Phuket Attractions Guide - Things to See in Phuket
Phuket is drawing in more than four million tourists each year and it is one of the most visited places in Thailand. The main reasons for this influx of visitors are its beautiful landscapes, picturesque beaches, shopping facilities, exotic food and both ancient and modern monuments.
Phuket has a variety of tourist spots to lure the tourists away from the beaches. Though Thailand’s other tourist locations are more attractive from a cultural point of view, Phuket is not far behind in this aspect.
The vantage points along the west coast of Phuket attract huge crowds for sunset views. National Parks, waterfalls, historical monuments and exquisite waterscapes are all popular with tourists.
More details about some of the most popular attractions in and around Phuket are given here along with its locations. However, for navigation purposes, use the free tourist map available.
Beaches
Beaches are what lure tourists to Thailand and especially to Phuket. There are nine crescent-shaped bays on the western coast of Phuket, each offering a different experience to the visitors. From the south viewpoint of the Kata Noi Beach, the panoramic view of these, with aquamarine clear water and white sand is not to be missed at any cost... more on Phuket beach guide
Timings: Always open
Entrance fee: Free
Promthep Cape Phuket
This cape offers excellent sunset views. Many conducted tours come here to view sunset. There is a monument dedicated to a former prince who was interested in the maritime activities. Also, found there are a few hundred elephant statues scattered over the place.
Timings: Always open
Entrance fee: Free
Similan Islands National Marine Park
This National Park covers 140sq.kms. and is a well-known spot for scuba diving. The unusual granite boulders both on land and under water are the attraction here. The National Park has a collection of 11 picturesque islands with white sand and crystalline water. The abundance of terrestrial and marine life is sure to impress visitors coming here. Mantas, sharks, ghost pipefish and occasionally whale sharks bring in visitors to this Park.
The National Park is open to visitors during the high season from November to May. During the low season, strong monsoon winds ravage the islands. Accommodation facilities like bungalows and camping facilities are available in the islands Koh Si (Island no.4 or Koh Mieng) and Koh Paed (Island no.8 or Koh Similan). Restaurants are also there. All the islands are not open simultaneously every year. This rotation gives the reefs time to recover from over exposure. To reach this Park, bus services are available from Phuket Town... more on National Parks
Old Phuket Town
Wander along the lanes to find the century-old buildings built during the Chinese migration. The distinct old-world charm of the place is still there despite the arrival of tourists and modernization. This is the right place to go, to know more about Thai culture and lifestyle.
Timings: Always open
Entrance fee: Free
Talang Road, Phuket
Talang used to be a major trading port on the Andaman Coast in the olden days. The Sino-Portuguese buildings here still stand testimony to the glorious past.
Timings: Limited Access
Entrance fee: Free
Phuket FantaSea
This show staged at Kamala is enjoyed mostly by families. The entertainment on lavish proportions includes a huge collection of animals, comedians, circus performances and Thai cultural shows. Shuttle buses are provided from nearby places to attend the show. There is a theme park in the same venue....more on Phuket Fantasea
Telephone: 076 385 000
Timings: Open from 17.00, show timings: 21.00, daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays
Entrance fee: 1,500 baht to be paid at the box-office
Wat Chalong
This is the Buddhist temple in Phuket, most visited by tourists. Its grandeur and towering offbeat pagoda attracts visitors in hordes.
Many local Thais and Asian tourists will set off fire crackers and ask for the lucky lottery numbers, and have their fortune told. Pick one up and shake the can back and forth rhythmically until one of the sticks works its way to the top and falls to the floor.
Chinese Temples
Phuket Town has several colorful Chinese temples with trademark dragons and mythical creatures adorning the structure. The 200-year-old Shrine of the Serene Light near Phang Nga Road is worth a visit.
Timings: Always open
Entrance fee: Free
Phuket Market
Visit this place to experience the real Thailand. It overflows with vendors and buyers during mornings and evenings. Fresh products especially fish is sold here. Tourists who come here are enthralled by the profusion of sounds, smells and the confused atmosphere.
Timings: Early mornings and evenings daily
Entrance fee: Free
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
This National Park has one of Thailand’s best landscapes and there are two waterfalls within the area. You can visit both the waterfalls, Bang Phae and Ton Sai, by trekking along the trails. Another waterfall is at Kathu, near Patong.
Timings: 08.00 to 17.00 daily
Entrance fee: 200 baht
Phuket Zoo
A private zoo, located to the south of Phuket Town, is good for driving away the boredom of kids. Mostly visited by families with kids. Shows are staged every hour by elephants, monkeys and crocodiles. It houses many Asian and other animals. In addition, there is an aviary, aquarium and orchid garden.
Telephone: 076 -374424, 282043
Timings: 08.30 to 17.30 daily
Entrance fee: 500 baht
Thalang National Museum
This museum, situated near Heroine’s Monument, comes under National Fine Arts Department. Though it is not properly maintained, it has a vast collection of historical pieces, including the Vishnu statue found in 1900 in the jungle close by.
Telephone: 076 379900
Timings: 08.30 to 16.00 daily except on public holidays
Entrance fee: 200 baht
Kao Rung Hill, Phuket
This park located atop a small hill, looks across Phuket Town. It offers scenic views. Local people come here for evening walk.
Timings: Always open
Entrance fee: Free
Heroine’s Monument
The monument is dedicated to the brave sisters who saved Phuket from the plundering Burmese by uniting them and leading the fight against them. It is easy to spot this monument, as it is located on the highway with a traffic circle encircling it.
Timings: Always open
Entrance fee: Free
Phuket Shell Museum
As the name suggests, this museum is fully dedicated to shells. An excellent collection of local, rare and fossilized shells are displayed here. The most important displays are the world’s largest golden pearl all of 140 carats and a huge shell weighing 250kg. The museum is located north of Rawai. This is definitely worth a visit.
Telephone: 076 613666
Timings: 08.00 to 17.30 daily
Entrance fee: 200 baht
Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village
This orchid garden displays Thailand’s expertise in orchid cultivation. It is spread over 1600sq.m. in the outskirts of Phuket Town. Thai cultural shows are a regular feature here.
Telephone: 076 237 400
Timings: 08.00 to 17.00 daily, Show timings: 13.00 and 17.00
Entrance fee: 600 baht
Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, Phuket
This center run by volunteers is situated inside the National Park. The gibbons that have strayed from forests and captured from illegal traders are brought to this facility. They are fed and kept here to keep them from away from markets and other places. As the center doesn’t receive any funding, it is run using the donations from visitors and well-wishers.
Timings: 09.00 to 16.00 daily
Entrance fee: Donations are welcome
