1. Patong Beach: Don't Worry, Be Happy Now
Phuket is one of the biggest party capitals in Asia, and tourists from all over the globe come together at Patong Beach. This seaside stretch of sand is the heart of shopping, chilling, and clubbing day and night, with resort amenities galore. Beach umbrellas shade your lazy days in a sea of color, while neon lights after sunset set the tone for endless nights of fun.
2. Phuket Old Town: Around Thalang Road
The Old Town brings a more local Thai experience, with contemporary shopfronts offset by heritage buildings that represent Thai history through the ages. Jui Tui Shrine is a quintessentially Chinese structure, while the Thai Hua Museum and Chyn Pracha House are filled with Victorian antiques of Portuguese influence. High above this constellation of lights and cultures, Rang Hill offers unforgettable views and inland relaxation.
3. Rawai: Southern Tip
This quaint seafront village is the perfect invitation to escape the tourist trail. Rent a scooter to fly through the lush rolling hills between Phuket and Rawai, with views over the Andaman Sea. Stop at Prompthep Cape at sunset for incomparable views in every direction, with islands resting on the waters on either side of the peninsula. Characteristic little boats bear visitors to any one of these islands from Rawai pier, an even more liberating experience.
4. The Big Buddha: Phra Putthamingmongkolekanagagiri
Not only is the Big Buddha sculpture of Phuket Island a sight to behold, it also perches on the hilltop with the most sweeping views of the region. It is a dwarfing yet serene experience to climb the steps up to the massive white marble figure, which can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. Finally reaching the 150-foot Buddha is unforgettable, and one of the greatest photo opportunities around to boot.
5. Phuket FantaSea: Indulge your Fantasies
This Cultural Theme Park is an extravagant and contemporary display of Thai Culture, complete with dinner shows, parades, and surprise events. This mythological experience is worlds away from the city of Phuket and invites visitors to immerse themselves in decor, music and performances based on the local folklore. Open only at nighttime to the flash of dazzling lights, it is an adventure park in every sense. From pyrotechnics to acrobatics to magic shows, the visit will be unforgettable.
6. Mu Ko Similan National Park: The True Tropics
The Mu Ko Similan National Park is part of the protected area that comprises the Similan Islands, located on the shores of the Andaman Sea. The archipelago is full of beautiful fishes and sparkling blue waters as far as the eye can see. The national park is a popular destination for snorkelers, boaters, and divers, who enjoy exploring the more remote waters, full of stunning coral reefs. Those who are venturing out on boats can visit any of the eleven islands that make up this archipelago, each one paradises unto themselves.
7. Ko Phi Phi: Escape to the Sea
Thailand's Phi Phi Islands are the ultimate destination for vacationers to Thailand, and there is nothing quite like taking a speedboat from Krabi Town out to these tiny plots of perfection. Craggy cliffs covered in lush jungle rise mystically from the horizon. The two largest islands boast world-class beaches, and Koh Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two, offers even more secluded exploration. Maya Bay is particularly impressive, surrounded by limestone cliffs and inaccessible from the sea.
8. Ao Phang Nga National Park: The James Bond Island
The crystalline waters and mysterious rock formations of Phang Nga Bay are only part of the reason why visitors flock to the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Besides being famous as a location in the James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun, this beautiful park features many hiking trails in lush, jungle greenery and along bright blue waters. There are multiple vendors crowding the coastline and multiple tour operators that take travelers around the park's most iconic sights, including a village built entirely on stilts known as Ko Panyi. Park visitors should also take advantage of the weather to head out on an eco-tour using sea canoes, which involve canoeing and camping overnight.
9. Karon Viewpoint: One Perspective of Paradise
It's a postcard-perfect photograph anyone visiting Phuket will want to take: the Andaman Sea, sparkling like turquoise glass, hurling snow-white surf against the dazzling white beaches of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi from the lush, green perspective of the hills surrounding Karon Viewpoint. As spectacular in the early morning as it is romantic at sundown, this hillside perch above Kata Noi is accessed by a mountainous jungle road connecting Kata with Rawai.
