Top 5 Things To Do in Phuket
Phuket as a Tourist Destination
If ‘Fun’ were spelled ‘Phun’, it would have to be in Phuket. The vibrant beach town bustles with excitement, from going crazy shopping to snorkeling in the azure waters. The town of the Big Buddha keeps welcoming travelers to find the happiness they deserve, as the white sand inspires the simple joys of vacation. The Nai Harn is like a dream theater, unveiling majestic evening scenes over the ocean.
For a deeper exploration on a longtail boat, you can find a beautiful experience waiting for you at Haad Laem Sing. For your share of Buddha magic, you should pay a visit to the wonderful Wat Phra Thong. Legend has it that the Buddha was discovered accidentally, but the figure could not be moved from that place! So, the Wat was built around the figure, honoring the unmovable presence of the deity in Phuket. Wait, the magic does not end here! According to rumors, the Chalong Wat holds a piece of the Buddha’s mortal body, preserved inside the pagoda. If simply enjoying the sea sun is your priority number one (and involving an umbrella), you need to head over to Freedom Beach. Anywhere you go, there’s always this sprinkle of pure joy floating in the air; so catch the fairy dust if you can!
So, there you are with the best things to do in Phuket. Plan your trip around chilling out, and yes, a lot of shopping. The Chillva Market should be at the top of your list if you want to shop authentic Thai souvenirs from a bohemian shop. A lot of people look for traditional Thai medicine, and the best place to get it is at the Phuket Walking Street in the Old Town. The most famous of all the markets is the vibrant Naka Market, where you can also find great Thai street food, but it’s open only on the weekend.
Things To Do in Phuket
1. Go Island Hopping to the Phi Phi Islands
The Phuket shoreline is not far from the Phi Phi Islands, with magical places waiting to be discovered by you. Imagine majestic rocks emerging out of water, safeguarding pristine beaches, that can be reached only by a gentle boat. The boat will take you to Phi Phi Don, a beautiful beach where you feel welcomed by the beautiful scenery and laidback lifestyle. Indulging in a traditional Thai lunch at Tonsai Bay should be an experience to note down in your travel journal.
The islands are among the most beautiful places in Thailand, a deep retreat where you feel cordially welcomed to discover the mystery of serenity. Indeed, the Buddha’s serenity can be perceived in the very feeling that is called Thai, and everything just seems a reflection of it! To feel that solitude more closely, you need to visit Phi Phi Leh, an island almost entirely concealed by dramatic rock faces emerging out of the ancient waters. Standing at Maya Bay, you may finally come to believe that Buddha was right all along, paradise does exist, and it’s right here where you are.
2. Explore Old Phuket Town
As it is with old towns, there’s always plenty of beautiful houses from the past, with small lanes connecting one part of the town to another. Meandering through these lanes, you can easily feel like traveling to a movie set, just like the famous ‘The Beach’, with Leonardo DiCaprio becoming the unofficial brand ambassador of Phuket! There are plenty of small eateries and cafes, where you can enjoy authentic Thai food, served with a welcoming smile.
You should visit the Baan Chinpracha, which is a privately owned house that has been transformed into a museum, to preserve the ambiance of life in the past in Phuket. Even this house feels like a movie set, because it is! It appeared in the movie Heaven and Earth to reiterate the fact that Phuket is quite a paradise! Exploring the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Phuket, and it should not take more than a day, but you might want to visit it again and again.
3. Visit the Big Buddha
The Big Buddha, as you have already guessed, is very big! It’s more than 40 meters high, and you have to climb more than 90 stairs to the top of the hill. The enlightened one sits in eternal meditation, eyes half-closed, with one hand pointing down, and the other one pointing above.
The Maravijaya posture of the Buddha relates to that moment of sublime victory, when the mendicant overcame the demon of temptations, Mara, to relegate the difference between hell and heaven in the Soul. You can pray to the Big Buddha by donating to buy a piece of white marble with your name inscribed on it. Many travelers also offer golden leaves to the temple, with their wishes written on them. Have a quick note of the Big Buddha Phuket timings, just so that you are not late. It’s open for 12 hours, from 6 AM to 6 PM, so you will want to book a ride to the South of Phuket to come to this simple place, with a big heart!
4. Experience Patong's Nightlife
Talking about Phuket, you might want to keep it a happy secret that you were in Patong the other night. No, it’s not taboo to be here, but nights can get wild with the disco dancing, the drinks, and the dreamy eyes of damsels. Folks from all over the world swear by the energy, which is one of the best Thailand nightlife destinations. The area thrives with activity and neon everywhere, but not necessarily for shopping for souvenirs.
Instead, you would rather buy a drink for your lovely partner and enjoy the ambiance at the Tiger Disco. The vibe of Patong is centered on the Bangla Road, and other top places in the area include the Illuzion and the Soi Sea Dragon. All in all, it’s a great place for pleasure trips, even accompanied by live music venues that offer plenty of tunes in the air. The showstopper of the place is the famous Hard Rock Café, where you can really feel the thrill of modern Thailand, making you feel like staying in Phuket forever.
5. Experience the Phuket FantaSea Show
Round off your trip to this amazing destination with a trip to the FantaSea. It’s an exclusive theme park developed around the theme of Thai cultural celebrations at every corner. Enjoy the thrilling Viva Bangkok theater or check out the palace court, where life-sized elephant statues are designed with animatronics. As you explore more and more, you get to visit the cultural paradise, the shopping village, fast food restaurants, and even fine dining.
Real elephants live in the FantaSea, and you never know, you can suddenly be friends with these gentle giants! While you inquire about the Phuket FantaSea Show ticket price, you need to choose the right package. The admission fee only for the theater is THB 1800, but you need to pay THB 2200 if you combine it with the buffet dinner. It’s a family-friendly place, so you can bring the kids along. Children love to visit the Palace of the Elephants, where they can come close to the big animals.
