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What places to visit in Phuket?

What to see in Phuket

People often forger but a few miles from the beaches and seafront there is Phuket town and its old town which is interesting to visit for its Sino-Portuguese style houses and other old style buildings. But the number one attraction in Phuket is the Big Buddha sitting on top of a hill near Chalong. We go to see Him off course, even if the construction of the complex that hosts the 45 meters statue is still ongoing, and for the view it offers on a part of the island.
I also listed at the end of the page some good tours, excursions and activities that you can do in Phuket or from Phuket. Click here to see them.

Must-visit places in Phuket

Phuket Big Buddha

วัดพระใหญ่

My opinion :

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The most famous landmark of the island of Phuket, it is quite new and still under construction but the main statue is completed, it's all the rest that need to be built or completes. And it will take years but you can already visit it. From there, you have a magnificent view aver the island and Chalong Bay.

Phang Nga Bay

อ่าวพังงา

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One of the most beautiful natural scenery in Thailand with its limestone cliffs and mountains in a turquoise sea. The main attractions in the bay are the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyee with its floating village.

James Bond Island

เขาตะปู

My opinion :

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The island shaped like a nail in the sea is called James Bond Island since its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Old Town

เมือง จังหวัดภูเก็ต

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This historic district includes many Sino-Portuguese style houses. An architecture unique in Thailand with lots of bright colors. An interesting and easy visit to do to see something alse than beaches and sea and discover Phuket history.

Similan Isands

เกาะสิมิลัน

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Comprising 11 islands, the Mu Ko Similan National Park offers seascapes and beaches as well as some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand. Many local agencies in Phuket offer daily tour to Smilan Islands

Koh Surin islands

เกาะสุรินทร์

My opinion :

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With their beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise water and snorkeling or diving spots among the most beautiful in Thailand, the Surin Islands are clearly a must go place during your stay in the area. But be aware that they are only open to the public 6 months per year.

Koh Surin islands

เกาะสุรินทร์

My opinion :

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Mit ihren wunderschönen weißen Sandstränden mit türkisfarbenem Wasser und Schnorchelplätzen sowie den schönsten Tauchgebieten Thailands sind die Surin-Inseln ein Muss für Ihren Aufenthalt in der Region. Aber Vorsicht, sie sind nur 6 Monate im Jahr für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

จุดชมวิวเสม็ดนางชี

My opinion :

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Discovered by a photographer who was looking for a dominant viewpoint to photograph Phang Nga Bay, the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has become in just a few years one of the most popular attractions in the region. For a unique reason: the panorama is just amazing ! You can sleep in a tent, a basic bungalow or a comfortable room there too.

Koh Yao Noi island

เกาะยาวน้อย

My opinion :

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Located about ten kilometers from Phuket island, Koh Yao Noi is a pleasant little island, not yet too touristy, with some nice beaches with a beautiful view on Phang Nga Bay. Tourists especially like this destination for its tranquility, its still wild and rural side. Note, that it is clearly not a destination for partygoers!

Find a room in Phuket

Other nice places to visit in Phuket

Koh Panyee Island

starstarstarstarstar the island and its mainly floating village is very touristy. It welcomes all tourists visiting the bay and the James Bond Island, but when everyone is gone, it's a amazing place. You can rent a bungalow to enjoy the unique atmosphere before and after the arrival of tourist groups.

Phuket Elephant Sactuary

starstarstarstarstar This elephant sanctuary is one of the most respectful in Thailand. By going there, you will live a beautiful encounter with elephants while being sure to not involuntarily participate in their abuse. This is one of the two elephant sanctuaries I recommend in Phuket.

Promthep Cape

starstarstar at the southern end of Phuket, the area offers a magnificent view of Andaman Sea especially valuable for sunset.

Other visits suggestions in Phuket

Khao Phra Thaew Natural Reserve

Koh Phi Phi Islands, Surin or Similian islands
Kho PhiPhi is the best known thanks to the movie The beach. It is a very popular destination for diving and scenery of limestone cliffs, forests and turquoise sea but Similian Islands and Surin Islands further in the North are also interesting to places to visit or stay.

Wat Chalong
the most famous temple in Phuket

Tours in Phuket and around

This selection includes tours, excursions and activities that I have personally tested or were tested by people I fully trust but also offers by recognized agencies or websites known for their seriousness and quality.