Phuket combines tropical beaches with Buddhist culture and natural areas. Thailand's largest island features coastal stretches like Patong, Kata and Karon for water sports and relaxation, while the interior holds temples such as Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha. Phuket Town's old quarter displays Sino-Portuguese architecture from the 19th century. The waters around Phuket enable excursions to Phang Nga Bay with its limestone formations and to the Phi Phi Islands. Markets offer local products and dishes from southern Thai cuisine. The island serves as a base for exploring the Andaman Sea and surrounding regions.
Phang Nga, Thailand
Phang Nga Bay extends between the coast of Phuket and the mainland. More than forty limestone formations rise from the water, their vertical walls forming caves and hidden lagoons. Mangrove forests grow along coastal sections and between the rock islands. The turquoise water allows kayaking through the natural passages.
Mueang Phuket, Thailand
Old Phuket Town is the historical center of the city and reflects the island's Chinese and Portuguese past. The streets are lined with 19th-century shophouses and mansions featuring colored facades in shades of yellow, green, and pink. The architecture combines European arcades with Chinese ornamental details and wooden shutters. Along Thalang Road, Dibuk Road, and Soi Romanee, cafes, art galleries, and small museums occupy restored buildings. Several Chinese shrines and temples stand among the commercial properties. On Sundays, Thalang Road becomes a pedestrian walking street with market stalls.
Kathu, Thailand
Patong Beach stretches three kilometers along Phuket's west coast and serves as the island's main tourist hub. The sandy shore provides activities including jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides. Restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine line the beachfront promenade. The Jungceylon shopping complex stands in the town center, housing retail stores, cinemas and entertainment venues. After sunset, nightlife concentrates on Bangla Road with its bars, clubs and street performances.
Nakkerd Hill, Thailand
The Big Buddha rises 45 meters high on Nakkerd Hill and ranks among Phuket's most significant religious sites. The statue is constructed from white Burmese marble and was built between 2004 and 2014. From the platform, visitors can observe panoramic views of Chalong, Kata and Rawai bays, along with the surrounding islands. The site sits at an elevation of 400 meters and is accessible via a winding road.
Chalong, Thailand
Wat Chalong is the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. The compound houses several buildings, including the grand pagoda that contains relic fragments of Buddha. The walls of the structures display traditional paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and local legends. Monks conduct daily religious ceremonies and offer blessings to visitors. The temple serves as an active place of worship for the local community and receives devotees from various regions of Thailand.
Phang Nga, Thailand
The Similan Islands form an archipelago of nine granite islands in the Andaman Sea. These uninhabited islands feature white sand beaches, rock formations and clear waters. The underwater environment includes coral reefs, various fish species and sea turtles. The area is located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Phuket and is protected as a national park. The islands are accessible to snorkelers and divers.
Mueang Phuket, Thailand
Karon Viewpoint sits on a hillside between Kata and Karon beaches, providing views across three sections of Phuket's western coastline. From this elevated position, the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon are visible, each distinguished by its sandy shoreline. On clear days, several offshore islands can be seen in the Andaman Sea. The viewpoint is accessible via the coastal road and includes parking facilities and shaded seating areas.
Thalang, Thailand
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary occupies 30 acres of forest land in Thalang district. This facility provides elephants with space to roam freely between natural ponds and tree cover. The animals can exhibit their natural behaviors while visitors observe them in their surroundings. The center focuses on caring for elephants previously used in the tourism industry or for logging work.
Rawai, Thailand
Promthep Cape is a peninsula in southern Phuket featuring a 50-meter-high observation deck. The lighthouse on this headland serves as a navigational aid for vessels crossing the Andaman Sea. The viewing terrace offers sightlines toward the Phi Phi islands and surrounding waters. This location attracts visitors who come to observe the sunset over the ocean.
Krabi, Thailand
The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands rising from the Andaman Sea. Limestone cliffs reach heights of 100 meters above sea level. The coral reef provides habitat for numerous tropical fish species that swim among the rock formations. The islands are located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Phuket and belong to Krabi Province.
Kathu, Thailand
Tiger Kingdom Phuket is a facility in Kathu that houses various tiger species in separate enclosures. Visitors can observe and photograph the animals under the supervision of trained handlers. The establishment accommodates both adult specimens and cubs of different age groups. Staff members monitor all interactions between humans and animals according to established safety protocols.
Patong, Thailand
Jungceylon Mall is a multi-level shopping center located in the heart of Patong with five floors. The building houses approximately 200 stores of various types, including fashion boutiques, electronics shops and souvenir outlets. Several restaurants and cafés are distributed across the different levels. A cinema complex with multiple screens shows current films. The shopping center features air conditioning and stands within walking distance of Patong Beach.
Thalang, Thailand
Splash Jungle Water Park in Thalang offers numerous water slides of varying difficulty levels, a wave pool and a lazy river. The park caters to families with children of all ages and includes separate areas for younger children, restaurants and rest zones. The facility is located in northern Phuket and operates daily.
Karon, Thailand
Wat Karon is a Buddhist temple located in the Karon area on the west coast of Phuket. The structure features the characteristic elements of Thai temple architecture with its distinctive red and gold ornamental details. Inside, visitors will find several Buddha statues of varying sizes and postures. The temple serves as a religious center for the local community and welcomes visitors interested in learning about Buddhist practices and Thai culture.
Thalang, Thailand
The Soi Dog Foundation operates an animal welfare center in Thalang dedicated to rescuing and caring for homeless dogs and cats. The facility provides veterinary treatment, conducts sterilization and neutering programs, and facilitates animal adoptions. The organization works to improve animal welfare standards in Thailand and treats thousands of animals annually.
Phang Nga, Thailand
James Bond Island rises as a distinctive limestone rock formation in Phang Nga Bay. The island gained international recognition in 1974 when it appeared in the film The Man with the Golden Gun. The 20-meter-tall Khao Phing Kan rock, together with the offshore Tapu needle, forms a geological structure created through erosion processes. Visitors reach the island by longtail boat from Phuket or the mainland.
Koh Hey, Thailand
Banana Beach stretches 200 meters along the coastline of Koh Hey, offering fine sand and clear waters. The beach provides opportunities for water sports, including snorkeling near the coral reefs and kayaking along the shore. The protected location creates calm conditions suitable for swimming and exploring the marine environment.
Cherngtalay, Thailand
Surin Beach extends for one kilometer along Phuket's west coast, offering fine white sand and turquoise water. Coconut palms line the shore, providing natural shade for visitors. Several Thai restaurants and cafes operate along the coastal road, serving local dishes and seafood. The beach attracts both swimmers and sunbathers, with sufficient space for visitors during high season. The southern end features rocky outcrops that create small pools at low tide.
Phang Nga, Thailand
Samet Nangshe sits at 450 meters elevation and provides views across Phang Nga Bay. From this viewpoint, visitors observe the limestone formations rising from the water and the numerous islands scattered throughout the bay. The location is approximately 30 kilometers north of Phuket and accessible via a mountain road. The optimal time to visit is early morning when the light illuminates the rock formations.
Chalong, Thailand
Chalong Bay Distillery produces rum from locally grown sugarcane in Phuket. Visitors can join guided tours through the production facility where the distillation process is explained in detail. Following the tour, guests have the opportunity to sample different varieties of rum during tasting sessions. The distillery combines traditional methods with modern techniques in crafting their spirits.
Phuket, Thailand
Wat Sri Sunthon is a Buddhist temple in Phuket that houses a 29-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. The building showcases traditional Thai architecture with ornate gables and colorful murals. This temple serves as an active place of worship for the local community and welcomes visitors interested in learning about Buddhist practices.
Phuket City, Thailand
Jui Tui Temple stands in Phuket City as a religious center for the island's Chinese community. The structure was built following traditional Chinese temple architecture and serves as a gathering place for ceremonies and festivals. During the Vegetarian Festival in October, this temple becomes a central venue for rituals and processions. The architecture displays typical elements of Chinese temple construction with decorated roofs, red pillars, and altars dedicated to various deities.
Rawai, Thailand
The coast of Ao Sane sits south of Nai Harn Beach and provides access to coral reefs in sheltered waters. The 200-meter beach consists of coarse sand and rock formations. Snorkelers observe tropical fish among the corals at depths of 2 to 8 meters. Several small coves divide the coastline. Restaurants on the cliffs serve seafood with views of the Andaman Sea. Access is via a steep road from the main route in Rawai.
Rawai, Thailand
Nai Harn Bay is located on the southern coast of Phuket and features an 800-meter sandy beach. The waters of this bay reach depths of up to 5 meters. The beach is framed by forested hills and offers several areas for swimming. This bay sits near Rawai village and is accessible by road connections from other parts of Phuket. The area includes several restaurants and accommodations along the shoreline.
Kathu, Thailand
Laem Singh Viewpoint sits at 150 meters elevation and offers direct views of the coastline and white sand beach below. This observation point is located between Kamala and Surin Beach on Phuket's west coast. Visitors reach the platform via a short access road from the main coastal highway. From here, one overlooks the curved bay of Laem Singh Beach with its light sand and turquoise water. The elevated position provides views of the surrounding forested hills and the Andaman Sea. The viewpoint includes a small parking area and is suitable for photography during daylight hours.
Phang-Nga Bay, Thailand
Koh Panyee is a fishing village entirely constructed on stilts at the base of a steep limestone cliff in Phang-Nga Bay. This settlement comprises approximately 320 houses and is home to 1600 residents who primarily make their living from fishing and tourism. The village was established in the late 18th century by Muslim fishing families from Malaysia. Visitors can walk through narrow wooden walkways between the houses, visit local restaurants, and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
Phuket Town, Thailand
Saphan Hin Park covers 5 hectares along the waterfront in Phuket Town, providing residents and visitors with recreational facilities. The park features sports amenities including football fields, basketball courts and running tracks. Walking paths follow the coastline, offering views across the bay. A bronze statue commemorates the tin mining history that played an important role in the region's economic development. The park serves as a public space for exercise, sports activities and coastal walks.
Thalang, Thailand
Radar Hill Viewpoint stands at 430 meters above sea level in northern Phuket and provides a complete panoramic perspective of the island. From this observation point, visitors can see the international airport, the coastline and the Andaman Sea stretching to the horizon. The location serves as a reference point for understanding the geography of the region.
Patong, Thailand
Paradise Beach stretches for 500 meters along a small bay located south of Patong. This beach offers clear water and fine white sand. The sheltered position of the bay provides calmer conditions compared to the larger beaches in the area. Access is available by road or by boat from Patong.