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Cultural Sightseeing in Phuket, Thailand

Writer's picture: Jaleesa CollinsJaleesa Collins

The Pearl of the Andaman Sea


Tropical jungles. Lush hills. Beautiful beaches. Phuket is paradise!


Often referred to as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is Thailand's largest island. With an impressive coastline featuring crystal blue beaches, thick jungles and rocky peninsulas, it has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia!


Famous island excursions, water parks, world class snorkeling and dive trips. Boat trips, elephant trekking, jungle safaris, and world class golf courses. From cooking classes and traditional Thai massages to cabarets, go-carting and shooting ranges, Thailand offers it.

 

Cultural Sightseeing in Phuket

Phuket Old Town and its Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Phuket Old Town

Stroll the former tin trading hub for a historic look at Phuket and its Sino-Portuguese architecture including the famous Blue Elephant Governor Mansion. An abundance of traditional shophouses, restaurants and temples can be found amid its main hub, Thalang Road.




The Phuket Big Buddha Statue

Phuket Big Buddha

Situated at the top of Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata is one of Phuket's most famous and revered landmarks. Known as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, it is difficult to miss the 45 meters tall Big Buddha statue. The top of the hill offers 360-degree, panoramic views of the island and several smaller Buddha statues.


Wat Chalong

The Wat, or temple, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Thailand. The Wat Chalong is the largest temple in Phuket. Richly decorated with beautiful colors, it has countless images and pictures of Buddha and other icons form Thai and Buddha mythology that depict his life story. The highlight of any visit will probably be the Grand Pagoda which contains a small splinter from the bone of Lord Buddha.


Khao Sok National Park

Head north of the island for a true outdoor adventure. Complete with elephants, river streams and treehouse lodging, head inland to Khao Sok National Park where you can partake in the full jungle experience. Said to be one of the oldest rain forests in the world, it is definitely one of the most scenic with its magnificent cascading waterfalls and dramatic limestone formations.

A close up of a tiger at the Phuket Tiger Kingdom.

Tiger Kingdom

If you have ever wanted to get up close and personal to a tiger, this is the place to do it. Tiger Kingdom raises Indochinese tigers from birth to their final days. This place is worth a visit for any tourist in the area. Enjoy a meal while looking through a window at the tigers, or physically walk inside a cage and pet these ferocious animals. On-site photoshoots with the tigers are also welcomed.


Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Ever considered riding an elephant? Thailand has many of locations that allow tourists to participate in elephant trekking and bathing. Visit the elephant sanctuary and learn about all these animals and how to support ethical elephant tourism.

 

With the revival of its beach scene, Phuket offers over 30 beaches of white sand, palm trees and glistening seas.


Patong Beach

People come to Patong Beach for its beach and nightlife as it is the center of the action. Family-friendly and close to many attractions, there is plenty to keep you busy and entertained - from its sandy crescent beach to cafes, restaurants and bars. Try parasailing, jet skiing or simply rent a sun-bed and relax. Or simply grab a drink along its most famous road.

Kata Beach, a popular beach destination for tourists.

Kata Beach

An all-around favorite known for its palm-lined beach that entices and charms surfers and sun seekers with its clear waters and white sands. Has an impressive range of dining and accommodation options, shopping and lively nightlife.


Karon Beach

Catch a tuk tuk and head south for a more laid back experience to the third longest beach in Phuket. A popular holiday destination, the beach also have excellent diving and snorkeling spots for beachgoers. The Karon View Point is normally busy and overcrowded with tourists, but offers a great view of the Andaman Sea.


Kamala Beach

A relaxed and well-closed sandy bay beach and fishing village set amidst wooded hills with nearby accommodations. Perfect for sunbathing and those seeking peace and tranquility.

 

One of the best advantages of Phuket is its proximity to a plethora of other islands to explore!

Phang Nga Bay, one of Thailand's most scenic and top tourist attractions.

Phang Nga Bay

Located just 60 miles from Phuket lies Phang Nga Bay. Full of scenic views of beautiful caves, grottoes and limestone islands, an exhilarating boat trip via kayaks or speedboat is the best way to reach and appreciate this beauty. A visit to James Bond Island makes for a great day trip to the most famous island in the bay that was featured in The Man with the Golden Gun.


Koh Phi Phi

Not far from Phuket lies the beatuful archipelago of Koh Phi Phi, perhaps the most famous of all the islands around and setting for the film The Beach. Catch the ferry over and island hop between Phi Phi Islands, offering many beach and water recreation activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and scuba diving.

 

Aside from beaches, views, and attractions, the only thing missing is nightlife!

Bangla Road

After sunset, Soi Bangla is closed to traffic and comes alive. The center of Patong is where all the action takes place as tourists swarm here and parking becomes impossible.


Home to most of the biggest and best nightclubs in Phuket including Seduction, Illuzion, The Factory and Famous. Its famous raucous nightlife scene features beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, massage parlors and cabarets that overflow into the street underneath the neon-lit sign.


The fun is never ending as late-night bars and street entertainers compete for your business as touts try to entice you with their ping pong shows and tailor shops. Live music bars Monsoon and New York Live Music can be found near Bangla Mall.


The beach end is lined with beer bars such as Moon Bar, Sunset Bar, Kangaroo Bar and Shipwreck Bar. Across the way are some of the most notable establishments such as Aussie Bar and Hollywood Disco.


Simon Cabaret

A major attraction in its own right, the Simon Cabaret hosts the most respected lady boy show in Phuket. It is a one hour show featuring impressive sets, dazzling costumes and glamorous performances including a transvestite wiping her sweaty boobs on a gentleman sitting in the front row.


Phuket FantaSea

Head to Phuket FantaSea Show for a family night out. Situated in its own theme park complex, this iconic nighttime show features exotic animals telling a Thai story. It is also home to carnival games, a shopping complex and 4000-seat restaurant for a buffet dinner.

 
 
 

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Jaleesa Collins

World Traveler, Travel Agent, Photographer 

Traveling the world one country at a time capturing everlasting memories along the way.

© 2020 by Diamond Express. Copyright by Jaleesa Collins Photography.

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