The island of Phuket is a destination that can arguably claim that it has something for everyone. As Thailand’s largest island you can enjoy sun-drenched days on the beaches, sunbaking and swimming, or head inland and enjoy mountainous rainforests, cultural sites and various attractions. Coupled with this natural beauty is a wealth of luxury resorts and hotels to call home, and a dizzying array of nightlife, you certainly won’t be wondering what to do in when planning your Phuket Holidays.
The Land of Smiles is a holiday playground for families, provides w wonderland of adventure for backpackers, a romantic and luxurious getaway from couples escaping the southern hemisphere winter chill.
Patong is the island’s largest town, angled towards the Andaman Sea. Whilst it is renowned for being a tourist beach by day, and party capital by night, there are almost four kilometres of beachfront, including many cafes and restaurants to suit your budget or cuisine. Despite its party reputation, Bangla Road and downtown Patong have family friendly options for eating out and activities – everything from Muay Thai, cabaret shows, world famous beach clubs, buskers and street performers – and many tuk tuks making an enjoyable return to your hotel no matter the time of day or night!
If a more relaxed experience is on your holiday itinerary Karon Beach, Kamala Beach and Hat Kata offer surfing, swimming and fishing options. The aptly named Paradise Beach is also beckoning which is a lot less crowded than other beaches in the area.
Day trips are also available to take you to Phi Phi Island, which you will recognise from the Hollywood film the Beach, or Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) is another famous location within a short boat ride from the shores of Patong.
There is more to do at night in Phuket than just visiting the bars and clubs. Phuket FantasSea is a family-friendly theme park that celebrates Thailand’s incredible culture under the cover of darkness; brightly-lit architecture provides a beautiful backdrop to animal exhibits, buffets, a shopping street and roaming elephants.
Shopping in Phuket offers an eclectic mix of street markets and modern shopping centres, spoiling you for choice across souvenirs, food and beverage and also modern technology and clothing.
Central is home to an upscale food hall and shopping precinct including the sprawling Jungceylon shopping centre – complete with a movie theatre, ten pin bowling and hundreds of retailers to choose from, you could easily spend hours wandering the grounds.
If markets are more your style, so you can negotiate on price and quantity, the Phuket Sunday night Market, OTOP Market and Phuket Indy market offer you a mix of souvenirs, traditional Thai silk, fresh produce and meals cooked in front of you.
With tourists spending the majority of their time enjoying the natural attractions of Phuket, there is so much to see and do inland. Phuket Town is full of heritage buildings and daytime attractions that will keep families busy exploring. You can hire a driver and visit cultural sites like Big Buddha – set on the mountain top some 45 meters high, it is a sight to behold – and Wat Chalong, set amidst picturesque surrounds and are stunning tributes to Buddhism.
Alternatively, venture into the jungle with attractions like the Flying Hanuman zipline and Bang Pae Waterfall, a swimming opportunity which has a nearby gibbon sanctuary. Man-made exhibits can be found at locations such as Phuket Aquarium, Splash Jungle Water Park and Tiger Kingdom Phuket, all of which are great ways to spend a day and tire out the kids. Take a day trip to visit Phang Nga Bay in Thailand which is famous the world over for its natural beauty.
Think that what we’ve mentioned here is all there is to Phuket? Think again – this verdant island is packed with activities, and the island paradise is beckoning for you to visit and explore on your next holiday. Don’t just take our word for it book today with Wyndham for the best Phuket holiday packages.