DESTINATION OF THE DAY
Phuket
Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket stands as one of the world's premier beach destinations. This tropical paradise offers an array of over 30 beaches, from the shores of Patong to secluded northern coves, all featuring fine white sands, nodding palm trees, and glittering seas. Beyond its coastline, the island caters to a vast spectrum of tastes and budgets with a mix of dining, hundreds of hotels, vibrant nightlife, and modern infrastructure, making it a perfect gateway for everything from island-hopping excursions to cultural adventures.
As Thailand's largest and most visited island, Phuket attracts millions of travelers each year with its irresistible combination of natural beauty and endless activities. Whether you seek cultural sightseeing, exhilarating speedboat trips to famous islands like Koh Phi Phi, serene cruises in Phang Nga Bay, or world-class snorkeling and diving, the island ensures there is no shortage of things to do. Its well-developed amenities, including an international airport and a wide selection of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, seamlessly blend convenience with the allure of a tropical escape, solidifying its status as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia.
A Glimpse into the History
Phuket’s history is shaped by its important location on ancient trade routes between India and China. Long before tourists came, traders used its safe harbors to wait for the right winds to sail. Phuket became part of a Thai state in the 1200s and later became famous for tin, which attracted European traders. The wealth from tin is still seen today in the beautiful old buildings in Phuket Town, which have both Chinese and Portuguese styles.
A big moment in Phuket’s history happened in 1785, when Burmese soldiers tried to take over the island. Two local women, Lady Chan and Lady Mook, helped organize a defense. They won, and today their bravery is remembered by the Phuket Heroines Monument.
For many years, Phuket’s economy was based on its natural resources. Tin mining was the biggest industry and brought a lot of change and growth. In the early 1900s, rubber plantations were started. These farms needed a lot of land, so much of the old rainforest was cut down, changing the island’s landscape forever. Long before these changes, the first people living along the coast were the Chao Leh, or “sea-gypsies.” Some of their villages still exist today, showing a way of life that is very old and different from modern Phuket.
Phuket started to become modern in the 1970s when tourism began. At first, it was popular with backpackers who stayed in simple huts on Patong Beach. Everything changed after an airport was built, making it easy for people from around the world to visit. Now, tourism is the main business, bringing millions of people every year. The name “Phuket” comes from the Malay word “bukit,” which means hill. This name was chosen when the main city moved to a mining center in the middle of the island, helping to create the identity of today’s famous island.
Things To Do In Phuket
Simon Cabaret Phuket
Witness Dazzling Stage Spectacles
Photo: KKday
Hanuman World
Experience Thrilling Zipline Adventures
Photo: hanumanworldphuket
Skyline Adventure Phuket
Soar Through the Jungle Canopy
Carnival Magiv Phuket
Step into a World of Illusion and Fun
Old Phuket Town
Stroll Through Historic Sino-Portuguese Streets
Other Attractions To Visit
Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket, a must-visit for its cultural significance and stunning architecture. Its centerpiece is a 60-meter-tall stupa that houses a sacred fragment of Buddha's bone, with interior walls adorned with intricate paintings depicting his life. Visitors can explore the ornate buildings and climb to a terrace for panoramic views, provided they dress respectfully by covering their shoulders and knees.
While Phuket's famous west coast beaches like Patong and Kata are renowned for their vibrant energy and stunning beauty, they represent just a fraction of the island's coastal offerings. For those seeking a more tranquil escape, the northern beaches of Nai Yang, Naithon, and Mai Khao provide serene stretches of sand nestled within national parks. With over 46 beaches to choose from, the best way to find your perfect spot is to explore beyond the well-trodden path and discover a cove that feels like it's all your own.
Nestled in the heart of the island, Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary protects Phuket's last remaining virgin rainforest. This lush expanse offers visitors a chance to hike through pristine jungle, visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, and discover small, accessible waterfalls. While larger mammals are elusive, the sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and reptile enthusiasts, home to a fascinating array of species from colorful trogons to the rare Phuket pit viper.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Phuket’s world-famous Naka Weekend Market, a top destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience. You can browse an immense collection of stalls offering everything from street food and souvenirs to fashion and secondhand goods at bargain prices. After shopping, relax with a drink and enjoy the lively atmosphere, complete with regular live music for a perfect evening out.
For those seeking a quieter adventure away from the crowds, Black Rock Viewpoint offers a rewarding challenge. The journey involves a scenic scooter ride followed by a hike up a rainforest trail, culminating at a stunning terrace of black granite soil high above the coast. Your effort is repaid with breathtaking, unobstructed views south over Nai Harn Beach, Phromthep Cape, and the surrounding islands.
The iconic Big Buddha, a 45-meter-tall white marble statue atop Nakkerd Hill, has long been a must-see for its panoramic views and serene atmosphere. Please be aware that the site is currently closed for visitor safety following a landslide in late 2024. We look forward to its reopening, when visitors can once again experience this revered landmark, remembering to dress modestly and observe a quiet respect for the active religious site.
Best Places To Eat & Drink In Phuket
Blue Elephant Restaurant
Located within a beautifully restored century-old Sino-Portuguese Governor's Mansion in Phuket Town, Blue Elephant offers a taste of Royal Thai cuisine. The menu is the result of Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe's extensive research into Peranakan heritage, blending Chinese, Malay, and Thai influences. This high-end restaurant provides an elegant atmosphere for lunch and dinner, with cooking classes also available for a deeper culinary experience.
📍96 Krabi Tambon Talat Nuea, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand
One Chun Restaurant
One Chun Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Southern Thai cuisine within a beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouse in Phuket Town. The menu features standout dishes like crab curry and stir-fried pork belly with shrimp paste, delivering robust flavors in a setting filled with charming antiques. It's a popular spot that successfully blends a nostalgic, stylish atmosphere with consistently excellent and fairly priced food.
📍48/1 Thepkrasattri Rd, Talat Yai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Nam Yoi
Photo: phuket.net
Nestled in a residential area near Phuket Town, Nam Yoi is an unassuming restaurant serving bold, authentic Southern Thai cuisine untouched by tourist tastes. Must-try dishes include the fiery spicy crab curry with rice noodles and the stir-fried sator beans with prawns, both packed with aromatic herbs. This no-frills, locally-loved spot is a must for travellers seeking a genuine taste of Phuket, but be sure to come with a high chilli tolerance.
📍Ruamphatana Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Peang Prai Restaurant
Photo: Willy Thuan
Tucked away near the Bang Pae Waterfall, Piang Prai Restaurant offers a serene escape into Phuket's natural side. Built on a raised wooden terrace surrounded by forest, diners can enjoy authentic Southern Thai cuisine accompanied by the sounds of a flowing stream and native wildlife. This hidden spot provides a tranquil dining experience that feels a world away from the island's bustling coasts.
📍Pa Khlok, Phuket Thailand
Lock Tien Food Court
For an authentic and affordable taste of local Phuket cuisine, head straight to Lock Tien food center in the heart of Old Town. This bustling, no-frills hub lets you sample a variety of classic dishes like Hokkien noodles and pork satay from different vendors, all for around 50-60 THB per plate. It's a truly local experience, perfect for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly lunch.
📍Dibook-Yaowarat Intersection Dibook Road Talad Nuea Subdistrict Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand
DID YOU KNOW?
You can get your Thai eSim card before you arrive…
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. You can grab your esim on the go before you arrive to Thailand to save expensive mistakes upon your arrival.
For the ideal balance of sunny skies and manageable crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of November or April. While the peak season from December to March guarantees perfect beach weather, it also brings the largest crowds. If your travels must fall during the rainy season (May-October), it's worth researching destinations on Thailand's other coast for a more reliably dry getaway.
