Any time of year, you’re spoilt for choice in Phuket. With an abundance of beaches, parks, and forests to explore, a rich culture, and fantastic dining and nightlife choices, the only thing lacking is the time to soak up all that’s on offer. Manveen Maan rounds up the top activities that should make every traveller’s must-see list.
1) Phang Nga Bay
A 400-km bay in the Straits of Malacca, Phang Nga Bay gives the myriad of beautiful bays in the area a run for its money. Located between the island of Phuket and the mainland of southern Thailand, the bay is home to majestic limestone cliffs, pristine islands, collapsed cave systems, and archaeological sites. A shallow bay with just 42 islands, Phang Nga is made up of deep-blue marine waters, forested wetlands, coral reefs, and at least 28 species of mangrove. Nature lovers take heed!
2) Bangla Road Night Activities
A trip to Phuket would not be complete without a visit to the ever-famous Bangla Road. Littered with shops, vendors, bars, and restaurants, Bangla Road is an exciting experience in the daytime, but truly comes alive at night when Patong’s biggest party zone is closed to traffic and ready for action! Bangla Road goes all out to entertain – jammed most nights year round, the area is a lively place to walk around with bars blasting loud music and competing for the attention of customers. Definitely the best spot for a great night out.
3) Old Phuket Town
Not many visitors want to spend time away from the beautiful beaches on the island, but Old Phuket Town is worth the trip. This historically rich area is home to shrines, temples, ornate and beautifully preserved traditional Thai shop houses, quaint cafés, and tiny printing shops. Those wanting to indulge in some culture can visit a few museums and even catch a glimpse of burlesque life at the ex-red light district! Phuket Old Town is compact enough to take a leisurely stroll around, and the best time to do this is early in the morning or in the evening, once the weather has cooled down a little. There are enough restaurants and cafés for refreshments so don’t bother taking a picnic along, just enjoy the sights!
4) Similan Islands National Park
Impossibly soft white-sand beaches and emeraldcoloured waters set the breathtaking backdrop for this island paradise. Renowned as one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, the marine life here is stunningly beautiful – populated with magnificent corals, colourful fishes, and dramatic rock formations. The nine Similan islands also offer remarkable snorkeling opportunities and make for great day trips. Using a tour operator based on the mainland is best as scuba diving equipment is not available on the islands themselves.
5) Wat Chalong Temple
Wats, or Buddhist temples, are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the vast majority of the population are Buddhist. Wat Chalong was built in 1837 and has played a central role in many of the events that have shaped Phuket’s history. Chalong Temple’s rich and colorful history make it the most important and most highly regarded temple in Phuket. The architecture of Wat Chalong features bright gold and red colours and ornate spires. Revered among Thais for its healing powers, the temple’s prayer hall features gilt-covered statues of Luang Por Chaem and Luang Por Chuang, two monks who were famous for their work in herbal medicine and tending to the injured. For an afternoon of peace and serenity, take a walk around the gardens and soak up the atmosphere.
6) Khao Sok National Park
With a land mass encompassing more than 700 sq km, this national park, located to the north of Phuket, represents southern Thailand’s largest virgin forest. Older and more diverse than even the famed Amazon rain forest, Khao Sok is home to numerous exotic animal and plant species, and has breathtaking natural scenery. Nature lovers will find inspiration in the park’s majestic limestone cliffs, rough jungle trails, and placid streams.
7) Phi Phi Islands
Made famous in the 2000 movie The Beach, the Phi Phi Islands need no introduction. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this spot for good reason. Even with all the hype, it doesn’t disappoint – crystal clear waters, an abundance of marine life, and breathtaking scenery ensure Phi Phi is always a top choice. Predominantly made up of the larger Phi Phi Don and the smaller Phi Phi Ley islands, the smaller islands are uninhabited but still magnificent to visit. When approached by boat, the islands rise from the sea, with sheer cliffs towering overhead giving way to beach-fronted jungle. Although there is accommodation available on the island itself, most opt to visit Phi Phi on tours, spending the day snorkeling, swimming, and taking in the lush greenery around them.
8) Muay Thai
Thailand is famous for lots of different activities, not least of them the country’s finest martial art, muay thai. The furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, powerful kicks, and artful moves are even more riveting when seen live, and many flock to these matches to watch this somewhat violent display of athleticism. Cheers blend with the strains of highpitched Javanese clarinets, drums, and finger cymbals that accompany the fights, creating a festive atmosphere. A muay thai match is worth attending for killer moves, the wild musical accompaniment, the ceremonial beginning of each match, and the frenzied betting around the stadium during the show.
9) Elephant Trekking
You can’t really travel to Phuket without taking an elephant trek through the jungle, and among the many different options available on the island, the Kok Chang Safari route stands out. Located in the jungle between Rawai and Kata Beach, it is one of the oldest elephant safaris on Phuket Island itself and has garnered a massive following. The rides last from twenty minutes to one hour, and take you up to the highest point in the jungle, boasting a panoramic view of some of the finest Phuket beaches. Ride and a view – what a combo!
10) Dining
Thai food is justifiably world renowned and Phuket is the perfect spot to sink your teeth into some deliciously authentic Thai dishes. The juxtaposition of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavours is what makes Thai cuisine so distinctive, and nowhere is it more noticeable than in the many restaurants that pepper the island. Enjoy a hearty papaya salad, otherwise known as som tam, fiery Thai green curry, a steaming bowl of spicy tom yam soup or some stir-fried dishes with a generous helping of Thai basil. Spots on the musthit trail include longtime-favourite Sea Hag in Patong, Kha Jok See Restaurant in Phuket Old Town, or one of the floating restaurants by the pier for the freshest seafood around. Delicious!
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