How to Plan Your Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour

Phuket is a beautiful island in Thailand with many attractions and a rich history. It’s a great place for tourists to visit and explore. If you want to visit the island and make the most of your time here, you should consider taking the Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour. This full-day group tour by van will take you to see some of the most beautiful and fascinating sites in Phuket.

Experience

The experience of this tour is full of exciting highlights. You will have free time in Phuket Old Town to find unique cafes, restaurants, and shops. You will also uncover the secrets of Thai cashew production at a local cashew nut factory. Additionally, you will learn about Buddhism in Thailand at Chalong Temple and see the Great Buddha statue. Lastly, you’ll uncover excellent spots to get Instagram-worthy pictures in Phuket Old Town and marvel at the island’s beauty at three viewpoints that overlook the ocean.

Tour Description

The tour starts with a hotel pickup, then you will be driven by a van to your first destination, Phuket Old Town. You’ll then have free time to explore the area, try out some food, have coffee, and buy unique souvenirs. Afterward, you’ll travel to a cashew nut factory where you will learn about Thai cashew production and have an opportunity to buy some of the best cashew nuts in the world.

The next stop of the tour is the famous Chalong Temple. Here, you will learn about the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture while admiring the beautiful architecture and decorations of the temple. You’ll then head to the Great Buddha statue, one of the most famous landmarks in Phuket. This incredible statue is made of Burmese white jade marble and stands at 45 meters tall. From this vantage point, you’ll see a panoramic view of the island.

The final leg of the tour takes you to three viewpoints that overlook the ocean. These viewpoints include the Karon Nak-Kerd Sea viewpoint, Rang Hill viewpoint, and the final viewpoint, where you can get a breathtaking view of the sunset. After that, the van will take you back to your hotel.

Includes

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, driver/guide, food, and drinks.

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments may have difficulty accessing certain areas of the tour.

Booking

To book the tour, head over to this link: book the tour here.

Conclusion

The Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of Phuket. The tour takes you to some of the most stunning sights on the island while also providing insight into the local culture. With a reasonable price and an experienced guide, you will surely enjoy and learn a lot from this tour. Don’t hesitate to book it, and we know you will have an amazing time!

Insider’s Guide to Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour

Phuket is an island located in the Andaman Sea and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. In this insider’s guide, we will take you through the city’s must-visit attractions, best dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

One of the most iconic attractions in Phuket is the Big Buddha, which is situated on a hilltop overlooking the city. The statue is 45 meters high and is visible from almost anywhere on the island. To reach the Big Buddha, you can take a van tour that will also take you to the beautiful Wat Chalong Temple. Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered temple in Phuket and is home to several impressive pagodas and shrines.

Another must-visit attraction in Phuket is the Old Town. This part of the city is the historical heart of Phuket and is home to the stunning Sino-Portuguese-style architecture. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and take in the local culture. The streets are narrow and full of charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss Thalang Road, the main street of Old Town, which is lined with beautifully restored shop houses.

For those looking to explore the natural beauty of Phuket, a visit to Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, or the Elephant Sanctuary is a must. Phi Phi Islands offer mesmerizing turquoise waters and stunning landscapes, while Phang Nga Bay is known for its distinctive limestone rock formations and caves. If you are an animal lover, visiting the Elephant Sanctuary will be a unique experience where you can ride, feed, and interact with these gentle giants.

Dining Spots

Phuket is famous for its delicious street food. The street stalls offer a wide range of local dishes, including Pad Thai, Som Tam, and Tom Yum. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Baan Rim Pa is a must-visit restaurant in Phuket. It has been the top-rated restaurant for over 20 years and offers breathtaking sea views and delicious Thai cuisine. Another excellent option is the Black Ginger restaurant, which is situated on an island inside the stunning The Slate resort. The restaurant is reached by a short boat ride across a lagoon and offers a unique dining experience.

Cultural Experiences

Phuket has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several ways to experience it. The Phuket Town Cultural Center offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history and cultural traditions. Here, you can see traditional Thai cultural shows, like dance performances, and try your hand at Batik painting or cooking Thai food. Another excellent way to experience the local culture is to attend a Thai boxing match. Muay Thai is a national sport in Thailand, and Phuket has several stadiums where you can see the matches and get a glimpse of local life.

Local History

Phuket has a rich history, and the best way to learn about it is by visiting the many temples and museums around the city. Thalang National Museum is a great place to start, with exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the city. If you are interested in learning more about the island’s tin mining past, a visit to the Kathu Mining Museum is a must. The museum displays tools, machinery, and equipment used in the mining industry.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for a unique experience that’s off the beaten path, we suggest a visit to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. This project works to rehabilitate gibbons that have been captured and exploited in the tourism industry. You can visit and see the gibbons in a more natural environment and even participate in feeding them.

Another off-the-beaten-path experience is a visit to the Bang Rong Pier. Here, you can take a long-tail boat to explore the mangrove forests and local villages. The boat ride takes you through narrow canals and offers stunning views of the local wildlife and traditional life.

In conclusion, Phuket is a city that has something for everyone. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, there’s no shortage of things to explore. We hope this insider’s guide has given you a glimpse of all the amazing experiences this city has to offer.