A guide to things to do in Phuket
As the biggest of Thailand‘s islands, holidays to Phuket boast all kinds of different sights and activities to keep you entertained. It goes without saying that there are ample beaches to relax on, but both inland and out at sea you won’t struggle to find fun and excitement during your stay.
Experience Thai history and culture with a temple tour
The two main types of temples you’ll find across Thailand are Buddhist Wats and Chinese Taoist shrines. There are around 30 of each on the island of Phuket, with Wats often considered to be the most important part of Thai heritage due to the predominance of Buddhism in the country.
There are a range of affordable tour options available, where knowledgeable guides will collect you from your hotel to embark on a day of exploration. Alternatively, many tuk tuk drivers will be glad to ferry you between your choice of temples, and we’d recommend making sure to visit Wat Chalong and Wat Tham during your stay. Wat Tham, literally meaning temple cave, sits inside a beautiful limestone cave and houses a 15-metre Buddha statue, as well as rather a lot of monkeys.
Meanwhile, Wat Chalong is a large and colourful temple, decorated with bright paintings telling the story of Buddha. A visit to the 45-metre high Big Buddha or 29-metre reclining Buddha at Wat Srisoonthorn is also a fine addition to any Phuket to-do list.
Dazzle yourself at the Phuket TrickEye Museum
A great day out whether you’re travelling with kids or are just young at heart, the TrickEye Museum is a 3D interactive experience sure to elicit more than a few laughs, oohs and ahhs. Unlike most museums and galleries, here you can not only touch the artwork but in many cases sit on it, play with it and get among it too.
Take your camera if you’re planning a visit, as there will be ample opportunity to bring the artwork to life through a little creativity of your own.
Go adrenaline-hunting with a range of activity choices
On the water or beneath it, there are a host of activities for all abilities around Phuket – that is if laying in the sunshine all day isn’t quite enough. Choose from banana boat rides and jet-ski trips, or marvel at tropical sea life with a snorkelling or diving expedition.
On many beaches you’ll also find parasailing, windsurfing and surfing areas. Whether you’re hiring equipment or booking a lesson, there’ll always be someone who can point out the best spots to choose for sweeping waves or gentle swells.
Spend a night out on the Bangla Road
With tourism on the rise across southeast Asia and a growing number of Thailand holiday packages to choose from, it’s no surprise that Phuket has its own popular tourist bar strip. The Bangla Road is to Phuket what Khao San is to Bangkok and what Haad Rin Beach is to Koh Phangan. That means Bangla Road is a melting pot filled with people from around the world, gathering together to have a good time.
This noisy street is home to dozens of bars that play music late into the night, competing with each other to offer the cheapest drinks deals alongside tasty Thai cuisine. A far cry from the peace and serenity of some of Phuket’s beaches, Bangla Road is all party all the time. If you’re planning a holiday to Phuket with a little drinking and dancing in mind, this is the place to come.