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From natural attractions to built architecture, from traditional festivals to modern entertainment, tranquil corners to heady adventure sports, Thailand has something for everyone. Of all its popular cities and beaches, Phuket is probably the most well-known. Enjoy night markets, heritage buildings, dynamic street art, and stunning beaches. And seize the opportunity to explore James Bond Island, famous as the backdrop for the iconic 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun." Here's a guide to a two-day holiday in Phuket.
Start your day at Phuket Town, a charming and historic district that's a popular tourist destination for exploring the city's rich heritage. Take a leisurely stroll and discover the many cultural threads of Phuket, made up of a variety of ethnicities who settled here and made a living as merchants. They built colourful row houses here in the Sino-Portuguese style. The area boasts stunning old buildings, museums, boutique shops, and a bustling night market. Some of these buildings have been preserved as museums, such as the Phuket Thai Hua Museum, while others have been converted into hip cafes where you can have a refreshing brunch. Walk around the area and take in the many intriguing styles of street art. Every Sunday, the area hosts a pop-up market where you can sample local delicacies and purchase souvenirs.
Next on your agenda should be a visit to Wat Chalong, also known as Chalong Temple, the largest and most visited temple in Phuket. It was constructed in the early 19th century. One of the highlights of the temple is the 60-meter-tall Chedi, which houses a fragment of a bone from the Buddha. The Chedi has three floors, and visitors can climb to the top floor terrace to enjoy a panoramic view of the temple grounds. The walls and ceilings of the temple are adorned with intricate paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
Next, head out to the beach for the sunset. Patong Beach boasts a stunningly curvy bay, where the crystal-clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea meet the powdery white sand beach. The beauty of the beach is further accentuated by the breathtaking views of the lush green hills surrounding it. Not just a beach, Patong offers a vibrant and bustling small-town atmosphere, complete with numerous stores, a wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets and an eclectic mix of restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisine. Located approximately 15 kilometres from Phuket town, Patong Beach is an ideal getaway spot for those looking to soak up the sun, enjoy the scenic beauty, indulge in some retail therapy, or simply unwind in the lap of nature.
You can have an amazing dining experience by having dinner at one of the stalls located on the floating restaurants near Koh Maphrow at Laem Hin Pier. These stalls serve some of the finest seafood available on the island, and they can only be reached by taking a short boat journey from the mainland. They have the freshest sea catch - from oysters and crabs to all kinds of fish.
Start early after breakfast and go on an island hopping adventure in the famous Phang Nga Bay and explore some of the small islands scattered around the region. One of the most famous in the area is 'James Bond Island', which gained international recognition after being featured in the Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun". The bay is home to several limestone cliffs that rise vertically from the emerald-green waters, making for a truly breathtaking view.
After lunch, head out to see the largest Buddha statue in Phuket, situated on top of the Nakkerd hills in the southern part of the island. This impressive religious icon is made of white Burmese marble and stands tall at 45 meters. From the top of the hill, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and Andaman Sea.
If you're feeling adventurous and looking for a vibrant nightlife experience in Phuket, then Bangla Road is an absolute must-visit destination. This lively street stretches from the beach to the center of Patong, offering a plethora of beer bars, live music venues, and nightclubs. Whether you're in the mood for a fun night out with friends or simply want to explore the local nightlife scene, Bangla Road is the perfect place to be.
Phuket is a relatively small island, and visitors can drive around it in a couple of days without rushing. There are various transportation options available, including buses, tuk-tuks, taxis, cars, and motorbikes to get around Phuket. Microbuses in Phuket operate between 6am and 8pm. The Phuket Smart Bus runs from Phuket International Airport and stops at several beaches along the coast.
You can fly directly to Phuket International Airport (HKT) which caters to both international and domestic flights. This makes it easily accessible from major cities across the world. For those who love scenic road trips, taking a bus from Bangkok or other Thai cities to Phuket can be an excellent option. The journey offers picturesque views and a chance to explore the Thai countryside. Another option that you can consider while traveling to Phuket is catching a ferry from the nearby islands and coastal towns. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the serene beauty of the Andaman Sea, and it's an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.
