What Can You Do in Phuket?
Located in the Southern Region of Thailand, Phuket is a tropical paradise that has lush, tropical forests, stunning beaches, and mountainous terrain. Phuket has long been a popular destination for tourists and is renowned for its culture and cuisine. With great views, crystal-clear waters, some of the world’s most scenic temples, and so much more, what can you do in Phuket?
Visit One of the Gorgeous Temples
One of the most popular activities in Phuket is to visit one of its stunningly beautiful temples. Phuket is well known for its many Buddhist temples, each one offering visitors a different experience. Wat Chalong is arguably the most popular temple in Phuket and is the site of several festivals throughout the year. Wat Karon is another popular temple with spectacular views and a great atmosphere. If you want to experience something a bit different, Wat Phra Thong is a temple that is said to contain a shed of gold tucked away beneath it.
Experience Thai Culture and Cuisine
What would a visit to Phuket be without experiencing its local culture and cuisine? The streets of Phuket are lined with restaurants serving up some of the best traditional Thai food you will ever taste. In Phuket Town, you can sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make the famous dishes such as Pad Thai, red curry, and tom yum soup. For those less-adventurous, street food is plentiful and makes for a great meal (just be sure to take some antacid pills afterwards). If you want to know more about Thai culture, then be sure to check out one of the many museums or cultural performances available in the area.
Hit the Beach or Go Scuba Diving
Of course, no visit to Phuket would be complete without some time spent on or in the ocean. With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, you can spend days lounging in the sun or getting your feet wet with some of the many water activities available. If you have an adventurous streak, explore below the surface with scuba diving gear and catch glimpses of some of the fascinating fish and sea creatures Phuket has to offer. Patong Beach is home to some of the top scuba diving spots in Thailand, and there are plenty of companies that will help you gear up dive safely.
Hike Through Nature Reserves
For those seeking some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Phuket, why not take a look around one of its many nature reserves? One particular nature reserve that stands out is the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Here you will find lush, green forests, freshwater streams, and even elephants if you’re lucky! Along your hike, you’re likely to spot some rare wildlife species endemic to this region along with some stunningly beautiful views. Whether you’re just looking for a relaxing stroll or an entire day of exploring nature, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park has something for everyone.
Shop Till You Drop
Besides excellent cuisine, breathtaking temples and fantastic beaches, Phuket also boasts some world-class shopping avenues. Whether you love shopping or kind of despise it, there are plenty of shops that offer unique products that you won’t find anywhere else in Thailand. You can find anything from locally made crafts to international designer clothes and everything in between. The Jungceylon Mall is a great place to start as it offers both indoor and outdoor shopping experiences with a range of products to suit all budgets. For a more traditional market experience though, consider visiting one of Phuket’s many night markets where an array of street food stalls and vendors line pedestrian streets.
Other Activities in Phuket
If that wasn’t enough to keep you busy in Phuket, then why not consider taking part in some other activities? Adventure lovers can check out ATV tours or white water rafting while sport enthusiasts can try their hand at Muay Thai boxing or golfing. For animal lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to meet some furry friends at pet-friendly cafes or at one of the many elephant sanctuaries. Families can take a ride on a cable car for incredible views or take a visit to one of the theme parks in town such as Phuket FantaSea and Splash Jungle Water Park.
As you can see there is an abundance of activities to enjoy on your visit to Phuket. Whether you want to relax on a beach all day or jam-pack your itinerary full of activities, you are bound to have the most amazing holiday in Thailand’s tropical paradise!
For more information about what to do in Phuket, have a look at Travelfish’s Guide to Phuket, which provides comprehensive information about attractions, restaurants, and hotels on Thailand’s beautiful island paradise.
