Phuket, Thailand Hotels and City Guide

Phuket - Attractions

Phuket Attractions

Thailand’s tropical island paradise, Phuket draws large crowds into South East Asia with its alluring combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, mouth-watering cuisine and ruins of mysterious ancient kingdoms.

Phuket is home to more than 20 scenic white-sand beaches, clear sea waters, jungles with whispering waterfalls cascading into rock pools, coral reefs rich in marine life as well as dozens of inviting islands waiting to be explored. All these have made Phuket a popular water sports destination where adventurers can indulge in scuba diving, yachting, waterskiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and parasailing.

The island’s excellent weather patterns and mesmerising landscape are the main reasons why many movie directors have used its magical shores to shoot their blockbuster films. Phang Nga Bay, situated to the north-east of Phuket, was the preferred filming location for two James Bond stories.

Apart from its stunning beaches, Phuket boasts paddy fields, rubber plantations and orchid farms carpeting the countryside. The city streets are dotted with quaint shops, colourful department stores, a few flea markets and even Sino-Portuguese shop-houses, remnants of the island’s heritage. Phuket bubbles with exciting activity, ranging from horse-riding, jungle-walking, dancing, elephant-trekking to playing golf. Several deluxe Phuket hotels offer ‘in-house’ entertainment options, including the above as well as their own gymnasiums and saunas. Enjoying Phuket is not only for the rich and famous, but for everyone. Phuket invites the world to experience the delight of a holiday in the paradise of South East Asia.

Khao Rang

Phuket’s most famous hill offers an unforgettable view of the picturesque countryside.

Phuket Aquarium

The Phuket Aquarium is home to over 100 species of sea creatures.

Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium

Yet another popular Phuket attraction, this colourful farm boasts a variety of butterflies, insects and marine life.

Thai Village and Orchid Farm

The Thai Village and Orchid Farm is renowned for its Thai dance rituals, orchids, handicrafts, culture, and elephants.

Phuket Sea Shell Museum

On display at this unique museum is an invaluable collection of seashells harvested from Phuket and the Thai waters. The exhibits include the world’s largest golden pearl (140 karats), a large section of sedimentary rock containing billion-year old shell fossils, and a shell weighing 250 kilograms (551 pounds).

Phra Nang Sang Temple

This historic temple houses three revered Buddha statues wrought in tin. They are the largest in the world and records indicate they date back to a time when tin was regarded as a semi-precious metal. The bellies of the three big statues each contain a smaller statue, from which derived their name, ‘The Three Kings.’

Phra Tong Temple

This temple enshrines a golden Buddha image, believed to have sprung up from beneath the earth, centuries ago.

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre

A centre for environmental studies, Khao Phra Thaeo encompasses a large virgin forest area and actively conserves the country’s rare flora and fauna. The rare Governor’s Palm or White Back Palm, only found in Khao Phra Thaeo, is of special significance for the nature-lover.
Sirinat National Park

The park encompasses 22 square kilometres (8 square miles) of coastal land, plus 68 square kilometres (26 square miles) of sea.

Mangrove Forest

This horticulture haven boasts unique perennial plants, mangrove-dwelling animals with unique evolutionary characteristics and a nature trail with signs indicating and explaining the various species.

Sea Gypsies

Related to Malaysian Orang Laut and the southern Thai Sakai tribes, Phuket and Pha Nga’s Sea Gypsies form a few small settlements on Phuket Island. The villages are made up of water-based floating shacks and Long Tail boats. Visits to some of the larger settlements in Pha Nga Bay are offered on many island day trips.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is among the most important Buddhist temples in Phuket.

Patong Beach

Patong Beach is among the most popular Phuket attractions, with its combination of powdery sand, the Pacific Ocean, clear skies, and a variety of shopping and entertainment venues. Many outdoor and sporting activities are also available, including scuba-diving, snorkelling, parasailing, and many more.

Hotels in Phuket, Thailand