The Kingdom of Thailand is a popular destination for globetrotters, and in this guide we provide you with a variety of things to do when you visit this laid-back country. But first, a little about the country.
Previously known as Siam, it is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese Peninsula. Thailand comprises several distinct geographical regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups, and the capital is Bangkok.
Blessed with a montage of traditional influences from India, China, Cambodia and the rest of Southeast Asia, its little wonder that the country is the top destination in Southeast Asia. Shortly put, it’s a cultural explorer’s ‘dream destination’.
Brief Overview of Phuket
For your visit to Thailand, let’s head to Phuket.
Phuket, the largest province situated in the southern part of the country, within the Andaman Sea. The island is characterized by part of the Phuket Mountain range. Phuket Thailand has it all.
What to See & Do
The Old Town
Start your visit in the Old Town, to admire the colonial Sino-Portuguese architecture. Some of the previously known ‘shop houses’ and mansions have been beautifully renovated to bring back the old charm that characterized the Sino-Portuguese period during the tin mining era. Wander around Dibuk, Thalang and Krabi roads. Here you will get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the previous occupants and explore the restored mansions that now house government offices, museums, restaurants, boutique hotels and kindergartens.
Other places to look for in Thalang Road is an almost hidden Chinese shrine that you might miss if you don’t look for an unassuming entrance.
If you’re in Phuket on a Sunday, you cannot miss the market that takes place from 16:00 – 21:00 in Thalang Road. It is known as the Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai).
For more shopping ideas, head to Vanich Walking Street (ChimJae). It is a long, narrow passageway located between two buildings connecting Thalang and Phang Nga Roads.
Located in Phang Nga Road is the On On Hotel which is the original debut in the movie “The Beach”.
Near Thalang Road is Soi Romanee, previously the red light district of Phuket’s Old Town and extremely popular for its colorful buildings.
In Phuket Road, you can take a break at the Library, a seemingly small and quirky restaurant and cocktail bar. If you’re in the area at night, they often have live DJs playing into the early hours.
For the cooking enthusiasts, a visit to the Blue Elephant Restaurant will be the place you want to be. Located in a beautifully renovated Sino-Portuguese mansion, they have a cooking school where you can get the hang of Thai cooking.
Phuket Old Town’s Rang Hill is popular not only for its restaurants and temple, but also for its stunning viewpoint Khao Rang Breeze Restaurant. The perfect spot to take some nice pictures of the surroundings.
End the day with some popular Thai food options at the Natural Restaurant. The name of the restaurant depicts a tree-house design and is known by the locals as Tamachart Restaurant.
And if you’re not too tired after exploring the Old Town, head to the top floor of Novotel, to enjoy some delicious cocktails at the Estrela Sky Bar. Located in Phuket Town, the venue offers romantic views of the sunset over the town.
Island Attractions
To explore more, there are many offers to discover the islands in Phuket. There are many offers for boat trips to discover the islands and you’ll be spoiled for choice. For example, you can take a day trip with a speed boat to explore Phi Phi Island; or choose a boat trip that includes exploring four of Phi Phi Archipelago’s islands.
On one of these trips you can enjoy the views of the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, discover jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs, explore lush green jungles, and enjoy lunch on the sandy beaches of Phi Phi Island. Not to be missed!
The Big Buddha Temple
This is Phuket’s most prominent landmark and is known as Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkin Buddha, meaning “Happiness on top of Nagakerd Mountain”. The giant white, seated Buddha is one of the main attractions with a very interesting history.
The venue is a temple and a sacred place for the inhabitants. Therefore, you are expected to dress appropriately when visiting. Sarongs are available free of charge to cover your shoulders and knees.
Nakkerd Sea View Restaurant is located near the Big Buddha where you can have a bite.
Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay is one of Phuket’s busiest tour boat ports and it is most famous for being the home of Wat Chalong Temple, the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, a yacht club, Muay Thai camps and an assortment of resorts and restaurants.
Wat Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong is the largest Temple in Phuket and is most famous for its history of two monks who led an uprising in the Chinese rebellion of 1876 and their extensive knowledge of herbal medicines.
The temple consist of three floors and its ceilings have stunning illustrations of the life of Buddha. There is a newer building of 60 meters in height called a “Chedi”, which contains a splinter of bone from Buddha.
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Make sure to book a space for the workshop to learn more about Thai Rum production and how to mix, stir and shake delicious cocktails.
Phuket Nightlife
To get the best out of Phuket’s nightlife, head to Bangla Road Patong. This eclectic strip is the epicenter of entertainment in Patong. This is where you can get a real taste of local traditions amid a host of Western amenities,
Visit the Bangla Mall for shopping in high-end boutiques and restaurants. For nightlife, the strip consists of bars, discos, cabarets, dance shows, shops and other attractions.
And if you’re up to it, why not explore the nightlife by going on a guided pub tour?
Now that we've covered what you can expect on your trip, it's time for you to start planning. To get access to great resources to help you, we've included resources for transportation, accommodation and activities below:
Thailand Accommodation
Why Choose Hotellook?
Hotellook offers the best accommodation in the areas of Thailand to make your planning easier.
Here's why we chose to partner with them and why you should make them your first stop for quality offers to suit any pocket:
Hotellook.com helps you find and compare prices for accommodation across the world. They have an easy to navigate reservation system that will make your search seamless. Their database consists of more than 250,000 hotels in more than 205 countries. They provide information from more than 10 online booking systems, saving you the time and effort to visit each booking engine individually. Click on the link now to start your search for accommodation for your next trip.
Start searching below to find your perfect stay in Thailand. Choose from a variety of top hotels to expensive hotels in the city center.
Transportation
GetTransfer
Another important item that should be at the top of your list is getting from point A to Point B after landing at the airport.
GetTransfer.com offer car rental, helicopter and air transfers even in places that don't have well-established transfer services. They offer services in 22 languages, they are safer than local taxi services and multiple options to suit your pocket are available to you. Click on the link above to make sure your transfer needs in your holiday destination is taken care of professionally.
They offer airport transfers, VIP transfers, car rental, bus rental for you and your group, as well as yacht rentals for your luxury vacation needs. And if luxury isn't your thing, you will find transport that will fit your pocket at very competitive prices.
So whether you need transport for your Thai vacation or a journey in another exciting destination, visit the link above to get all your transportation needs in order!
Phuket Thailand Activities Resources
Visit the above link to plan your activities during your stay in Phuket and the rest of Thailand.
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