Phuket is perhaps the most populous as well as the most visited destinations in Thailand. Phuket is not only the largest island in the country but also the only island province in the country. Awe-inspiring scenery, breathtaking tropical sunsets, palm-lined white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, serene broad bays, lush green forested areas, mesmerizing blue lagoons, superb mansions and buildings reflecting Sino-Portuguese architecture, outstanding hospitality, and fantastic accommodations - all sum up the island of Phuket. Hence, it is not a wonder why Phuket has been bestowed with the titles 'the Pearl of the South,' and 'the Pearl of the Andaman.'
Covering an area of about 540 square kilometers and located about 850 km south of Bangkok, Phuket is nestled in the tropical region off the west coastline of the southern part of the country in the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea. With more than 35 small islands, Phuket has the mystical Phang-nga to the north, which is connected by two bridges, namely, Sarasin and Thep Krasattri. The other three sides of the island have been bounded by the Andaman Sea.
While your stay at Phuket, you can spend a day here by engaging in more than 100 activities. No matter you want to enjoy golf in golf courses of international standards, enjoy world-class scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, or just want to explore the scenic vistas of tropical forests and surroundings, Phuket has superb choices for all. In other words, you just name an activity; it would be readily available in the island.
For beach bums and water sports lovers, Phuket provides a feast of attractions, with an array of fabulous beaches such as Patong Beach, one of the busiest areas with largest assortment of bars and restaurants; Kamala Beach, a quaint area suitable for a relaxing vacation; Karon Beaches, one of the longest of its kind in the island; Kata Beach, consisting of two beaches such as Kata Yai and Kata Noi; Nai Harn Beach, whose area is dominated by the Samnak Song Nai Harn Monastery; and Surin Beach, which is one of the great places in the island to savor sumptuous seafood dishes.
The Andaman Sea is regarded as one of the world's most magnificent bodies of water, and visiting Phuket would be probably the most excellent way to enjoy its crystal-like clear waters. A variety of water sport activities can be enjoyed here such as sport fishing, sea canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, dinner cruises, and much more. Even superb options are available for learning scuba diving.
Beyond wonderful beaches and clear, sparkling seas, Phuket offers much more to people touring the destination. For those interested in traditional sight seeing options, then Phuket offers a continuum of museums such as the Phuket Sea Shell Museum, which has on display a large variety of sea shells collected from across the world, apart from ancient fossils and unique golden pearl collections; and the Talang National Museum, which provides deep insight into the interesting history of the region.
Options available for sightseers also include a myriad of temples and monasteries, among which one of the most popular is Wat Chalong, dedicated to two highly revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. Your Phuket sightseeing would not be complete without taking a tour to Old Phuket town lined with Sino-Portuguese mansions and funky boutiques.
If you are an animal lover, then you should definitely visit destinations like Phuket Aquarium, with more than 30 tanks of saltwater as well as freshwater specialties; Phuket Monkey School, where you can spectacle monkey shows; Snake Farm near the Simon Cabaret; the Phuket Zoo, which is home to a variety of animal and bird species; and Phuket Butterfly Farm. Likewise, for flower and plant lovers, a visit to the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village would be a great experience. Further, if your choice is different and looking for something unique, then head to destinations such as Phuket FantaSea, which is a great choice for fun lovers, and Simon Cabaret Shows.
Attractions in Phuket also cover Chalong Big Buddha, Khao Praew Thaew National Park, Sirinath National Park, Khao Rang, and Phromthep offering magnificent views of the sunset. Above all, fabulous is the nightlife in Phuket, with a range of nightclubs, karaokes, and restaurants and bars in some of the hotspots of the island.
With these scores of attractions, Phuket has something for everyone. In other words, no matter you are honeymooner, newly weds, parent vacation with your children, or 95-year-olds, Phuket caters to every taste, budget, and age.
