Traveling to Phuket is one of the best experiences for travelers in Thailand. This island is the largest in the entire country and contains a wide range of beaches and environments to see. Many visit it on vacation, go to learn muay thai or sit at the resorts. In Phuket there is a wonderful plan for everyone!
What are the best plans when traveling Phuket?
Phuket attracts many tourists, so we will tell you the best plans to see and do on this magical island. Read to the end!
Relax on the beach
The best plans in Phuket are all about the beaches. If you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid the expensive prices and crowds and see how Phuket is a charming destination. Visit Mai Khao, Surin, Freedom, and Naithon for the best beaches.
Visit the temples
Most of the population of Phuket is Thai – Buddhist and there are about 40 Buddhist temples located throughout the island. The Great Buddha of Phuket is one of the most important on the island; Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, the only temple on Karon Beach, it is small but attractive; Wat Chalong, which has received visitors for more than a century.
Phang Nga Bay Cruise
Fringed by limestone cliffs and collapsed caves, these glorious emerald green waters form a beautiful bay. It is where the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Day trips can be made from anywhere on the island.
Visit the gibbons
Run by volunteers and funded by donations, The Gibbon Rehabilitation Center rescues captive gibbons. They are not touched, but visitors can view them from an observation deck. There is no entrance fee, but you will have to pay a fee to the National Park Department of Plant and Wildlife Conservation.
Take a trip to the Similan islands
Just 52 miles (84 kilometers) northwest of Phuket are the Similan Islands. It is one of the few places in Thailand where there is some environmental protection! The Similan Islands are a nationally protected nature reserve of nine islands.
Get to know Patong
This is the main tourist section of Phuket, filled with crowded beaches, resorts, street vendors, stores, bars, and sadly many sex tourists. According to expert travelers, this beach should be avoided at all costs. There are much better beaches around such as Hat Karon, Surin, and Mai Khao Beach.
Watch some Muay Thai fights
To see something truly Thai, book in to watch some Muay Thai. This is a form of combat that combines punching techniques with fists, elbows, knees, and shins, and is known as “the art of eight limbs”. Extreme physical and mental discipline is required to train to be a Muay Thai fighter. Saphan Hin Stadium is the destination to watch regular matches or go to Patong Beach where you can see these disciplined fighters in action.
Visit the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park
Take a trip to the Khao Phra Thaeo Conservation Development and Extension Center, a center focused on preserving the environment. The center contains a park that is home to a number of endangered animals, and also contains giant trees in the middle of dense, dense forest. Be sure to visit the Nam Tok Sai Waterfall, which is located near the park headquarters. There is also a floating restaurant located in the mangroves!
Stop at the Thalang National Museum
If you want to learn about historic Phuket, visit the Thalang National Museum. The museum houses an exhibition of ancient artifacts from Old Phuket and items used during the war with Burma. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the history of the island.
Enjoy the viewpoints
Phuket has many viewpoints, there are 10 in total. Promthep tends to be the most popular, but another great place is the Kata viewpoint. Nothing better than to contemplate a golden sunset from these spots.
Rent a bike when traveling to Phuket
Renting a bike or motorcycle will give you more freedom to explore Phuket. Find your way to Laem Singh Beach, a more secluded and laid-back place with great snorkeling opportunities. Be careful: biking in Phuket can be a bit dangerous.
Explore Sirinat National Park
This national park was founded in the early 1980s and consists of three beach areas along the northwest coast of Phuket. It includes a couple of beaches, including Nai Yang, Sai Kaew, and Mai Khao, as well as the mangrove forest where salt water and fresh water mix. This is a good place to camp. During the spring, endangered leatherback turtles come here to lay their eggs.
Take a look at the Phuket Mining Museum
Located in Kathu, this museum is one of the most interesting in my opinion. There are a couple of fancy models and even a recreation of an opium den! Some of the models look so real that it is as if you are living it. You will have the opportunity to see some of the mining methods used when Phuket was a major tin mining center.
Stroll through the Phuket weekend market
Also known as the Naka Market, this market is located just outside of Phuket Town. It is a crazy variety of local and second-hand goods, interesting objects and a wide variety of food.
Snorkel in the waters
Phuket has more than 33 beaches, all of which are pretty incredible. While not all are great for snorkeling, some of the best are Laem Singh Beach, Ao Sane, Ya Nui and Surin. You may want to bring your own equipment since renting can be a bit expensive.
Visit the Soi Dog Foundation
Soi Dog Foundation is a charity that helps the stray dogs and cats you see on the streets of Phuket. You can tour the facilities and meet and play with the animals. Longer volunteer opportunities are also available and donations are always welcome.
Explore some waterfalls
Some of the biggest and best waterfalls are in Phuket. The top three on the island are Bang Pae, Ton Sai, and Kathu. They are also all at the end of some scenic nature walks, so double bonus. Kathu is free.
ALFA