10 Things you should not miss while in Phuket

Last week l posted a blog about our 4 Days itinerary to Phuket, where I shared our experience and how we spent our time in Phuket. 4 days in Phuket

However after being there, with what I saw and gathered from the locals, I realized there are many things and places which should be in your MUST Do /See list. Here is my pick; the list of 10-must visit/ must do activities which you should not miss while you visit Phuket. Well the list is not comprehensive and there is much more to explore if you plan to stay there for longer time. We travelled with our 2-year-old toddler, so all these activities and places, you can plan even while travelling with babies too.

1) Phang Nga Bay including James bond Island

A day tour to Phang Nga Bay is a must. This place is unique in more than one ways, especially the limestone structures, surrounded by a variety of flora, jutting from the emerald green water is a remarkable sight. There are many tour operators offering a day tour to Phang Nga Bay, which usually takes you around 4-5 Islands including the famous James Bond Island and Koh panyee. It also includes Canoeing in the Hong Island. Some offer snorkeling options also. Although I did not find James bond Island as interesting as it’s hyped up but there are many other Islands which are worth visiting.

Usually the day tour has 2 options either through speedboat or the cruise. Being with baby we definitely preferred the cruise as its more comfortable. However whatever mode you choose whether speedboat, cruise or kayak, this is something you should not miss out!

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On our way to Phang Nga Bay, Phuket
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Panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay

2) Canoeing in the Hong Island

This is mostly included as the part of the tour to Phang Nga Bay. You should choose the tour that has this option included as I found this experience quite unique and fun. You get down from the cruise or boat to a kayak with Peddler, who will take you on a tour to the beautiful lagoons surrounded by Limestone structures.

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Memorable experience at Hong Island, Phang Nga Bay
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Canoeing in the Lagoons – Phang Nga Bay
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Beautiful Limestone structures jetting out of the sea

 

3) Karon view Point

This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Andaman sea, 3 beaches and the lush green surroundings. This is also known as Kata viewpoint. The first and the smallest beach is Kata noi , second is Kata beach with its small Island called Koh Poo or crab island and the third is Karon beach. You can surely spend some time to admire the beauty of the view and offcourse to click some nice pics.

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Endless Ocean view from Karon point, Phuket

 

4) Big Buddha Phuket

One of the landmark locations in Phuket, the Big Buddha is larger than life Buddha Idol on the top of Nakkerd Hill. This point offers a 360-degree view of the Island, which is simply breathtaking! I can spend hours together admiring the beauty and vastness of the surroundings. Keep in mind to cover your self or carry a stole/ sarong with you as the dress code is mentioned at the entry, which advises tourists not to wear clothes that reveal one’s shoulders, chest, belly or legs.

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Magnificent Big Buddha at Phuket

5) Wat Chalong temple

Wat Chalong is a huge complex that houses 3 -4 Buddhist temples; the grandeur and beauty of these temples are just amazing. The bright colours combined with gold are really eye catching. The grand pagoda is decorated with wall paintings depicting the story of Buddha. You can plan for a day tour and book a taxi that can take you to local beaches like Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Karon viewpoint, Big Buddha and Wat Chalong. Usually the taxi charges 1200 THB from Patong.

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Vibrant colours at Wat Chalong temple, Phuket
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Wat Chalong temple, Phuket
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Another beautiful temple at Wat Chalong complex

6) Soi Bangla, Patong

This is the party hub of Phuket. As the evening progresses, Bangla road becomes alive. The 400 mts stretch of the road houses many bars, pubs and Discos. Most of these pubs are the open types and you can hear and see live performances. We took stroll to Bangla Road couple of times since our hotel was quite close. Well by evening the music played at all these places get mixed together and it’s really noisy. But it’s absolutely worth a visit. If you like to party, this is the right place for you.

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Phuket’s party Hub, Soi Bangla Street 

7) Phuket night market

If you did like to shop or try local delicacies, than you must visit Phuket night market. These night markets are open only on weekends so if you are planning your trip during the weekend you should definitely plan to visit one of these markets. We visited the night market in Phuket old town, which was huge, lively, and full of local delicacies and artifacts.

 

8) Thai massage

Highly recommended! When in Thailand you should not miss on Thai massage. There are many of these massage parlours at every nook and corner. So whenever you get tired take a break have a nice Thai foot massage and get going.

9) Try Local fruits

Well if you visit Phuket during May – June, you must try Mangoes. Phuket markets and streets offer an endless selection of local fruits like Mangoes, Seedless Guavas, Mangosteen, Pineapple, Rambutan, Watermelons, Dragon fruit etc. If you like fruits you should visit local market and try as many possible. However if you are not that fond of fruits you can also try delicious Smoothies and ice creams that many shops offer. I loved Mangoes, Guava and pineapple.

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Delicious cut fruits at Patong Beach
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Tempting fruit stall at Night market , Phuket

10) Explore local Beaches

Many beaches surround Phuket. If you have time,you should try and explore atleast some of them. We visited few beautiful beaches like Patong beach, Karon beach. Kata beach and Kata noi. However there are many even more beautiful and secluded beaches on Phuket.

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Kata Beach, Phuket

 

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Beautiful view of Sunset from Patong beach

So this was my list of 10 must do/ must see which you should not miss out. However there are some more very popular places and activities which we dint get the opportunity to experience due to shortage of time, Like visit to Phi Phi Island, Fantasea Show, thai Kick boxing etc but I am keeping them reserved for the next time for sure!

What are your favorite or recommended activities? Do share your views!

Happy Travelling!

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24 thoughts on “10 Things you should not miss while in Phuket

  1. I’ve been to Phuket a few times but honestly think there’s so much left unseen – gotta do the offshore stuff like Phang Nha and Hong Island in future!

  2. 🙂 nice read! Never been to Phuket, but is on my list, of course! I was in Phang Nga bay when in Krabi, but wish for more. The temples near Phuket looks great, will check them but the canoeing ❤ love. I will do it for sure when in Phuket. Now I will be in Chiang Mai at the beginning od March, dunno when in Phuket, hope soon, great list!

  3. Such a beautiful area! We were in Thailand, but didn’t make it to Phuket – but this looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!

  4. That sunset looks amazing! I would love to visit Phuket someday and have saved this for my trip, the views are incredible.

  5. When I go back to Phuket, Phi Phi islands are top of the list. I have done Thai massage before, but it’s a little too rough for me.

  6. This really made me want go back to Thailand – great list! Totally agree about the Thai massage, a foot massage is so nice after a long day exploring.

  7. Good read! Thailand has been on my bucket list for ever. I hope to go soon so I am definitely parking this post for when I go. The photos are amazing, specially the delicious cut mangoes 🙂

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