Phuket

Often referred to as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. It’s a popular spot for visitors to Southeast Asia – and for good reason too. With an impressive coastline featuring long stretches of sandy beach strung together by dramatic rock formations, it’s been attracting people to its shores for decades. While this means that some parts of this large island can be busy, there is still a traditional and authentic side of Phuket to discover–plus it means there is always something to see and do.

The case for spending a long weekend in Phuket (the most infamous party island in Thailand) is easy. There’s fresh seafood, great weather, friendly people, and tons of options for travellers on every budget. And let’s not forget the beaches — thanks to its dense, forested landscape, this “pearl of the Andaman” offers an abundance of well-hidden, romantic white sand beaches to choose from.

What to see in Phuket

Big Buddha

At 45 metres tall, the Big Buddha statue (pictured above) is one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks, and is a huge draw for visitors to the island. This huge monument sits on Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, and offers some incredible panoramic views of Phuket Town, as well as the beaches and bays of the coast. The road leading up to the statue winds through the ‘real’ Thailand and is well worth taking the trip, if not only for the views when you reach the top.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the largest temple in Phuket. This colourful building is elaborately decorated with numerous images of the Buddha, along with imagery from Thai and Buddhist mythology. Wat Chalong houses many Buddhist statues, with the most revered being Poh Than Jao Wat, located in the westerly old hall of the temple.

Khao Sok National Park

For an outdoor adventure, head inland to Phuket’s Khao Sok National Park, where you can get the full jungle experience–complete with elephants, lazy rivers, and tree-house lodgings. This area is said to be one of the oldest rain forests in the world, and it’s certainly one of the most scenic, with its magnificent cascading waterfalls and dramatic limestone formations.

What to Eat In Phuket

Visitors to Phuket are also spoiled for choice when it comes to food. From tiny hawker stalls and local noodle shops, to seafood restaurants and fine dining establishments, Phuket caters to every taste and budget.

Shopping in Phuket

Shopping in Phuket plays a good part of a great holiday. It’s often more about entertainment and fun than real necessity and most of the time you don’t even buy anything. Phuket has a lot to offer to everyone and shopping in Phuket is often associated with food. You will mostly notice this in any night markets and shopping malls. It’s also a great way to escape the rain or even the heat as malls and bazaars often come with air conditioning.

Budget shoppers can easily pick the wares of their choice from the Phuket Weekend Market, Supercheap, Chillva Market, Talad Kaset Night Market. On the other hand, if you have enough hard and digital money to splurge on fancy things, Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Ban Boran Textiles & Antiques, Chandra Boutique, Phuket HomePro Village and Turtle Village feature shops and stores stocked with carefully curated and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

Getting to and from Phuket

Phuket has the huge advantage of having its own international airport. Direct flights are possible from many major airline hubs, while Air Asia offers low cost regular flights to Phuket from destinations such as Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, China, Indonesia, Japan, and India.

Phuket Town has a main bus terminal that sees buses arriving and departing from just about everywhere in Thailand throughout the day and night. Phuket can also be easily reached by boat from Krabi on the mainland, plus the surrounding islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.