Located on the west coast of Thailand, Phuket is an incredibly popular vacation spot because it has almost everything you can dream of for an ideal holiday. Known for its picture-perfect beaches, tantalising food, unbeatable entertainment and amazing sights, Phuket is the perfect place to visit on any budget. With so much to offer, this lush island can be overwhelming for those who are visiting for the first few times.
Here is a compilation of the top 6 must-see attractions in Phuket:
If you’d like to get a sense of the soul of Phuket, head over to the Old Town for an authentic and rich experience of Thailand. Phuket Old Town used to be run-down but the boost of tourism in the last few decades has helped with its revitalisation; it is now a bustling town with historically rich buildings, hip cafes, local galleries and boutique shops. Wander around the small streets filled with colonial-style townhouses and you will be surprised at the gems that you may find here. Pop into any cafe or restaurant for delicious Thai food while you’re at it!
If you’re staying at Club Med Phuket, we offer an excursion to Phuket Old Town that will bring you to all the best sights here including the Thai Hua museum and a colourful fruit market.
The night markets in Phuket are a sight to behold on their own. Often packed with locals and tourists alike, you will find anything from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, antiques, street food and even pets. Check out the biggest night market in Phuket, known as Lard Yai (big market) or Sunday Night Market located in Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town. It is only available on Sundays (4-10pm) but if you miss it, don’t worry as there are night markets all over Phuket everyday. Chillva Market in Ratsada is also a good place to visit as they have a slightly more hippy vibe and local brands there!
Muay Thai is Thailand’s most beloved sport and features very different moves as compared to the traditional boxing game. Using mostly kicks with legs and feet but also swift jabs with hands, you will definitely be filled with adrenaline as you watch these boxers in the ring! The best part of watching a Muay Thai match is observing the ambience of the pre-match ritual booming with traditional Thai music and a roaring crowd. It is definitely a must-see experience in Phuket!
Besides being known as a beach town, Phuket is also filled with many Buddhist temples that are worth visiting. Wat Chalong is probably the most popular and oldest temple in Phuket and has been around since the early 29th Century. Not only is it a temple, Wat Chalong is also an important landmark as it houses many important Buddhist relics. There is also a 60m-tall chedi which is said to hold an actual splinter from the bones of Buddha, the biggest highlight of the temple. Marvel at the intricate carvings along the temple walls and the golden statues all over the temple grounds.
Close to Wat Chalong, you will also find one of the most important landmarks of Phuket: the Big Buddha. It is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue of the Buddha that stretches 25 meters across the base. Here you will find many Buddhists paying their respects, or even non-Buddhists who are here to absorb the peace and calm of the place. Walk around the Big Buddha and you will be surprised to find a magnificent view of Phuket and Kata Beach from the summit! Before you leave, remember to leave a small donation behind to support the upkeep of this place so that others may enjoy it too.
Guests of Club Med Phuket can also join a half-day excursion to these Phuket attractions: the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and Wat Luang Pu, home of the oldest living monk in Thailand.
Another favourite attraction of Phuket is watching one of the many shows available, whether it is the mindblowing Fantasea, flashy cabaret shows or cultural Siam Niramit show. The Phuket Fantasea is set in a theme park that houses a large restaurant serving buffet dinners and a theatre show. Siam Niramit is similar but incorporates more cultural elements in its show compared to the fantasy-themed Fantasea. Both these shows are suitable for children so it will definitely be an enjoyable time for everyone!
Meanwhile, Phuket is also known for its many “ladyboy” and cabaret shows, one of which is the must-see Simon Cabaret Show. Located in the busy Patong area, this show has been around for decades and is always a crowd favourite for its flashy colours and glitzy performance.
If you are staying at Club Med Phuket, be sure to join the Simon Cabaret excursion and you will be guaranteed to have a great night out!
