Phuket

Phuket attracts tourists with a variety of entertainment, beautiful landscapes, and a rich history. The presence of an international airport also affects its popularity among travelers. Representatives of different ethnic groups have gathered here. Thanks to this, a unique mix of cultures has been created. Guests of the island have the opportunity to observe traditional celebrations, rituals, and events. The tourist infrastructure is one of the best in Thailand. There are excursion agencies, restaurants, cafes, a developed transport network, and various accommodation options - the best hotels in Phuket delight with good reviews from travelers.

✔️ A bit of chronology and facts

Archaeologists claim that people settled here around the first millennium BC. These lands are mentioned in the writings of the ancient Greek scholar Claudius Ptolemy. In the middle of the 16th century, Europeans arrived here. First, it was the Portuguese. In the next century, the island attracted first the Dutch, then the English, and finally the French. They were mostly interested in tin deposits. In 1688, the French were driven out of the island. They tried to regain control of the region, but their plan was unsuccessful. In 1785, the island was attacked by the Burmese. Thanks to the resourcefulness of the governor's wife and her sister, who ordered all the women to change into military clothes, the enemy was puzzled and retreated after a month of siege.

The administrative center of the province and the island is the city of the same name. The region's commercial, cultural, and tourist life is concentrated here .

✔️ Entertainment Features

People of all ages and interests can come here for a vacation. There is a place and leisure options for everyone. The coast of the island is strewn with picturesque bays and beaches , some of which are included in the world lists of the best. You can find both crowded and equipped areas, and wild and secluded ones. Nature delights with bright tropical landscapes, in the surrounding waters you can go diving and explore the diverse marine world.

Those who wish are offered to immerse themselves in the city's nightlife or settle in a remote corner of the island. Traditional food, captivating with an incredible number of recipes, their variations, and surprising with unusual tastes, will certainly become one of the most vivid impressions of the trip. Connoisseurs of history and architecture will be able to visit attractions and museums. Prices for holidays in Phuket vary. Of course, this is a popular destination, there are many luxury resorts, but if you wish, you can also arrange a budget vacation.

✔️ Possible transfer options

The island has an international airport, one of the most popular and important in the country. Therefore, getting to Phuket will be easy. The subsequent transfer depends on the resort where you are staying. If in the main city, it can be a taxi, public transport. In addition to the above options, boats and ferries go to other parts of the island. Renting a car would be a good option if you plan to travel around Phuket or Thailand on your own. Otherwise, the most convenient way would be an individual transfer. It is more expensive, but it allows you to save time and not have to organize the move.

✔️ Weather conditions

Phuket is located near the equator in a tropical monsoon climate zone, so the temperature fluctuates slightly. There are two seasons here. It is best to find and choose a tour online to Phuket between December and March. Currently, the island is dominated by dry weather, although there may be occasional rainfall. All other months are occupied by the wet season. If you are only interested in shopping and the island's nightlife, you can go here at this time.

✔️ What to bring back from your trip

Phuket is one of the best cities for shopping in Thailand. Special tours are often organized here. Here you will find shopping centers, shops, boutiques of famous brands, antique and souvenir shops and Thai markets - daytime, evening, night, floating. The latter are interesting even for a walk. There you will feel the real local flavor. Such places are also famous for their street food stalls and establishments with Thai cuisine, which surprises with the variety of tastes and recipes. The range of goods is simply incredible: from electronics, jewelry, branded clothing to handicrafts, traditional alcohol and local delicacies.

✔️ Search and selection of tours online to Phuket, reasons to buy a tour or a trip

This place is absolutely deservedly the most popular in Thailand among tourists. The island is suitable for family vacations, romantic holidays, friendly trips, because there is entertainment and a suitable accommodation option for everyone.

▶️ Beach holidays

Phuket pleases its guests with a diverse coastline, where you can find spacious areas with developed infrastructure and cozy locations. The most famous is Patong Beach. It is located in the center of the west coast. A wide sandy strip stretches for 5 km. Guests can enjoy all the necessary infrastructure and a vibrant nightlife with a variety of shows, discos, clubs. There are a lot of people here, a lively and cheerful atmosphere reigns. Among other beaches, we can highlight:

◼️ Kamala is also a large area, located 10 km from the previous one, but not very well equipped, there are not many leisure options. Only in the southern part of the beach is the famous entertainment center Phuket Fanta-See. To the north, a calm atmosphere reigns.
◼️ Surin , located 12 km from Patong. You need to go here to enjoy the landscapes with evergreen plants and incredible sunsets. The entertainment here includes cafes, golf, shops.
◼️ Bang Tao is located 15 km from Patong. It is considered one of the most expensive and prestigious beaches on the island. This place attracts with the beauty of nature with white sand, palm trees near the shore, clear sea, luxury hotels, restaurants with exquisite dishes.
◼️ Nai Yang is famous for the largest coral reef in the nearby waters of Phuket. This location is 30 km from the main beach of the island. Mai Khao , located a little further, pleases with a sand strip of 9.5 km. Both of these areas are located on the territory of the reserve. There are few people here, you can relax alone with yourself and nature.
◼️ Karon stretches for 3 km, which are divided into two parts by a cape, forming two sections. It is considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches on the island. There are shops, bars, restaurants along the shore. Karon is 9 km from Patong, so you can combine a relaxing holiday with nightlife.
◼️ Kata attracts with a white sandy beach stretching for 3 km. It is located 11 km from Patong in a cozy bay divided by rocks into two parts. This is a secluded place with a calm atmosphere, since evening entertainment ends at midnight.
◼️ Nai Harn is the southern and one of the most famous beaches of the island. It is located 20 km from Patong. Despite this, it is quite sparsely populated, so the wide sandy beach, picturesque mountain landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and beautiful sea can only be at your disposal. There are

many beautiful places for swimming on the island. It is for them that you first of all need to buy a tour to Phuket.

▶️ Ancient landmarks

Fans of immersion in history are offered to go for a walk through the old part of the island's capital of the same name. The buildings in this area are excellent examples of a unique style that mixes elements of Chinese and Portuguese architecture. Many houses have become museums, hotels, cafes, restaurants, one of which is noted in the Michelin Guide.

The greatest and most important shrine of the island is Wat Chalong, the first mention of which dates back to 1809. This temple complex amazes with its architecture and decoration. The sacred buildings are made of white marble, decorated with gilding, stucco, bronze statues. The main pagoda has three levels. On the last one you can see a marble lotus flower, in the middle of which there is a glass ball in which a part of the Buddha's bone is kept. The complex is surrounded by a picturesque park.

▶️ Nature

Phuket is the largest island in the country. It is located in its southern part in the waters of the Andaman Sea. The landscapes here are mostly mountainous, with mountains in the west. Nature complements the city break. There are several places that will be interesting for both children and adults.

◼️ Monkey Mountain, which is actually a hill. A whole colony of macaques lives here, there are about 400 of them. They have already gotten used to tourists and are happy to accept treats from them. However, you should not try to pet them or touch the cubs, as then the monkeys can become aggressive. The hill is covered with dense tropics, and there is an observation deck at the top.
◼️ The Tiger Zoo is unique, as all the animals here are bred in captivity and are not afraid of people. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to get to know these striped big cats very closely - be together in an enclosure, hug, pet, etc.
◼️ Elephant Sanctuary, located next to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. These large animals live in conditions close to natural. There are individuals here that have suffered from human activity. You can watch the behavior of elephants, their bathing, walking from a safe distance, without disturbing the peace of the animals. Closer contact is possible only during feeding.
◼️ Bang Pe Waterfall is the largest and most beautiful on the island. Its height is 15 m. The cascade falls in a wide stream into stone recesses and forms a complex of natural pools. Those who wish can refresh themselves in the cool water and enjoy the tropical nature surrounding this place.
◼️ Similan Islands, one of the most famous attractions in the region. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you will find snow-white beaches, bright tropical greenery, picturesque boulders on the coast. This archipelago is great for diving. In the depths of the sea you will find rainbow coral gardens, a complex system of caves, tunnels, arches, which have become home to a large number of exotic underwater inhabitants.
◼️ Cape Promthep is one of the best places to watch the sunset. On the rocky top there is a lighthouse, which is also a museum, an altar of Brahma, surrounded by elephant statues, and the largest observation deck on the island.

▶️ Additional entertainment

For the sake of nightlife and city entertainment, many people buy a tour to Phuket. Fans of bright events should visit a variety of shows. Siam Niramit Phuket is worth mentioning. The mass event takes place in the park of the same name and tells the history, myths, and legends of Thailand. Actors perform in colorful costumes, and bright decorations and special effects are used for the show. The park also reproduces a traditional settlement, where you can see examples of housing from different regions of the country. Adults will like Phuket Simon Cabaret - a Las Vegas-style show where ladyboys perform. The action consists of musical numbers, parodies, luxurious costumes, decorations, and lighting effects.

It is also worth visiting Muay Thai boxing, which is a national sport and part of the country's culture. It is tougher than regular boxing, it is a real art of free combat. This is what attracts many tourists.

Bangla Road is known for its vibrant nightlife, which wakes up after sunset. There are a large number of pubs, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. And magicians, jugglers, gymnasts, street musicians and artists create a special atmosphere.

Some people buy a weekend tour to Phuket to enjoy the nightlife and entertainment, and then go to secluded places with wild nature. But you can spend your entire vacation here in peace, and there are secluded beaches on the island too.