Things to do in Phuket
Though many visitors holiday in Phuket simply for the beaches, there are many things to see and do away from the water as well. Phuket's long and fascinating history is detailed at the Thalang National Museum, while the island has almost 40 Buddhist temples, including the famous Wat Chalong. The 147-foot (45m) Big Buddha is also a popular attraction, and is visible from most of southern Phuket.
Phuket has rightly earned its reputation as a paradise for outdoor activities, and visitors will enjoy exploring some of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand, and other pastimes such as fishing and hiking. Also interesting are the Muay Thai boxing matches staged in Saphan Hin Stadium.
Fun in the sun and sea is the main attraction of Phuket, however, and there's no end of opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff diving, sailing, kayaking, and jet-skiing. Travellers can take a ferry from Phuket to the Phang Nga Bay islands, or Koh Phi Phi, or take a trip to explore the nearby holiday hotpots of Krabi or Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a popular resort area in southern Thailand. Consisting of two islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, almost all of the tourist development is on Koh Lanta Yai, whic…
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a popular resort area in southern Thailand. Consisting of two islands, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, almost all of the tourist development is on Koh Lanta Yai, which is often referred to as simply Koh Lanta. The island is a great place for travellers looking for a beach holiday away from the parties and crowds of Phuket, and is popular with slightly older tourists who populate the resorts and bungalows that line the beaches. There are plenty of things to see and do on Koh Lanta, including exploring the Khao Mai Kaew Caves on foot or elephant-back, visiting the orchid nursery farm at Long Beach (Pra Ae Beach), and sunning on the beaches of Klong Dao, Kor Kwang, and the beautiful Kantiang Bay. Visitors can also get a taste of the culture of Koh Lanta by visiting Lanta Old Town and the Sea Gypsy Village. Koh Lanta's diving spots, including Koh Haa and Hin Muang, are rated as some of the best diving locations in Thailand.
Koh Phi Phi
This stunning archipelago is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking natural beauty and adventure. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life and dramatic lim…
Koh Phi Phi
This stunning archipelago is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking natural beauty and adventure. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life and dramatic limestone cliffs, it's an ideal spot for snorkeling, diving and hiking. The islands offer a lively atmosphere with beachfront bars, delicious seafood and a variety of water activities, and movie fans should absolutely visit Maya Bay, which was made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film, 'The Beach'. With its mix of relaxation and adventure, Koh Phi Phi promises an unforgettable experience in one of Thailand's most picturesque locales. Travellers should note that there are no cars on Koh Phi Phi, so people with walking difficulties will find the hills and lack of transport trying.
Krabi
Located on the Andaman Coast, Krabi is renowned for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. Popular spots such as Railay Beach, Ao Nang and Phi …
Krabi
Located on the Andaman Coast, Krabi is renowned for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. Popular spots such as Railay Beach, Ao Nang and Phi Phi Islands draw travellers seeking adventure, relaxation and breathtaking, natural beauty. The province offers activities such as rock climbing, snorkelling and island hopping, while Krabi Town itself has a charming atmosphere with local markets, restaurants and cultural sites such as the Old Quarter, which is rich in colonial-era Sino-Portuguese architecture. The destination's warm, tropical climate and lush landscapes make it an easy choice for those looking to explore the outdoors or unwind by the sea.
Phuket Beaches
Few places in the world can match Phuket for its array of beautiful beaches, with their white sands and crystal clear waters. From the popular Patong Beach, which daily draws hundr…
Phuket Beaches
Few places in the world can match Phuket for its array of beautiful beaches, with their white sands and crystal clear waters. From the popular Patong Beach, which daily draws hundreds of visitors to its shores, to the quieter Kata Noi, which is hidden away from the crowds, Phuket has a strip of sand for everyone. For those who want to burn off some energy, activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and snorkelling can be found on many of the more popular beaches. The best beaches in Phuket for snorkelling would be Ao Sane and Paradise Beach. For those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, there are beachside massages, restaurants and cocktail bars around every corner. The best beaches for relaxing would be Mai Khao, Had Sai or Freedom Beach. When the day is done, Phuket offers some of the most beautiful sunsets travellers will ever see, framed by sheer limestone cliffs and the lazy coconut palms that line the beaches.
Phang Nga Bay
The holiday spot of Phang Nga Bay is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. The bay contains a fascinating collection of 3,500 …
Phang Nga Bay
The holiday spot of Phang Nga Bay is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. The bay contains a fascinating collection of 3,500 mostly uninhabited islands that are unique in that they have central hollows or 'rooms' (actually collapsed cave systems) containing hidden realms of unspoilt fauna and flora. Many of these can only be reached by inflatable kayak, which makes exploring the bay on the water an exciting way to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The largest and most popular Phang Nga Bay islands are James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi, the first named for having been where the movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun' was filmed. Koh Pannyi or Sea Gypsy Island is where a village has been built on stilts in the water, with a giant monolithic rock guarding its rear. Regular boat trips carry holiday tourists from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay, and it can be overcrowded during high season.
Thalang National Museum
The best place to learn more about Phuket's past and present is the Thalang National Museum, which chronicles the island's daily life as well as its long history. There are exhibit…
Thalang National Museum
The best place to learn more about Phuket's past and present is the Thalang National Museum, which chronicles the island's daily life as well as its long history. There are exhibits on tin mining, military history, the Sea Gypsy culture and artefacts of the ancient Sukothai kingdom, dating back to the 9th century. One of the most interesting exhibits is the Monument of the Two Heroines, sisters Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthorn, who helped to repel the Burmese invasion in the 18th century.
Wat Chalong Buddhist Temple
Wat Chalong is the most famous of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. The site is dedicated to two monks who used their knowledge of herb…
Wat Chalong Buddhist Temple
Wat Chalong is the most famous of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. The site is dedicated to two monks who used their knowledge of herbal medicine to assist in the tin miners' rebellion of 1876. The many buildings of the temple complex contain gilt statues, paintings, and relics, including a splinter of bone said to belong to the Buddha. A unique aspect of Wat Chalong is the regular sound of firecrackers, which are set off to show gratitude for answered prayers. Visitors to Buddhist temples should take care not to wear revealing clothing (with knees and shoulders covered), and be prepared to leave their shoes at the door.
Website www.wat-chalong-phuket.com
Similan Islands National Park
Even among Thailand's many islands, the Similan Islands have a reputation as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. The intense blue waters are framed by white cora…
Similan Islands National Park
Even among Thailand's many islands, the Similan Islands have a reputation as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. The intense blue waters are framed by white coral sand beaches, and are home to intricate coral reefs and rock formations. The most famous dive site in the Similan Islands is Richelieu Rock, where whale sharks are commonly spotted. The Similan archipelago consists of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. Not all are open to visitors, and all are virtually uninhabited. Many charters offer day trips to the Similan Islands from Phuket and Phang Nga, but there are limited accommodation opportunities as well. Travellers should note that the park is closed from mid-May to mid-October every year due to unsafe weather conditions, and that it's illegal to visit during this period; guests who do so put their lives at risk, as there's no emergency support.
Website www.thainationalparks.com/mu-ko-similan-national-park
Koh Yao Islands
The Koh Yao Islands are located in Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and the Krabi mainland. The islands are known as quiet retreats from the bustle of Phuket, and are popular …
Koh Yao Islands
The Koh Yao Islands are located in Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and the Krabi mainland. The islands are known as quiet retreats from the bustle of Phuket, and are popular excursions for tourists in the Thai islands. In 2002, Koh Yao Noi received the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler Magazine for the innovative home stay programmes offered by locals. Maintaining their traditional way of life is important to the residents, as is preserving their environment. The top activities on the islands include hiking, kayaking, swimming and snorkelling. Though the islands are both small and have few facilities, Koh Yao Noi has recently added amenities such as restaurants, shops, and internet service. The islands are a quiet and secluded refuge from the hordes of tourists in nearby resorts; visitors are advised to bring cash with them, though there are a few ATMs.