Must-visit in Phuket: top 10
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of places on the island that you must see with your own eyes. An insider has selected the top 5 locations that are a must for any trip to Phuket.
The Big Buddha is an impressive 45-meter-tall colossus made of white marble. It’s not just a standalone statue, but an entire temple complex. The view from this high point of the island is truly breathtaking, and you can also encounter wild monkeys, make a wish, and immerse yourself in the philosophy of the Thai people.
One of the most revered and majestic temples in Phuket, Wat Chalong was founded in the early 19th century and built in honor of two respected healing monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. The temple complex features a beautiful garden as well as several significant structures:
- Phra Mahathat Chedi (Stupa): This building was constructed specifically to house a fragment of Buddha’s bone.
- Ubosot: The main building of the complex where all major ceremonies and rituals take place.
- Viharn: This building is open to visitors (don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering). Inside, you’ll see three monk statues covered in gold leaf. The place is interesting because you can try to predict your future here. By the monks’ altar, there are special cups with sticks. Shake the cup and pull out one of the numbered sticks. The number corresponds to a card stored in a special box, which contains your near future (although all the predictions are in Thai).
- Ceramic Oven: Located opposite the Viharn, firecrackers are occasionally set off inside with a deafening sound. According to belief, this means that prayers have been heard.
- Monk’s House: According to legend, one of the temple’s founders lived in this building.
Behind the temple, there is a lake where offerings can be made by releasing frogs, fish, and snakes, which can be purchased at the entrance to the temple complex. Entrance is free, but please adhere to the dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered.
A viewpoint offering a bird’s-eye view of the island. It’s one of the highest points in the south of the island, with views of Nai Harn and Yanui beaches. The road to this viewpoint is quite winding, so be careful. The infrastructure here is not well-developed, but the views make it all worthwhile.
The old town of the island, where you can see a different side of Phuket: with old houses in a Sino-European style and authentic markets. The most photogenic street in Old Phuket Town is Soi Romanee, with its colorful colonial-style buildings and a Buddhist temple.
A unique place in Phuket Town where you can see monkeys in their natural habitat. Hundreds of monkeys of different ages live here, and you can even spot baby monkeys. Watching these adorable animals is fascinating, but they can sometimes behave aggressively and may bite. So, before visiting Monkey Hill, keep a few rules in mind:
- Do not bring food or drinks with you.
- Keep all accessories, keys, and electronics inside your bags.
- Avoid carrying crinkly items (like tissues or plastic bags).
- Do not make eye contact with the monkeys or smile at them—they might interpret it as a threat.
- Do not touch the monkeys, just observe them.
If a monkey bites you, seek medical attention immediately, as these animals can carry serious diseases.
A true gem of the Andaman Sea. This archipelago of six islands is incredibly beautiful. Here, you’ll find hidden caves and wild beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, solitude, and peace. To get here from Phuket, you’ll need to take a speedboat. Be cautious — some people experience severe motion sickness on the boat.
One of the most Instagrammable locations in Thailand. The place gained fame in 1974 in a Bond film, and since then, Ko Tapu island has been known as “James Bond Island.” A rock covered in mangrove thickets rises straight from the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. The tour usually also includes visits to neighboring islands, with a trip from Phuket taking about an hour.
Of course, beaches are another must-visit on this paradise island. There are many of them in Phuket, and here are the best ones:
- Banana Beach. A quiet harbor on the northwest coast near the better known Knighton Beach. There is a varied underwater world for diving and snorkeling. There are several small cafes on the beach where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
- Kata Noi. This beach is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Phuket. It is quiet, cozy and very picturesque. On both sides of the beach are huge rocks, which make it especially photogenic. There are hardly any annoying vendors, noise and hustle and bustle. In the southern part of the beach you can go snorkeling, and in the northern part of the beach you can have a sunset photo shoot.
- Nai Harn. Nai Harn Beach is located in the south of the island. Due to its location in a bay, it is protected from wind and strong waves. Nai Harn is known for its clear transparent water, soft white sand, and picturesque views. There is also a Buddhist temple on the premises.
Elephant Sanctuary
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is a rehabilitation park for elephants rescued from harsh conditions (circuses and attractions). Here the animals are not tethered, but quietly walk around the territory, there are no elephant rides, and the entertainment for visitors is feeding and mud baths, which give unforgettable emotions to both tourists and animals. The staff here is very kind to the elephants, you can see that they are really well taken care of. The program of the visit is not long: you will have time to give water to baby elephants, and feed adults, and thoroughly bathe them. You will also be taken photos and fed a delicious lunch. A stunning place that is especially recommended for families with children. Elephants are love at first sight!
A place for those who want to see the island’s nightlife with all its peculiarities. Bangla Road is the Thai Red Light Street. Here, ladyboys roam the sidewalk, entertainment venues open their doors to suit all tastes, vendors offer a spicy show, and loud music blares from every bar. It’s a noisy and controversial place, but many people associate it with free Thai culture. To form your own opinion of Bangla Road, you need to be there at least once.