Phuket Attractions | Top Things to See During a Trip to Southern Thailand

Phuket is a diverse city where visitors will find a different vibe in every neighborhood they visit, and Phuket are no different. This tropical wonderland boasts hip and trendy urban centers as well as a mixture of nature preserves and historical monuments that pay tribute to the culture and religious beliefs of its people. Some areas are known for their bars and lively nightclubs while others are more focused on preserving old cultural traditions. Along with beautiful white sand beaches that frame out the crystal clear turquoise waters of the coast, Phuket offers guests a unique selection of attractions they will not find anywhere else in Thailand.

Phuket Attractions | Historical Landmarks

Phuket has a history that dates back thousands of years and was mostly inhabited by indigenous tribes until it became part of the tin mining industry in the late 16th century. This led they way for eventual urban development and the fascinating tourist-friendly place that it is today. To learn more about the history of Phuket, be sure to visit some or all of these interesting historical attractions.

Phuket Big Buddha

Located on the hilltop near Karon Beach, Phuket Big Buddha is a must-see monument and Buddhist worship temple that attracts thousands of visitors each year. It measures in at an impressive 45 meters tall so you can’t miss it! Phuket Big Buddha is one of the most iconic structures in all of Phuket and was constructed in honor of the master of the Buddhist religion, The Lord Buddha. Visitors are welcome to visit this beautiful temple to learn more about the Buddhist religion and maybe even find enlightenment. Guests do not need to practice Buddhism to appreciate the symbolism and craftsmanship of this landmark.

The actual monument at Phuket Big Buddha was constructed in 2004, but celebrates the history and important figures of the Buddhist religon. To get to the monument, visitors need to hike or ride to the top of the hill that overlooks the city; getting to the monument is a beautiful adventure in itself. Once you arrive at the monument, you are welcome to photograph the Buddha, stroll through the shrine, get a blessing from one of the monks that resides here, enjoy the manicured gardens, and check out the city below from the view deck. The monument is open from 6am to 7pm daily.

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Old Town

Built up during the tin mining era of the 19th century, Old Town is rich with history and provides guests with the opportunity to step back into time while still enjoying the luxuries of modern life. Complete with boutique stores, museums, historical government buildings, Buddhist shrines, and even a few brothels, visitors will learn what life was like during the tin rush of Thailand. Not only will visitors get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Thai people, but also of Chinese immigrants who migrated to work the mines.

While in Old Town, be sure to stroll the streets and take photographs of the old Colonial mansions, ornate shrines, and architecture that line them. The whole neighborhood can be explored in a single day and there are amazing restaurants, such as China Inn Cafe, which serves up Western and Thai food in a casual setting. Here are some of the extraordinary highlights of Old Town:

• Blue Elephant Restaurant Phuket – Located in a stunning mansion, guests can dine on the exotic and tantalizing menu items once served to nobility during the tin mining era. This restaurant offers the perfect throwback to the old days and is open from 9am to 10:30pm daily so visitors can stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Amulet Market – Featuring an assortment of Buddhist amulets that are available for purchase, this intriguing boutique store is open to the public and offers trinkets that celebrate religion, enlightenment, and the culture of the Thai people. Amulet Market is open from 8am to 7pm daily.
• Baan Chinpracha – Ever wondered what it was like to live like Thai royalty? Baan Chinpracha is an old-style Colonial mansion once occupied by tin mogul Phra Pitak Chinpracha and is open during the day for visitors to wander through. The home was built in 1903 and is adorned in the original furnishings. Check out a piece of history and learn about the lives of the wealthy during the tin mining era. This museum is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily.
• Phuket Philatelic Museum – Learn about the history of postage and shipping in Thailand by visiting the old postal office. Guests will be treated to exhibits featuring postage stamps, communication machines, and much more. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday and 8:30am to 4:30pm Saturday and Sunday.

Check In to Seabed Grand Hotel Phuket, Step Out to Old Town

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Wat Chalong

Located in the Chalong neighborhood, Wat Chalong embodies the true spirit of Buddhism in Phuket. This beautiful temple is decked out in ornate designs that make it look majestic. The temple itself is white and features a multi-layer red roof and golden window accents. While the temple complex features a few buildings, the Grand Pagoda takes center stage. Some even say that they have witnessed miracles happen after visiting this temple. All along the inside of the Grand Pagoda, are paintings and murals that tell the story of the Buddha as well as provide visual information about the history of Buddhism.

At Wat Chalong visitors can wander into the exhibition hall museum and check out displays that honor Luang Poh Cham and his people. There are wax models, period furnishings, and an abundance of interesting Buddhist artifacts. Be sure to grab a bite to eat while visiting and stroll the gardens where you will find statues and other ornate buildings of significance. Wat Chalong is open from 8am to 5pm daily.

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Phuket Attractions | Outdoor Activities & Places to Visit

Phuket is a tropical wonderland where guests have plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Not only is it a coveted vacation destination among beach dwellers and water sports enthusiasts, but it has something to offer nature lovers of all types. Whether you enjoy hiking or wildlife viewing, there are plenty of outdoor activities available keep you outside having fun in the sun.

Phuket Orchid Farm

Asia is a region of the world that is known for its beautiful array of fragrant orchids and Phuket has an entire farm devoted to them! Phuket Orchid Farm is located in the Chalong neighborhood and features over 1,500 species of this beautiful tropical flower. Guests will see an assortment of different orchids in every color combination possible.

This vibrant farm has been open since 1975 and welcomes guests of all ages to explore the grounds and find their new favorite orchid species. From rare flowers to common varieties, guests will find a little bit of everything here. Not only can you learn about all of the orchids of Thailand, but you can also purchase some to take home with you. There is also an onsite ice cream shop plenty of seating areas located throughout the gardens. Phuket Orchid Farm is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm and admission is 300 baht for adults and 100 baht for children ages 3-12.

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Monkey Hill

Home to over 400 macaques, Monkey Hill, or Toh Sae Hill, is one of the top-rated Phuket attractions and is the tallest hill in the city. Atop Monkey Hill guests will find an assortment of monkeys living in their natural habitat – engaging in monkey business! While the monkeys that live here are free to roam and venture off if they so choose, they enjoy being cared after and do not venture far from home. They mingle well with their human visitors and love to be fed treats, which can be purchased from the Monkey Hill staff for an affordable price one you arrive to the attraction.

To get to the macaques viewing area at Monkey Hill visitors must first get to the top of the hill! There is a seemingly never ending staircase that visitors can climb that offers beautiful views of the tropical jungle all around them. For those who need assistance getting to the top of the hill, there is a road that can be traveled by cars or a motorbike during the day. Once you get to the top, you will be greeted by a large sign the congratulates you for reaching the top! At Monkey Hill there are seating areas so visitors can relax and watch the monkeys frolic and play. Monkey Hill is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and there is no cost associated with hiking up the hill or watching the monkeys. For those who want to feed the macaques, there is a small fee to purchase special treats.

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Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World

For those who want to learn more about the millions of exotic insects and butterflies found in Phuket Town, as well as the rest of Thailand, be sure Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World makes it onto your itinerary! One of the more unique Phuket attractions, Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World is located in a lush park where insects are able to co-exist in their native habitat. While at Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World guests will get to see and learn about an assortment of spiders, beetles, grubs, flies, and of course, butterflies!

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World provides guests with an education about the importance of all insects and what they do within their environments. Many of the insects featured at Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World have been around since the days of the dinosaurs and have grown to adapt to the new world. After you have toured the insectarium, head over to the gift shop where you can purchase an assortment of bug related gifts and memorabilia. Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World is open from 9am to 5:30pm daily and admission is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for kids over 4 years of age.

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Kata View Point

Located just south of Kata Beach, guests can take in amazing views of the harbor as well as the community surrounding the beach at Kata View Point. This viewpoint is located approximately 8 km up in the hillside and is one of a few Phuket attractions that offers guests a panoramic view of the city below. Be sure to bring a camera when visiting this scenic vista. Make your trip up to Kata View Point a romantic adventure and visit during the early evening hours when the sun is just starting to set. This nature space is open 24 hours a day and there is no cost to park and look at the views.

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Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Known as Thailand’s first ethical elephant sanctuary, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a place where couples, groups, families, and solo travelers alike can enjoy spending the day with some of the most gentle giants found on earth. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is home to 15 elephants that range in age from 15 to 62 years of age who have all been rescued from a lifetime of doing hard labor in undesirable living conditions. The mission of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is to rehabilitate the elephants and provide them with a peaceful place to live out the rest of their lives. The sanctuary is open to the public and visitors can learn about each elephant as they wander through observing them eat and play in their natural habitat. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary workers are on hand each day to provide educational sessions so that guests can learn more about the rescue efforts. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is located in the Thalang district and open daily from 9:30am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 5pm and admission is approximately 3,000 baht for adults and 1,500 baht for kids.

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Kata Noi Beach

Measuring in at approximately 700 meters, Kata Noi Beach is a gem of Phuket‘s west coast. This beautiful white sand beach boasts beautiful views and is a hot spot among those looking for some water sports fun. Kata Noi Beach is a popular snorkeling destination, thanks to its abundance of tropical fish and large coral reef. Surfers of all skill levels can catch the two-meter waves and ride them in to shore. While at the beach, guests are invited to lay around on the white sand or join in on the action going on in the water. Didn’t bring any gear with you? No problem, there are sports shacks located near the beach with water sports equipment available to rent.

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Phuket Attractions | Hip & Trendy Family-Friendly Activities & Nightlife

Interested in seeing the pop-culture side of Phuket or exploring Phuket attractions that are unique and off the beaten path? This city features an assortment of attractions that are hip, trendy, and showcase the artistic side to its inhabitants. Here are some of the most popular mainstream attractions to check out while you are in town.

Siam Niramit Phuket

To experience a live theatrical show, Thai-style, be sure to reserve seats for a breathtaking performance at Siam Niramit Phuket. This state-of-the-art theater is located in downtown Phuket and teaches visitors about art, history, and the culture of the Thai people through a brilliant series of theatrical performances. Guests are in for a treat as professional actors and singers take center stage to entertain the audience during several shows throughout the month. All performances promise to entertain guests while providing them with an education at the same time.

On the 3rd floor of the complex, there is a restaurant that is open from 6pm to 8:15pm so that guests can get some dinner before the show begins. The performances start at 8:30pm each night and run for a little over an hour. Admission price varies depending on what show is playing. While at Siam Niramit Phuket, be sure to stop by the souvenir shop and purchase some gifts to commemorate your time at the show!

Baan Teelanka – The Upside Down House

Perhaps one of the most interesting and unusual Phuket attractions, Baan Teelanka – The Upside Down House is a must-see attraction for all who visit the city. This eclectic museum is actually a three-story home that has been flipped over onto its roof and provides guests with a whole new perspective on life. All of the rooms and exhibits appear to be upside down, so it feels like you are walking on the ceiling as you tour the home. There is also a garden outside that features a maze you can get lost in. This attraction is perfect for families who are looking for some silly fun while on vacation. Baan Teelanka – The Upside Down House is open from 9am to 6:15pm daily and admission to get in is 300 baht for adults and 200 baht for kids.

Phuket Weekend Market

Immerse yourself into the traditions and culture of the Thai people with a trip to Phuket Weekend Market in downtown Phuket. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday each week and is one of the more fun Phuket attractions for tourists of all ages to visit. Phuket Weekend Market features hundreds of independently owned vendor stalls in a 30,000 square foot outdoor facility. You will find an assortment of items such as local crafts, accessories, clothing, jewelry, homemade food, fresh produce, exotic spices and ingredients, home decor, gifts, and souvenirs.

Phuket Weekend Market features a melting pot of merchandise for the serious shopaholic, or someone who wants to purchase items not found in the national chain stores. The market provides tourists with a chance to experience the culture of the Thai people further and mingle with the residents while they shop. Haggling and negotiations are encouraged! Grab some authentic food and spend the evening shopping. Phuket Weekend Market is open from 4pm to 11pm.

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