One of Thailand’s most popular places and some of the best things to do can be found in the province of Phuket. This area is located on the southern tip of Thailand, and is on the Gulf of Thailand. It is technically an island, and the largest island that Thailand has to offer.
In Phuket, you can find wonderful beaches, many bars and restaurants, a few tourist attractions, delicious food, and of course the typical Thai markets. If you are looking for a popular yet sunny getaway in Thailand, be sure to hit up the wonderful places Phuket has to offer.
The Beach
The region of Phuket has several beaches to visit to get your swimming and sunshine fix. Some of the most popular beaches in the region are Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach. Many of the accommodations in Phuket will be close to the beach areas. Even the accommodations up the hill or around the block make accessing the beach just a quick walk or short bus/scooter ride away. Each beach has locals who will offer to rent you a beach chair or umbrella. You can rent surfboards, Seados or parasails.
Bangla Road
If going out at night is your thing, then hitting up Bangla Road at night is going to be right up your alley. It is a walking road that opens to the masses at night. You can stop in the local bars and clubs for a drink, a bite to eat, or just to have a good night out on the town. Be prepared for the Thais to stop you over and over again. They will convince you to stop in for a beer or two over the chaos of the loud music.
Central Malls
Located in the centre of Phuket, Central Festival and Central Floresta are the most luxurious malls. If shopping for actual brand names (not knockoffs from the markets) is your thing, then Central Phuket Malls are for you. The malls boast floor upon floor for apparel, makeup, home goods, groceries, food, and fun. There are two separate wings to the mall, and both of them have plenty of great options for shoppers. The mall even has an aquarium and an indoor kids playground.
Monkey Hill
Feel like going on a one-of-a-kind adventure? Monkey Hill may be just what you are looking for then. Making your way up one of Phuket’s highest hills is only half the battle. Along the way, you are bound to come across some monkeys. Be aware, these monkeys are known for being aggressive and will snatch any goodies that you bring with you. Explore at your own pace, but remember to use your judgment. The best bet is to snap a couple of photos as you continue making your way up the hill. Stopping to engage with the monkeys will only make for a chaotic endeavour.
Old Town
Phuket Old Town is a small area that is in the centre of the province. A quaint area with a nostalgic feel to it. There are shops, restaurants, cafes and more all adorned in beautifully coloured buildings. It is a small area worth visiting for a European vibe worth photographing. You can find several murals and nicely decorated walls that are social-media post-worthy. If posing for photos is not your thing, there are several cool cafes worth stopping at instead.
Big Buddha
Seated at the top of a hill in southern Phuket, the Big Buddha is an attraction worth making the trek to if you’re looking for a day trip. It is quite a journey to get there and you will need to catch a ride to the base of the Buddha. Going there is worth the adventure though because nothing will beat the view from the top.
Night Market
Just about every city in Thailand has some sort of night market, and Phuket area is no different. The streets come to life when the market stalls are open in the evenings. At the night markets, you can find all types of foods to try, drinks to consume, and knickknacks to be purchased. The night market sells clothes, bags, toys, toiletries, and more. There is something for everyone at the night market.
Muy Thai
One thing you will most likely become well aware of while staying in Phuket is the live Muy Thai shows. There are boxers and announcers driving through the streets of Phuket. They advertise upcoming games via a speaker to all passersby. The matches are held at Phuket Boxing Stadium right in the district of Patong Beach. As Thailand’s national sport, you can find a game happening on the regular. Grab yourself a ticket and check it out for a unique experience.
Getting around Phuket is easy enough if you are comfortable taking Grab, a scooter or a taxi. We took the blue bus that runs regularly between Old Town Phuket and Kata Beach. Taking the bus is as simple as standing at the bus stop and flagging down the driver. Taking the bus is an affordable option while visiting Phuket. But you can opt to take a car or scooter to other destinations such as Big Buddha and Monkey Hill.
Quick access to the beaches, night markets in close proximity, and plenty of cheap street food or restaurant options make Phuket the perfect getaway place. If you are thinking of staying with your family in Thailand for a longer period of time, you may want to consider staying in Bangkok. You can read about Bangkok being great for families to compare it to Phuket.