What To Do in Phuket When You’re Not Diving
Scuba Diving is the number 1 attraction in Phuket and thanks to the warm, clear waters, and variety of marine life, it’s a must-do activity that should not be missed.
For other activities you are spoiled for choice. Don’t miss pampering yourself with a traditional Thai massage at one of the many spas on the island. Visit one of the islands many vibrant markets – Phuket Towns weekend night market is excellent and a great place to get all your souvenirs to take home. You can’t visit Phuket without taking in one of the many beautiful beaches – our personal favourites are Nai Harn and Yanui in the south, and Layan on the northwest coast. And don’t forget to sample the local cuisine at one of the numerous restaurants throughout Phuket – the highlight of any trip.
Here are our top 5 ‘Must-Do’ Phuket attractions:
1. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Located near Pak Lok in the northeast of Phuket. The first and currently only true elephant sanctuary in Phuket and a not-for-profit charity. The elephants have all been rescued from a very tough life working in the tourist industry, where they had to endure carrying heavy chair-loads of tourists on their backs all day long. The rest of their time was spent chained up. But here in the sanctuary they are able to be elephants again and can roam free without chains, feed on the lush vegetation and communicate and behave naturally. You can visit for a half-day tour in a small intimate group and feed, walk with, and observe the elephants as they socialise together, bathe in the huge fresh water lagoons, and enjoy a lovely mud-bath. Watch their great work in the video HERE
2. The Big Buddha of Phuket
Located in Chalong in the Southeast. The Big Buddha of Phuket sits on top of one of the highest hills on the island and can be seen from most places in the south. The statue is an impressive 45 metres high and is clad in Burmese white marble. It is already one of the must-see Phuket tourist attractions. The views from up there are stunning and on a clear day you can see Krabi and Phi Phi Islands, and beyond. We visited for sunrise and arrived around 0615 and sat watching the sun come up over Chalong Bay, breath-taking and we were the only ones there with exception of the Monks.
3. Phang Nga Bay
Located north-east of Phuket. This is a 400 km2 bay between the island of Phuket and the mainland of southern Thailand. Since 1981, an extensive section of the bay has been protected as the Ao Phang Nga National Park. A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay are the sheer limestone karsts that jut vertically out of the emerald-green water. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds is to charter your own boat. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard crowded tours. Or how about exploring on a Stand Up Paddle board with the fantastic team at Paddle Phuket.
4. Wat Chalong
Located in Chalong. Wat Chalong Temple is the largest and most important temple on Phuket Island. The Grand Pagoda is the dominant feature of the temple and its walls are beautifully adorned with murals depicting the story of the Buddha’s life. There are also several good souvenir shops on the site.
5. Old Phuket Town
Old Phuket Town, is the historical ‘old’ town forming part of Phuket City. The main street of Old Phuket Town is Thalang Road and this area is noted for its Sino-Portuguese buildings on both sides of the street. Many old buildings house shops, hotels, restaurants and museums. Phuket has a rich history as a tin-mining country peopled by Siamese, Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and sea gypsies. A unique community in Phuket are the “Baba”, with their own way of life, language, dress, and food. The core of this community was formed by early unions between Hokkien tin-miners and Siamese women. This distinctive Baba heritage can be seen in Old Phuket Town. If you’re a runner there is the yearly Phuket night run usually held in February each year with the running route through the gorgeous (usually deserted at the time of the race) old town.
Phuket is an incredible Island with soooooooo much to do and see, the list could be a 100 things to do in Phuket 🙂 If you’re an explorer or a beach lover keep posted for our next blog on the best beaches to visit (in our opinion)
