observation point at Cape Panwa), overview on the road between the beaches of Kamala and Kalim.. etc.
2. Visit the orchid garden.
3. Visit the botanical garden
4. Visit the shell museum
5. Visit the island's many Buddhist and Chinese temples
  I really like to visit local temples for aesthetic pleasure.
6. Visit the sea gypsy village (in the south of the island) and have dinner in the village. According to the principle: first, you buy seafood at a local market and across the street in a cafe they prepare it for you. I highly recommend trying large barbecued shrimp, lobster with cheese and squid rings fried in batter with garlic.
7. Take part in a photo shoot. Why not? Wedding, romantic, hot, children's... local photographers will fulfill your every whim.
  Agree, everyone dreams of bringing beautiful photographs back from vacation as souvenirs. To keep you warm on winter evenings
8. Visit a detox or spa center. I know a detox center in the south of the island, and there are plenty of spa centers all over the island.
9. Visit hot springs off the island (The Hot Spring Beach Hotel and several springs in Krabi province).
10. Dine on a yacht or catamaran (this can only be arranged individually)
11. Watch the sunset on the beach. Launch the flashlight. Romance))
  Photos from the annual lantern festival in Thailand
12. Delicious food. Why isn't it fun for you? After all, you came to relax and enjoy all the local delights. In Phuket you can find restaurants and cafes serving cuisine from different nations of the world: Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish, Russian, German, French and even Georgian. Restaurants, cafes, buffets and fast food cafes - for every taste.
  Baba nest restaurant in Phuket
13. Go to the cinema (in English or Thai). Bring warm clothes: Thai cinemas get very cold.
14. Play billiards (unfortunately, you can only play pool on the island)
15. Play bowling
16. Go shopping. There are several large shopping centers in Phuket that may be of interest to you: Jung Ceylon, King Power (duty free), Central Festival and the large Tesco Lotus. As well as many night markets, bazaars and small shops.
  King Power is a new duty free shopping center in Phuket. You can purchase goods there only if you have a ticket to another country in hand.
17. Do some tourist shopping. We decided to highlight this in a separate article. Do you want to buy souvenirs? Exotic skin? Latex or ? Then you can go to specialized tourist shops, enjoy a local performance (for example, a snake show at a snake farm, a crocodile show at a crocodile farm, etc.) and buy everything you need.
18. Attend a master class. Many talented people come to the island, and they hold educational master classes and meetings every month. Make a bracelet from natural stones with your own hands, learn how to make natural soap, and so on. Peculiar. Not for everyone
19. Attend a cooking class and learn how to cook some Thai dish
20. Take a walk along Bangla street (analogous to Walking street in Pattaya). There are numerous bars, nightclubs, live music bars and even
  Bangla Street is crowded between November and March, the high season.
21. Visit a disco on the ship or spend time in one of the many beach clubs on the island
22. Learn to play beach volleyball. Some beaches on the island are equipped with sports grounds
23. Ride horses (I know one place in the south of the island and one in the north). I don’t know if it will be possible to surprise you with horse riding..))
24. Ride elephants (you can buy a ticket at an agency, or you can come and buy it right on the spot. There is one of these companies on the mountain where the Big Buddha is located).
25. Go on a motorcycle tour around Phuket and beyond to the provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. There are even several agencies in Phuket offering such services. Your vehicle can be simple scooters or serious motorcycles.
  We already wrote about extreme sports programs in a previous article, but I would like to add a little more to the list.
26. Go rafting - take a boat down the river
27. Learn yachting (there are schools for children and adults in Phuket).
28. Ride an ATV through the jungle (you can buy a ticket at an agency, or you can come and buy it right on the spot. There is one of these companies on the mountain where the Big Buddha is located).
29. Take a ride inside a zorb. Zorbing is an extreme attraction, a sport that involves lowering a person in a transparent ball from a mountain.
30. Take up Muay Thai or at least try one. If you don’t want to participate, you can just watch the show at one of the stadiums in Phuket
31. Visit the center of extreme active recreation Flying Hanuman and the new place World of Hanuman or its equivalent Jungle extreme adventures
32. Try bungee
33. Ride jet skis
34. Go water skiing
35. Ride a wake. Wakeboarding is an extreme sport that combines elements of water skiing slalom, acrobatics and jumping. There are several wake parks in Phuket
36. To try surfing on real waves or for beginners, the surf house on Kata Beach is suitable. Attraction bar with artificial waves
37. Try parasailing - an active form of recreation in which a person is attached to a boat using a long cable
38. Try flyboarding - a new type of extreme sport, which involves flying on a special board driven by the jet force of the water flow, pumped by a jet ski connected to it
39. Try shooting with real weapons. Possibly at the shooting range or as it is called here Shooting range
40. Take a helicopter tour
  Breathtaking?
  
  Perhaps this list can be continued for a long time. We hope that we have given you ideas and inspired you to new adventures.

It's time to tell what to see in Phuket on your own and with excursions what places to visit in 2020. We traveled the length and breadth of the island, swam at almost every beach, drove into the mountains and admired waterfalls, visited elephant farms and Buddhist temples. For convenience, we marked the main attractions of Phuket on a map with descriptions and photos. And at the end of the article there will be many useful links about various interesting places. In general, about everything in order, what you can see in Phuket.

Where to buy excursions in Phuket

Many people ask where they can buy excursions, so that there are trusted guides and preferably small groups. Russian guides are definitely needed, although according to Thai laws foreigners cannot work in this position. Many places are actually more profitable to visit as part of a group than to come on your own and buy a ticket at the box office. This has already been checked more than once, although we check it every time just in case. So, there are three types of places that sell excursions in Phuket:

At first glance, it may seem that there is so much in Phuket that you couldn’t see it in a year. We read articles that described places in different areas of the island, and our heads were confused about how to have time to see everything. But it turned out that there are not so many places, if you examine them correctly, and everything can be divided into groups and systematized, which is what we did. In one day we usually look at several places and it is important that they are not very far from each other. It is unlikely that you will go first to one end of the island, and then on the same day to the other. As a result, we divided what you can see in Phuket by beaches, areas, and we will also tell you about neighboring islands and provinces.

What to see in Phuket near Patong, Kata and Karon

Most often, tourists begin their exploration of Phuket with the “magnificent three” - the three beaches where the most of our tourists are - Patong, Kata (with Kata Noi) and Karon. We even did a separate review about what to see and do in Patong. Spoiler - there are no special attractions there, but there are places to spend time. But next to Karon and Kata it’s more interesting. As a result, we identified places that are worth seeing in Phuket in this area: Simon Cabaret, Bangla Road, paradise beaches of Paradise, Freedom, Tri Trang, Thai boxing stadium, Karon View Point observation deck.

Simon Cabaret- probably the largest transvestite cabaret show on the island of Phuket. Located in Patong, on the road towards Karon on the right side, you can even walk there. This show is known for having the most beautiful ladyboys. They say they choose the prettiest and slender ones, and the rest of the ladyboys, who are not so beautiful, go to work in bars and clubs (in Bangla, for example, but more on that later). The Simon Star show is beautiful, the costumes are chic, bright, there are special effects, but they sing to a soundtrack, sometimes they don’t even get into the voice. In total, more than 100 artists participate in the show. Every evening Simon Star shows take place at 17.30, 19.00 and 20.30. Photography inside is strictly prohibited, so sorry, the photo is from the Internet. You can buy a ticket at the box office or online.

Simon Cabaret

Paradise beaches Paradise, Freedom, Tri Trang. A small amount of advertising worked here too, but these are the beaches that are called paradise in Phuket. They are all located on the same mountain pass, between Patong and Karon. If the height difference doesn’t bother you, you can even walk. Entrance to two of them is paid - Paradise and Freedom (200 baht), and Tri Trang is free. These beaches are just as beautiful as others in Phuket, only because of their inaccessibility, there are fewer people here, the water is cleaner, and you can even see fish in the sea (this is not news for Phuket, there are fish on almost all the beaches of the island). A great place for photo shoots on the swing, quiet time and lazy relaxation. We talked in more detail here about and.

Freedom Beach

. I don’t know who decided to call this observation deck Karon View Point, but it is located between Kata Noi and Nai Harn. True, Karon is also visible, but after Kata Noi and Kata. Probably to confuse tourists and reduce their number on the site. But no, they still find and come, the bastards. The observation point is located on a mountain pass, equipped with the “latest technology” - there is a gazebo and paid toilets (10 baht!), as well as photos with birds for money (100 baht!). Everything else is beautiful views of Katu Noi, Katu and Karon, which are slightly blocked by neighboring trees, and buses with tourists who are also brought here. You can even see the Big Buddha on the mountain, but the road to it leads from Chalong, so it will be discussed in another section. Now Karon View Point is included in sightseeing tours, for example.

Thai Boxing Muay Thai. Considering what to see in Phuket and reading reviews about Thai boxing, we can say that it is rapidly gaining popularity. This dangerous contact sport is all about respect and tradition. In Phuket, you can attend Muay Thai competitions with well-trained martial arts masters. Moreover, there are even Russian Muay Thai boxers, there are fights between children and women. The most famous stadium is located right in the center of Patong - Bangla Boxing Stadium. The ticket costs 1700 baht. There is a live broadcast on a monitor outside, which also attracts viewers.

Bangla Road, Patong Beach. - the main party street on the entire island of Phuket. You can look at Bangla Road in Phuket yourself, it is located on. Here you will see madness, a large number of clubs, bars and restaurants, a party of transvestites, exotic girls, and Europeans in disguise. You can just walk around the shops, drink beer at the bar. Each establishment has promoters on the street, there are inexpensive offers for 79 baht. This is the main crazy and party attraction of Phuket according to tourist reviews. Also on Bangla Road you will be offered an erotic show, or a ping-pong show. Promoters offer free entry and ordering drinks from the menu. You can come in for 5 minutes to look and appreciate the atmosphere. A glass of beer in such an establishment costs 900 baht, cocktails from 1000 baht. Bangla Road has grown so much that clubs and bars can be found on all faces within a radius of 500 meters: Soi Crocodile, Soi Gonzo, Soi Patong Resort, Soi Sea Dragon. For nightlife lovers you can take it.

What you can see in Phuket near Nai Harn and Rawai

The areas of Nai Harn and Rawai are cool and suitable for living in Phuket. The main attractions here are the beauty of nature and the beaches (this does not apply to Rawai, there are no beaches there). It is here that the famous Promthep Cape, the southernmost point of Phuket, the Windmill observation deck, Nai Harn Lake, Yanui and Ao Sein beaches, and the Rawai fish market are located.

- a very popular place. Crowds of tourists come here to watch the sunset, but it’s still worth it. On the western side of Phuket, the sun sets into the sea, so everything is feng shui. The photos come out great, the place is beautiful. The area is equipped and there are places to sit. And those who are especially desperate go for a walk right on the cape (we somehow didn’t take the risk). Entrance to the observation deck is free. Come here around 17.00-17.30, on the way stop at the Windmills observation deck (more about it later).

I like it 200% more than Cape Promthep. She's more soulful. There are no equipped viewing rooms, benches or anything else. People arrive on bikes, take their things and sit on the grass. Watch the sunset and listen to relaxing music. A very cool place to see in Phuket. From here you can see views of Nai Harn and Ao Sein, yachts at sea and the island of Man. There are no crowds of tourists, Chinese or bustle here. Arrive at 5:30 pm to enjoy the day. A map with attractions is at the end of this article.

Lake Nai Harn- a beautiful place for walks on the east side of Nai Harn Beach. Here we see athletes jogging, mothers with strollers and couples in love. If I stayed on Nai Harn, I would walk near this lake every day.
Yanui and Ao Sein beaches- very beautiful, both are located near Nai Harn. In general, Nai Harn itself deserves special attention; it is called “the most beautiful beach in Phuket” and is among the twenty best in the world. As for Ao Sein, it is rocky and resembles a hippie retreat. There are huts on the shore, obviously not tourists live here. Yanuy is more touristy, with cafes and restaurants, boat rentals and SUP. Here you can take a boat to the Isle of Man. And some comrades swim there themselves.

Beautiful Yanuy

Rawai Fish Market created purely for tourists. Prices here are higher than everywhere else, but for some reason people keep coming and going. Plus this place is popular among the Chinese. Here you can choose fresh seafood and have it cooked right away in the restaurant opposite. Here are just the prices... Shrimp from 400 baht (but there are also for 600, 900, 1300 baht!), lobsters from 1500 baht, mantis from 500 baht, plus cooking costs 50-100 baht per kg. How many times have we come here, looked at the prices, gone nuts and went to our favorite non-tourist market in Kathu, where everything is 2-3 times cheaper, but not so beautiful, and there are no restaurants nearby.

Rawai Fish Market

What to see in Phuket near Phuket Town and Kathu area

. If you decide what to see in Phuket on your own, then go to Phuket Town. Fortunately, blue buses go here, and the final stop is right next to the Chinese-Portuguese quarter. Prices in Phuket Town are lower than at beach resorts. Therefore, tourists like to come here to go shopping and visit markets. One of the attractions of Phuket Town is the center, with buildings in the Sino-Portuguese style, and as they are called, the Chinese colonial style. These are the same two-story houses, only painted in bright colors, with columns and balconies. Against the backdrop of such lush abundance, beautiful photographs are obtained, and newlyweds arrange wedding photo sessions here. One of the famous streets in the center of Phuket Town is Soi Rommanee, there are many shops, cafes and shops. Interesting bars, guesthouses and cafes have been opened in the ancient buildings of Phuket Town. Here you can enjoy a calm evening and atmosphere. Thai families have lived in these colorful buildings for several generations. Most of them have Chinese roots, the so-called ethnic Chinese, so here you can see houses with red lanterns and dragons. And the assortment of local stores is replete with everything red, incense sticks, and Chinese goods. By the way, there are also a lot of Chinese tourists here. Most establishments in Phuket Town open after 18:00. On Sundays, the famous one operates on Thalang Road. Soi Romani hosts live jazz performances during the high season from November to April. If you are interested in the sights of Phuket in Thailand and real Thai life, then come to Phuket Town.

located near Phuket Town. Local athletes like to jog here, and tourists walk here. And, of course, the mountain is famous for its short-tailed macaques. Many people go to the mountain as if they were going to a zoo, and forget that these are, first of all, wild animals. It is forbidden to feed them, but tourists do not listen. By the way, these monkeys are the most aggressive, long-tailed monkeys are much calmer and safer; they can be seen in the cave temples in Phang Nga. The climb up the mountain in the heat is difficult, take water with you and wear comfortable shoes. The walk to the very top is more than 3 km, and you cannot go up the mountain by transport.

(emphasis on U) is one of the most famous in Phuket. Located on a mountain in the Kathu area, admission is free. There is not much of a waterfall in high season, but the others in Phuket are even worse. A well-equipped staircase leads upstairs. Since the Kathu area is not a tourist area, and mainly Thais live here, they also like to relax at the waterfall. So you will see here picnics, meadows and the number one local entertainment - karaoke (possibly).

What to see in Phuket near Chalong

- one of the main attractions of Phuket in Thailand. It is so huge that the Big Buddha can be seen from most places in southern Phuket. The statue stands on top of a hill and overlooks the beaches of Chalong, and. The Buddha cost 30 million baht to make and is 45 meters tall. Next to it stands a smaller statue made of brass, and there is also a temple. Everyone can contribute to the construction of the Big Buddha; all you have to do is buy a white plate, which will later be used for construction. Also here you can tie a rope on the hand woven by a monk - sai sin, and at the same time make an intangible wish. The road to the Big Buddha passes through the “real” Thailand and the view from the top is impressive, especially if you take a map with the sights and find them on it, looking from above. Opening hours: 08:00 – 19:30. The most interesting time is at the observation deck near the Big Buddha statue during sunset, around 18:30. How to get there: Take the road to Chao Fa Road East near Chalong. There are red and white signs along the way. After turning onto Soi Yodsane, follow the signs for the next 6 km uphill.

- another place to see in Phuket. There are more than 30,000 temples in Thailand, and new ones are built every day. (or Wat Chalong in Thai) is located in the heart of Chalong and is considered the most important temple in Phuket. Hundreds of tourists flock to this temple every day. Wat Chalong is one of the main attractions on the entire island of Phuket. Like other popular places, there are crowds of tourists here. People come here on a sightseeing tour of the island. There are a lot of Chinese. Therefore, I recommend coming here in the morning or late in the evening. Most tour groups arrive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. There are several souvenir shops around the temple where you can buy soft drinks and fresh fruit. How to get there on your own: Wat Chalong is located approximately halfway between Chalong and Phuket Town on West Road. There are many signs along the way indicating the way in English and Thai.

What to see in Phuket near Surin and Kamala

Surin and Kamala are areas that are not as busy with tourists as Patong or Karon. On Kamala there is the famous Fantasy show and Bang Van waterfall, and on the mountain towards Kamala there is our favorite Laem Sing beach and observation deck.

Show Fantasy is a professional show featuring acrobats, gymnasts and animals. The show shows scenes from the life of Thais. For example, in the second part of the play they talk about ethnic Chinese, the same ones who now live in Phuket Town. Ships come from the sea, the Chinese come out with fabrics and silk, and they are met by Thai girls with fish and shrimp. If you don’t know what to do in Phuket, come to the most spectacular theater on the island, Fantasy Show. It opens its doors at 17.00 every day, and on Thursdays at 20.30.

Laem Sing Beach is our favorite almost secret beach to see in Phuket. The fact is that until recently the beach was paid and tourist, then the road through the mountain was closed, and there were much fewer tourists here. Now the beach can be visited for free; there is a path along the cliff from the southern edge of Surin Beach. The road itself is an adventure, but there are signs so you don't get lost. Now on Laem Sing there is only one cafe, not many tourists, there is no beach infrastructure, and it is not needed. And most importantly, there are no Chinese here. This beach is still a secret for them, so be it.

Our favorite Laem Sing beach

- located on the mountain pass between Kamala and Surin. This place from the selection of what to see in Phuket could be combined with Laem Sing beach, but in fact you need to make a huge detour to get from the observation deck to the beach. So the beach is separate, the observation deck is separate. From here you can see Laem Sing, which not everyone knows how to get to (you know now). The observation deck is free, the views from here are wonderful.

What to see in Phuket near Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao

. Perhaps this is the most Instagrammable beach in Phuket. And although it is far from the tourist center, there are always tourists, that is, photo hunters, here. Planes land every 10-15 minutes and fly directly overhead, 40 meters high. Depending on the wind direction, planes land from the beach side and from the opposite side. The best shots are obtained only in the first case. The beach itself is not particularly remarkable, there is little shade, there are no sun loungers, and even planes cross the sky every 10 minutes. So not particularly suitable for a quiet holiday.

- one of the best beaches in Phuket. Very beautiful, wild, with colored fish near the stones. Located on a mountain pass between Bangtao and Naithon. No worse than Freedom Beach (near Patong), only free. There is a good road from the mountain through the forest. There are no sun loungers or umbrellas for rent, but there is plenty of space in the shade of the trees. There is one cafe.

What to see outside of Phuket

Considering that there are many places in Phuket that you can see on your own and not so much, you still need to allocate time to the neighboring islands and provinces. As for the islands, there are many of them - Khai, Racha, Phi Phi, etc. There are two neighboring provinces: Phang Nga and Krabi. It is best to take excursions to these places, because going on your own is difficult and expensive. We were here - we liked everything.

Phang Nga Bay Province and Bay. Phang Nga is a province northeast of the island of Phuket. Drive over the Sarasin Bridge and you are in Phang Nga. It can be distinguished by its picturesque nature, blue bays and green rocks protruding from the water. According to tourists, this is one of the best attractions outside of Phuket. There are also islands inhabited by rare animals. To see Phang Nga province from Phuket on your own, you can take a boat trip at any travel agency on the street. There are also excursions by land, with visits to the temple with monkeys, the Temple of the Black Monk, and the Sa Nangmanora nature reserve. The most famous island among tourists in Phang Nga Bay is James Bond Island, or in Thai “ Koh Ta-pu." They even built a monument to him on land. And the area around James Bond Island is fantastic, like in the movie “Avatar”. Now during the peak season there are a lot of tourists here. Phang Nga province includes about 100 islands, most of which are oddly shaped. James Bond Island became famous after the release of the 1974 James Bond film. There are many nature reserves around Phuket, and the island is also protected. Boats are prohibited from approaching close due to its precarious position - large at the top and small at the bottom. You can view James Bond Island from a boat or from a small beach on Koh Ping Ghan. Near James Bond Island you can kayak through coves and grottoes. These are such small depressions in the rocks that you can swim in some of them only at low tide. If you take a tour to James Bond Island, it is often combined with a visit to the sea gypsy village of Koh Panyee - a neighboring fishing village on stilts. The only negative is that in addition to you, a couple of hundred more tourists will be brought here. But when the tourists leave, Koh Panii closes its restaurants and shops and turns into a quiet fishing village. To see the bay and Phang Nga province from Phuket on your own, you can rent a boat from the pier for 2000 baht for 3-4 hours. The boat can accommodate up to ten people. But it’s better to go on a speedboat, so you’ll have time to see more islands. The nature here is truly fantastic. The location of the bay itself is also interesting. Phang Nga Bay is protected from the northeast and southwest monsoons. Its waters remain calm all year round. But Phang Nga Bay is not suitable for swimming; there are a lot of silt formations at the bottom, and the water here is always cloudy.

Spend a day (or two) on Phi Phi Leh Island). Another attraction near the island of Phuket is Phi Phi Ley. This is an uninhabited island that is located 1.5 km from the southern tip of Phi Phi Don Island. The same one where the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. Now Maya Bay is closed to tourists; boats have destroyed the coral reef with their anchors; nature needs decades to recover. The Thai government has taken up the protection of these places, landing 100 reef sharks in the sea to maintain the ecosystem. Phi Phi Ley is a very picturesque place with snow-white beaches and steep cliffs, the tops of which are covered with green vegetation. Monkeys live on steep cliffs. Most tourists get to Phi Phi Ley during an organized tour from Phi Phi Island or Phuket, for example. You can also rent a boat for your own trip. All tours without visiting Maya Bay (reason above).

Attractions of Phuket on the map

If you want to visit the sights in Phuket on your own, interesting places are marked on the map. To get directions, you need to click on the icon in the upper right corner of the map. The map will open in the Google Maps application (you must install the application in advance) and will automatically provide routes to interesting places from your location.

So these were attractions of Thailand in Phuket, reviews from tourists. Of course, we simply could not fit all the interesting things on the island into one article, so here is a list of other popular articles:

Read the latest articles on my blog.

The sights of Phuket are a great addition to a beach holiday and to traveling to neighboring islands. When you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, go to the majestic temples, take a bungee ride through the jungle, visit the dolphinarium, stroll along the streets with Portuguese architecture... there are a lot of interesting places in Phuket. Both children and adults will find something to do here.

In this post I’ll tell you about 40 interesting places on the island, which of them you can visit on your own, and which are easier to go on a tour. Here are the opening hours, cost of visiting and ways to get there. And this is without taking into account the islands of Phi Phi, Jace Bond and others. We have information about excursions in Phuket.

Sights of Phuket: photos and descriptions

I divided all the interesting places in Phuket into several categories. The numbering does not mean that the first issue is more interesting than the thirtieth, just for order. A map of Phuket with attractions in Russian is at the end of this post. There you can see the exact location.

The best way to see as much as possible and not depend on anyone is to rent a bike, they cost from 200 baht per day. However, it is advisable to already have driving experience; the traffic on the roads is quite busy. Some places can also be reached by public transport.

Choose what you like:

Temples in Phuket

Wat means "temple" in Thai. There are not as many of them on the island and they are not as significant as in the north of the country or in the capital Bangkok, but some are definitely worth your attention. Remember to adhere to the dress code: covered knees and shoulders.

1. Big Buddha (Big Buddha)

The 45-meter Buddha statue, which can be seen from many points in the south of Phuket, is one of the places of worship on the island, although it was built relatively recently, in 2002. There is a temple complex nearby. From here you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the west coast. It’s true that there are a lot of tourists. It is better to arrive early in the morning before the buses with the Chinese arrive.

Where is: closest to Kata beach

Working hours: 08:00-19:00

Price: for free

How to get there: by your own transport or as part of an excursion, by taxi.

2. Chalong Temple (Wat Chalong)

The largest and most luxurious temple in Phuket, or rather a temple complex. It is famous for being the abbot of Luang Pho Chem, a revered monk and healer. His statue, according to local pilgrims, has miraculous properties. There are also many tourists here, because the temple is included in any sightseeing tour.

Where is: Chalong district, 10 km south of Phuket Town

Working hours: 08:00-18:00

Price: for free

How to get there: by songthaew from Phuket Town to Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn (about 20-30 baht) or by your own transport, taxi.

3. Wat Phra Thong or Temple of the Golden Buddha

One of the significant temples not only in Phuket, but throughout Thailand. The main feature is a bust of Buddha made of gold (but this is not certain) - this form is not found in any other temple. Nearby are the dwellings of the monks and the crematorium; in general, this is a real functioning temple complex. There aren't many people, but it's still better to come in the morning.

Where is: Thalang area, near the highway to the airport.

Working hours: 08:00-18:00

Price: for free

How to get there: by songthaew from Phuket Town going to Thalang, to the Sarasin Bridge, by airport bus or by your own transport.

4. Wat Suwan Khirikhet

A colorful temple on a popular beach, there is a market here twice a week in the evenings.

Where is: Karon Beach area

Working hours: 08:00-18:00

Price: for free

How to get there: to Karon by songthaew from Phuke Town (40 baht).

5. Kua Tian Keng Sapan Hin Chinese Temple

Several small but colorful temples can be found in the old town of Phuket Town, but the most significant is located on the outskirts in the park of the same name.

Where is: near Saphan Hin Park

Working hours: 08:00-18:00

Price: for free

How to get there: to Karon by songthaew from Phuket Town (40 baht).

6. Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity

Yes, and there is one in Phuket! Among the tropical greenery rise domes so familiar to any Russian person. Russian expats come here, services and liturgies are held.

Where is:

Price: for free.

How to get there: only by your own transport or taxi.

Entertainment in Phuket

If you have already been to Thailand, many of these entertainments will not surprise you; they are similar in Pattaya.

7. Show “FantaSea”

One of the most popular entertainment in Phuket for children and adults is a colorful and vibrant performance for an hour and a half. Dancers, acrobats, several dozen elephants, various special effects... There is also a good buffet in a restaurant with 4,000 seats, and attractions. Reviews from tourists vary - some are delighted, while others claim that the show is not worth the money. If this is not your first time in Asia, I don’t recommend it.

Working hours: 17:30-23:30

Price: 2000 baht at the checkout, cheaper through agencies.

How to get there: to Kamala by songthaew from Phuket Town (40 baht), taxi, with excursion.

8. Splash Jungle Water Park

A good water park to have a great day with children, more aimed specifically at children. It is advisable to come on weekdays so that there are fewer people; also take towels with you, otherwise you will have to rent them on the spot. The only restaurants inside are fast food.

Where is: near the airport

Working hours: daily 10:00-17:45

Price: 1450 baht for adults/700 baht for children (10% discount via the website).

How to get there: by bus to the airport (100 baht), but better by taxi.

9. Bangla Road Patong

This small pedestrian street is known far beyond Phuket and even Thailand. During the day, this is a quiet place with cafes, restaurants and massages, but at night it turns into the epicenter of entertainment for adults with trannies, carrots, a couple of hundred bars and other related services. Something similar can be seen in the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok and on Walking Street in Pattaya.

How to get there: by songthaew from Phuket Town (30 baht), taxi, own transport.

10.Bangla Boxing Stadium

Just at the end of Bangla Road there is a stadium where you can watch Thai boxing. Fights are held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, starting at 9 pm and ending around midnight. Fighters come from all over the world, and local ones, of course.

Where is: Patong, opposite Banzaan Market.

Working hours: 21:00-24:00

Price: 1700-2500 baht depending on location.

How to get there: see Bangla Road.

11. Simon Cabaret transvestite show

Traditional Thai lady fight show, like Alcazar or Tiffany. Bright, revealing costumes and funny performances to different music. After the performance you can take a photo for 100 baht.

Where is: outskirts of Patong, on the road to Karon.

Working hours: 18:00-22:30 (shows at 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00).

Price: 1000 baht.

How to get there: to Patong by songthaew, taxi, or your own transport.

There are also similar establishments: Simon StarAphrodita

12. Evening show Siam Niramit

Another theatrical and circus show that competes with FantaSea. Before the performance, you can visit an ethnic village, feed elephants and other animals, and eat Thai dishes in a restaurant. In the show itself, the emphasis is more on the history and mythology of Thailand (it is advisable to spend a few minutes and google it in general terms on the internet, it will be more interesting to watch).

Where is: north of Phuket Town, Chalermprakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Road

Working hours: 17:00-23:00.

Price: 1350 baht.

How to get there:

13. Flying Hanuman

Do you want to be in the jungle, ride a bungee, walk on suspended bridges at the height of trees and just get a dose of adrenaline? Then definitely come here. The longest flight is 400 meters, 28 platforms and other activities, cheerful instructors who even speak a little Russian.

Where is: Kathu area in the center of the island.

Working hours: 08:00-17:00.

Price: 2300-4500 baht depending on package

How to get there: only taxi, own transport.

14. Karting

Press the gas pedal to the floor and try to overtake all your rivals! Excellent vivid impressions are guaranteed.

Where is: Kathu area in the center of the island.

Working hours: 10:00-19:00.

Price: 850 baht.

How to get there: by songthaew going to Patong, taxi, your own transport.

Natural places

For walks in the jungle, wear comfortable shoes, preferably a light long-sleeved shirt and pants that cover your knees, especially during the rainy season.

15. Bang Pae Waterfall

Sights of Phuket - waterfalls

The largest waterfall on the island, here you can swim in the river downstream. Not really, but you can combine it with the gibbon rehabilitation center, it’s all included in the price.

Where is: Thalang district in the north of the island.

Price: 200 baht.

How to get there: taxi, your own transport.

16. Ton Sai Waterfall

A good place to walk through the jungle and see the wildlife. There is a 2 km trail to Bang Pae waterfall.

Where is: Thalang district.

Price: 200 baht.

How to get there: taxi, your own transport.

17. Kathu Falls

A small three-level waterfall with free entry.

Where is: Kathu area.

Price: for free.

How to get there: taxi, your own transport.

18. Karon View Point

Perhaps the most popular observation point in Phuket. Wonderful views of, and. Crowds of tourists are brought here by bus. Early in the morning or between buses, you can take pictures without people in the frame.

Where is: road between the beaches of Kata Noi and Nai Harn.

How to get there: taxi, your own transport.

19. Observation deck fromwindmills

Working hours: daily 08:30-16:30.

Price: 180 baht adult/100 baht child.

How to get there: songthaew from Phuket Town (40 baht), taxi, own transport.

27. Bird Park

The park contains more than 100 species of birds from all over the world; it will be interesting for a child to see and feed them, although the park is small. Performances are held at 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30.

Where is: south of Town, on the road to Chalong.

Working hours: daily 09:00-17:00.

Price:

How to get there: songthaew from Phuket Town towards Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn (about 30 baht), taxi, your own transport.

28. Crocodile farm

Here you can watch a short 10-minute show with crocodiles, visit a small museum, buy products made from crocodile skin, as well as medicines.

Where is: south of Town, on the road to Chalong, opposite the bird park.

Working hours: daily 09:30-17:00, show every half hour.

Price: show 400 baht adult/200 baht child.

How to get there: songthaew from Phuket Town towards Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn (about 30 baht), taxi, your own transport.

29. Orchid Farm

The farm is suitable for botany lovers, but paying 400 baht for an ordinary person is too much, in my opinion.

Where is: Chalong area.

Working hours: daily 09:00-17:30.

Price: 400 baht adult/200 baht child.

How to get there: songthaew from Phuket Town to Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harna (30 baht), taxi, own transport.

30. Botanical Garden

Another place for plant lovers: there are several zones here - Japanese, English, Balinese gardens, a flower bed with cacti.

Where is: Chalong area.

Working hours: daily 09:00-17:00, except Wednesday.

Price: 500 baht adult/300 baht child.

How to get there: taxi, your own transport.

31. Sirinath National Park

A large national park where mangrove forests grow, and if you're lucky you can see turtles laying eggs. The park combines several beaches: north Bang Tao, Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Khao. All of them have few people and are located in luxury chain hotels. At Nai Yang Beach you can camp and live for a while.

Where is: northwest coast.

Price: 200 baht adult/100 baht child.

How to get there: taxi, your own transport.

Markets in Phuket

Asian markets are not only a place where you can buy Thai souvenirs, clothes, exotic fruits and a thousand other things, but also an attraction in themselves. Each tourist beach has markets similar to each other, but two are worth checking out separately.

32 . Weekend market in Phuket Town

Huge market, open only after sunset on weekends. This is where the best prices for souvenirs are, and traders willingly bargain. In addition, there are clothes, equipment, whatever you want! There is also a large selection of all kinds of Thai delicacies, kebabs, drinks and inexpensive ones.

Where is: Phuket Town, Wirat Hong Yok Road.

Working hours: Saturday-Sunday around 16:00-21:30.

How to get there:

33. Sunday night market

A colorful Thai market where both locals and tourists come. Large selection of Thai food, souvenirs, clothes.

Where is: Phuket Town, Thalang Road.

Working hours: Sunday around 16:00-21:30.

How to get there: songthaew from the beaches to Phuket Town.

34. Seafood market on Rawai

The best place in Phuket to buy and try seafood. Wild sea creatures, still alive in huge basins of water. Opposite the shops there are restaurants where your purchase will be immediately prepared for you (100 baht per kg, cheaper if you buy there). Now it has become expensive, there are a lot of tourists.

Where is: the left side of Rawai beach, looking at the sea.

Working hours: daily 09:00-21:00.

How to get there: songthaew from Phuket Town (30 baht), taxi, own transport.

Other

35. Beach with landing planes Mai Khao

Take cool photos with flying airplanes - this is the place. The airliners land very often, so you won't have to wait long. The beach itself is deserted, almost without people, with clear water.

Where is: northern part of the island, near the airport.

How to get there: bus to the airport from Town (100 baht).

36. Phuket Town Old Town

A great place to walk for a few hours and sit in a cozy cafe afterwards. The center of Phuket Town combines Chinese and European features in architecture, as if you are not in Thailand. The buildings have been preserved since the times when the Portuguese and Chinese traded on the island; it was an important point on the route from India to China.

How to get there:

37. 3D museum - Phuket Trickeye Museum

There are several museums in the city, but the Museum of Optical Illusions is perhaps the most interesting. Incredible optical illusions will make you look and wonder several times. There are both permanent exhibitions and visiting exhibitions.

Where is: Phuket Town.

Working hours: daily 10:00-19:00.

Price: 500 baht adult/300 baht child.

How to get there: bus from the airport (100 baht), songthaew from the beaches.

38. Sarasin Bridge

The only bridge connecting Phuket with the mainland, or rather two bridges side by side. One is old, built in 1967 (now pedestrian), the second is automobile, built in 2011. There is an observation deck with good views, several cafes. It’s not worth making a special trip here, but you can stop along the way.

39. Thalang National Museum

As far as I know, all Buddha statues taken from tourists at airports (they cannot be taken out of the country by law) are brought here.

Map of Phuket with attractions in Russian

I made a map of the island with interesting and worth visiting places, and put all the points discussed above on a Google map.

For many years, Phuket has been breaking records in popularity and demand among travelers. And not without reason, because the island’s resorts are located on excellent beaches, the sea water is clean and transparent, and prices for vacations have always been kept at an affordable level.

According to many tourists, Phuket is a strong and worthy compromise between the controversial Pattaya and places like Samui, Krabi or Phi Phi. The island has heavenly views, tranquil lagoons, traditional temples and hundreds of entertainment venues.

In the capital of the island, Phuket Town, you can wander through the streets and enjoy the amazing architecture, and then rent a bike and ride to one of the many observation decks or to any beach. Everything is nearby, so the traveler does not have to travel hundreds of kilometers of tedious road.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Phuket?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Big Buddha in Phuket

The monument is 45 meters high, installed on Nakkerd Hill in the southern part of the city. The Buddha statue is part of a large temple complex that is being built with charitable funds. Construction of the monastery began in 2002 and is still ongoing. Anyone can donate money for construction. The majestic statue of the god is visible from many points in Phuket; several roads lead from the coast to the attraction.

2. Wat Chalong Temple

The temple is located in the center of the island on the way to the Big Buddha statue. The attraction is included in all sightseeing tours of Phuket. Wat Chalong is the largest and most picturesque temple on the island; it is deservedly popular among tourists. In the interior, the decoration of the elements is dominated by gilding, the floor is made of marble. The walls are painted with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.

3. Suwan Khiri Ket Temple

The structure was built at the very end of the 19th century in the Karon beach area. The small temple building looks quite well maintained, as it is carefully maintained. At the entrance there are figures of emerald-colored snake guards. Twice a week there is a night market on the site near the temple, where you can buy food and clothing. Some tourists claim that you can enter the monastery in a swimsuit, given its location on the beach.

4. Phuket Old Town

Phuket town is located in the interior of the island, away from the beaten tourist paths. There are no beaches or vacation activities, but it has its own special atmosphere. The mansions from the last century that decorate the streets of the old city are built in the Sino-Portuguese style - a mixture of Chinese and European traditions, which indicates the times of alternating dominance of the Portuguese and Chinese on the island.

5. Sarasin Bridge

The bridge was built in 1967 and connects Phuket with mainland Thailand. Over time, it could no longer cope with the increased flow of cars. In 2011, a new modern bridge was built nearby and Sarasin became pedestrian. An observation deck has been installed here, which offers views of Phang Ga Bay and the exit to the Andaman Sea. At the foot of the bridge there are restaurants serving fresh seafood.

6. Bangla Road

A walking alley on the territory of Patong Beach, the center of Phuket's nightlife. There are more than 200 bars, several large night discos, shops, and shows for adults. During the day, the street is an ordinary resort alley, where souvenirs are sold and local cuisine is served. At night it turns into a motley gathering of wandering tourists, local transsexuals in breathtaking costumes and girls of easy virtue.

7. Night market in Phuket Town

A weekend or, more correctly, weekend market, which is located in Phuket Town next to the Naka Temple. On weekdays, only a few outlets are open here. Trading starts at 16.00 and continues until 22.00-22.30. This is a very bright and colorful place where you can try several dozen types of Thai street food, buy souvenirs, clothes, shoes and various trinkets.

8. Lard Yai Sunday Street Market

Lard Yai is considered the largest market in Phuket. Unlike many other similar places, local residents shop here, so prices are lower than in tourist places. The shopping area is located in Phuket Town and is open only on Sundays from 16.00 to 22.00. The rest of the time it is a busy street with fairly heavy traffic. Like any Thai market, Lard Yai's counters are bursting with an abundance of food items.

9. Shopping center "Central Festival"

A large modern store in Phuket Town where a tourist can spend a fair amount of money. This is the most ordinary shopping center, of which there are many in all cities of the world. In addition to goods from global manufacturers, Thai products are sold here, and at the local food court you can taste fast food with a national flavor. Numerous massage parlors offer their services on the territory of the center.

10. Boxing stadium in Patong

The stadium is located in the center of Patong on Bangla Road. It is considered one of the best in Phuket. Boxing matches are held here three times a week, usually about 10 fights per evening. Serious professionals often come to demonstrate their skills. The arena has a capacity of 350 seats. Those interested can attend Muay Thai training sessions, which are held in the evenings on days when there are no competitions.

11. Phuket FantaSea

A colorful theatrical performance telling the history of Thailand. The show involves several dozen elephants and more than 400 people. For an hour and a half, the viewer is immersed in a fascinating world of magnificent scenery, colorful costumes, acrobatic stunts, traditional dances and special effects. The show has been running since 1998, since then it has been visited by a huge number of tourists.

12. Siam Niramit

The second historical performance, opened in 2011 and is a worthy competitor to Phuket FantaSea. Tourists often face a dilemma: which show to attend? Many people decide to watch both. Siam Niramit is a branch of the capital's show park in Phuket. Before the start of the performance, spectators are invited to visit an impromptu Thai village and have dinner in a restaurant.

13. Simon Cabaret

A famous show featuring transsexuals and transvestites. They perform mind-blowing funny stunts, dance and sing superbly, causing indescribable delight among the audience. The actors demonstrate all their skills on stage, and the grateful audience responds with incessant applause. Simon Cabaret has been operating since 1991 on the beach (resort village) Patong.

14. 3D museum - Phuket Trickeye Museum

Museum of 3D paintings and optical illusions, opened in 2013. Against the background of “volumetric” images, magnificent photographs are obtained, since in the picture the entire composition is combined into an overall picture. The gallery has reproductions of works by famous masters - Van Gogh, E. Munch, Da Vinci. Before entering the museum, you must take off your shoes, as some parts of the 3D images are located directly on the floor.

15. Sea Shell Museum

The museum exhibits a collection of the Patamacantin traveling brothers. Over the course of 40 years, they traveled to countless countries and collected many artifacts around the world. The collection contains more than 2,000 exhibits, many of them are quite rare and valuable. For example, the museum houses a 140-carat pearl and a huge shell weighing 250 kilograms. Some shell fossils are several hundred million years old.

16. Phuket Aquarium

Oceanarium, which opened in 1983. The aquarium displays the rich fauna and flora of the ocean and fresh water bodies. Moray eels, catfish, huge perches, bright tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other inhabitants of the depths (about 160 species in total) live here. Some of the most interesting creatures of the aquarium are the cat fish, box fish, clown fish and leopard shark.

17. Bird Park in Phuket

The park is located in the central part of the island, approximately 8 km. from Phuket Town, it has been operating since 2013. The territory is home to more than 300 species of birds brought from all over the planet (about 1000 individuals in total). The creators of the park worked hard on the landscape design. There are gazebos, wooden figurines, sculptures scattered everywhere, and there are even several artificial ponds. The main attraction is the bird show, which takes place three times a day.

18. Botanical Garden

A small picturesque park located on an area of 1 hectare. It opened quite recently, but already claims to be a popular attraction on the island. The park space is divided into zones. There is a Japanese garden, a palm grove, a prairie with cacti, a Balinese corner, a European park, and a traditional Thai provincial house. In the Botanical Garden there is an artificial waterfall, where a tunnel entwined with greenery leads.

19. Tiger Kingdom

A small “branch” of a Buddhist monastery, where there are long-standing traditions of keeping tigers and teaching them to interact with people. Several animals live on the territory; the tourist can choose which one he wants to enter into the cage. The cost of visiting depends on this. It is believed that these tame tigers are not aggressive and do not attack people, so they can be petted. But before entering, each visitor is given a paper to sign, according to which he agrees with all the consequences of visiting a dangerous predator.

20. Monkey Mountain

A hill located near Phuket Town that is home to a colony of monkeys. There are a lot of animals there, they are not at all afraid of people - they calmly walk along the road, hang on trees, and happily eat treats from the hands of tourists. Sometimes a whole flock of monkeys can tag along behind a car or moped; this sight looks very funny. At the top of the hill there is an observation deck overlooking Phuket Town.

21. Bang Pae Waterfall

One of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Phuket. Jets of water fall from a height of 15 meters; you can swim in a small lake at the foot if you wish. The place became famous due to the fact that on its territory there is a nursery for orphan monkeys. Here, baby gibbons left without care for some reason are nursed. You cannot enter the nursery, but you can make a donation.

22. Sirinath National Park

The reserve was founded in 1981. Its territory stretches along the northwestern coast of the island. Within the national park there are wild beaches of Bangtao, Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Kao, where giant turtles nest. The reserve has a unique mangrove grove, where various species of this tree are represented and mangrove snakes and monitor lizards live. The total area of Sirinath is about 90 km².

23. Karon Observation Deck

The point is located between Nai Harn and Kata beaches. From the top of the hill there are views of the coast and beaches of Karon, Kata Yai, Nai Harn, and the statue of the Big Buddha is clearly visible. The observation deck is popular among tourists; many people come here to admire the surroundings. There are a couple of cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat. There is a large gazebo on the site.

24. Rang Hill Viewpoint

Rang Hill is located within Phuket Town, overlooking Chalong and the emerald Andaman Sea. At the top of the hill where the observation deck is located, there is a monument to P. Ratsadanupradit, one of the respected governors of Phuket province. Wild monkeys live on the slopes and sometimes beg visitors for food. Near the observation deck there is a restaurant and a small park for sports.

25. Observation deck "Windmill"

A less popular and famous viewpoint in Phuket. It offers views of the beaches of Nai Harn, Ya Nui and a small uninhabited island off Prom Thep Cape. The site is equipped with a gazebo and several tents with food and drinks. There are not many people here, as well-trodden tourist routes lie away from this picturesque place. But this is perhaps for the best.

26. Prom Thep Cape

The cape is the southernmost point of the island. From the local observation deck you can watch stunningly beautiful sunsets. Travel agencies even organize special evening excursions so that people can see the magical colors of the sun setting into the waters of the Andaman Sea and painting the entire horizon in all shades of pink. In clear weather, you can even see the distant shores of India from the observation deck.

27. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is located in the southwestern part of Phuket. On both sides it is surrounded by low mountains, which are covered with palm groves. The beach is small - only 1 km. in length and up to 50 meters in width. It is suitable for a relaxing family holiday with children, as the descent into the water is smooth and gentle. Thanks to warm currents, the water temperature remains within a comfortable range of 27-30°C throughout the year.

28. Karon Beach

Member of the three most popular and popular beaches on the island, which, in addition to it, also includes Kata and Patong. It stretches along the coast for several kilometers. There are a lot of hotels and tourists here, but still not as crowded as in Patong due to the longer coastline. There are fewer people on the outskirts of Karon, so those who like solitude are advised to go there straight away rather than look for a place in the central part.

29. Bang Tao Beach

A large beach with golden sand and a shallow entry into the sea with a length of more than 7 km. It is located next to Patong. The southern part of the beach is more populated; there are restaurants, cafes, retail outlets and other infrastructure. The northern part is less popular due to its inaccessibility. In the central part of Bang Tao there are several natural lakes that are connected to the sea through a narrow channel.

30. Kata Beach

The coastline of the beach stretches along a coral reef. According to some tourists, this is the cleanest water in Phuket. From May to October, winds blow here, so the place becomes popular among surfers. Many local hotels are located in close proximity to the beach and their windows offer excellent views of the azure Andaman Sea. Kata is suitable for both family recreation and active pastime.

Updated 02/03/2020 Views 324300 Comments 29

Due to the fact that there is a flight on the island that accepts international flights (which for us means direct flights from the Russian Federation), Phuket is considered one of the most popular resorts in Thailand. But the geographical feature, a large number of beaches that are different from each other and a developed tourist infrastructure are not the only advantages of the island. Phuket is so huge that it is given the status of a separate province, which is why its name does not use the Thai word Ko (island). And for an independent tourist there is always something to see in Phuket on those days when he gets tired of sealing and the monotony of vacation days.

Russian speaking excursions

You can buy an excursion either from your hotel guide (but this is always more expensive) if you are vacationing on a package tour, or you can choose it yourself at one of the street travel agencies.

They constantly ask me to recommend a trusted local agency, which I have used myself. I advise: . Large selection of excursions, including in Russian. It’s convenient that you can write to them via messenger and place an order directly on the website.

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha Temple on Mount Nakaked above Chalong is notable for its huge statue of a seated Buddha, located at an altitude of more than 300 meters above sea level. Construction of the temple with the almost 50-meter statue began in 2008 with donations from the local community, and is still ongoing. From the observation deck near the statue there is an excellent panoramic view of the beauty of the island, although I would not call this viewpoint the best in Phuket, and the popularity of the place has significantly affected its attendance - there are a lot of people.

Botanical Garden in Phuket

Quite a pleasant place where you have the opportunity to get to know the mass of tropical plants of Thailand in the open air, in the format of a tropical garden. The place is spacious, with kilometers of pedestrian paths, corners and dead ends - you can walk around to your heart's content. Great for while away the hot time of the day, and if you really want, you can rent a bungalow in the hotel, which is located right inside the garden, near a small artificial pond. In addition to the Botanical Garden, you can also see a roughly similar attraction - the Butterfly Garden.

Chalong Temple

Wat Chalong Monastery is located in the south of Phuket and is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries on the island. The first written mention of Wat Chalong dates back to 1837. The tallest building of the monastery, Chedi Phra Mahathat, houses a particle of the ashes of Buddha, a gift to the King of Thailand on his 72nd birthday from the government of Sri Lanka. The architecture of the monastery amazes with its purely oriental whimsicality of forms and bright colors. Every 15 minutes, the monks explode firecrackers to drive away evil spirits. The monastery tower offers excellent views of Chalong. All together creates an amazing and unique atmosphere of this place. Separately, I also advise you to visit the deserted and atmospheric one. It is located on a mountain with a beautiful view.

Karon Observation Deck

A noisy and crowded place, very popular among tourists, which is included in most sightseeing tours of Phuket. A large parking lot, an equipped pavilion for visitors, some traders and photographers with birds, in general - an ordinary tourist place with unusually beautiful landscapes. The observation deck offers views of the beaches of Kata, Kata Noi and Karon. It’s worth coming here just to see this beauty with your own eyes. In addition to the observation deck, I recommend going to, it’s very close there. During the day, it may not be necessary, but before sunset - at sunset, there will be a very pleasant view with drinks and food.

Viewpoint on Rang Hill

A pleasant place on the top of Mount Rang, not with a panoramic view, but 180 degrees will be enough for positive emotions. The place is much more attractive than Monkey Hill, and it also has its own local monkeys in the jungle, which you will come across on the way up. The view opens onto the valley with Phuket Town; it looks especially attractive at night, under artificial lighting. Visiting is free and available 24 hours a day. In addition to the observation deck, I recommend visiting the neighboring “attraction” -.

Observation deck at Khao Khad Tower

Khao Khad View Tower is a three-story tower that was built solely for one purpose - to get a full panoramic view. Really 360 degrees. The tower stands on a high, gentle hill and has a large parking lot at the base. There are also retail shops where you can buy sweets or simple snacks, with which you will then enjoy sitting on a bench on the third tier, looking at the azure horizons. The place is not the most popular, but very worthy and is considered one of the best viewpoints on the island of Phuket.

Observation deck at Cape Promthep

One of the most popular and easily accessible viewpoints on the island of Phuket. In addition to the fact that Cape Promthep itself is an interesting natural attraction with an excellent overview, there are also a couple of historical and religious attractions: the Brahma sanctuary with a whole herd of elephants of various sizes and a military lighthouse with free entry, where you can climb for a wider view. The place is crowded, beautiful and deserves at least one visit. In addition to Cape Promthep, you can also visit a similar attraction -.

Bang Pae Waterfall

The largest waterfall in Phuket is Bang Pae. It is located in the northern part of Phuket, within the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, in the Thalang district. The water in it does not flow down the wall and does not break into rapids, but classically falls into a stone bowl from a 15-meter height. You can and should swim in the bowl if the number of people in the reservoir allows. Bang Pae in Phuket is the most picturesque waterfall on the island, perfect for walks and relaxation. On the way to the waterfall you can look into the gibbon nursery, although I wouldn’t go there a second time - it’s a sad sight.

Thai boxing

Muay Thai is part of the culture and national sport of Thailand. Unlike regular boxing, almost any strikes are allowed in Thai - this is a much tougher type of martial arts than others. At the beginning of the last century, the windings on the hands of boxers were sprinkled with crushed glass and iron, and fights often ended in death. There are many places in Phuket where you can watch real fights. Ticket prices are quite high, but for those interested in such spectacles, visiting at least one of the Muay Thai arenas will be very interesting. This is not only a fight, but also a kind of art, with complex accompanying rituals.

Flight of Hanuman

Hanuman is the god of monkeys, in case you didn't know. And “The Flight of Hanuman” is an exciting zip-line attraction where everyone can feel like a monkey and fly over the jungle, clinging with a special cable to the ropes stretched between the trees, getting their dose of adrenaline. The longest flight is about 400 meters, the height above the ground is up to 40 meters. The adventure is quite safe, but such an experience will be remembered for a long time and will give a lot of impressions.

Snake farm

Snake shows are a popular attraction in Thailand. Including in Phuket, where there are several snake farms. The most famous of them is located near the Chalong ring. The snake show lasts 45 minutes. In addition, you can see the serpentarium and take a photo with a python. There is a shop at the farm that sells snakeskin products (belts, purses, wallets), as well as medicines made from snake venom.

Safari Kok Chang

Elephant safaris have been around for quite some time and take place in the jungle between Rawai and Kata beaches. Lasts from 20 minutes to an hour. During the safari you can see the most beautiful beaches of Phuket - from Kata Noi to Karon. Elephants can also be fed.

A slightly tired zoo, which however copes with its main task - to entertain children in Phuket. Adults are unlikely to like the zoo; the place is very simple, without pathos. Animals are shown both in enclosures and in the format of prepared shows with tricks and even some kind of meaningful plots. The visit will take several hours, you won’t want to come here a second time, but with all that has been said, the Phuket Zoo is many times cooler than the one in Phuket. True, the price tag at the zoo is kind of insane.

What to see near Phuket

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is a group of six islands located in the Andaman Sea, 48 km from Phuket. The most famous island is Phi Phi Ley and Maya Bay, where the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed in 1999. This is the most popular attraction and one of the symbols of Thailand. The beaches around the islands look fantastically beautiful in good weather: snow-white sand, emerald sea with clear water and steep cliffs. You can come from Phuket to Phi Phi on a one-day tour. This excursion is especially suitable for lovers of beaches and natural attractions.

Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake

Khao Sok National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in Thailand, located 160 km from Phuket, on a narrow mainland isthmus that separates the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. One of the most beautiful places in the park is the mountain lake Cheow Lan. Other sights of Khao Sok also make a strong impression: steep karst cliffs, tropical forest with a huge number of different plant species, mountain rivers and waterfalls. The territory of Khao Sok National Park is well developed, there are roads, guesthouses, cafes and marked walking paths. In my opinion, this is the most interesting and unusual place in the south of Thailand.

James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay National Park is home to islands and bizarre pillar-shaped rocks, with grottoes and caves in which stalactites hang from the ceiling, tropical vegetation and greenish-azure water create unique landscapes, as if from a fantasy world. One of the most famous islands of the national park is called “James Bond Island”, since it was there that one of the films in the series about the world famous spy was filmed. Most of the islands in the park are uninhabited; many have caves and tunnels leading to hidden lagoons. The best way to explore the park is by boat or kayak, and the most economical way to get there is on a tour.

A national park and paradise with the best beaches on the west coast of Thailand. Thanks to its isolation on the islands, and seasonal closures for the restoration of nature, the Similans are and remain a paradise on earth. The stunning color of the sea, snow-white beaches, tropical islands and boat crossings between them - all this leaves unforgettable emotions and aesthetic pleasure. This is the best thing that can happen to you in Thailand, if, of course, you came here specifically for the beauty of nature.

. Discount hotels →