Tours

Over three million tourists visit Phuket Island annually. A good road network enables easy exploration from Chalong Bay and Rawai Beach on the east coast, round Cape Prom Thep at the southern-most point and up to the western shoreline, which includes Nai Harn Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach and Kamala Bang Tao. North of Phuket Town, roads branch off to Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary and the many eastern bays, westward to Nai Yang Beach and across the mountains to Kamala and Patong beaches.

Phuket Town

The center of Phuket Town is best explored on foot. Sino-Portuguese buildings fill the streets, some dating back over a century, such as the San Jao Chui Tui Temple. Follow along Ranong Road past the traffic circle to dip into Radsada and admire the arts and crafts, hand woven silk and cotton textiles, pewter and jewelry. A visit to Phuket Town Central Market allows a real insight into Thai life. A heady mix of aromas, sights and sounds envelop the stalls, which sell a variety of foods, perfect for picnics in the park atop Rang Hill (Khao Rang), which offers great views over the town and the islands beyond.

Chalong Bay

Along the road from Phuket Town to Chalong Bay are several interesting stops, including the incredible Phuket Aquarium, Wat Chalong, Phuket's most beautiful monastery, Phuket Zoo and Phuket Sea Shell Museum, said to have the largest shell collection in the world. Chalong Bay is not suitable for swimming, but its pier is the departure point for many dive and boat tours. Take the coconut palm-fringed road from Chalong Circle to Rawai Beach —one of the most beautiful on the island. There are a number of restaurants here and many locals choose this spot for weekend picnics. To the east, Laem Ka Beach is excellent for swimming, while to the west is Prom Thep Cape, the island's southern-most point.

Patang Beach

As an international destination,Patang Beach sees a culturally diverse stream of visitors year round. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is complimented by a myriad of shops, food stalls, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and spas catering to one region of the world or another. Along the beachfront road is the Famous Old Dutch, a northern beer establishment from top to bottom. Down the stretch is the King's Fashion Tailors where you can have a suit of clothes or anything else you fancy tailor made. Or head down to World Gems to be dazzled by the selection of stones from around the world. Continue to sample international fare at La Boucherie which features a simple and elegant French menu. Finally take a short ride up to Hide Away, which offers relaxing massage next to a waterfall at Phuket's only Thai massage school.

The North Side of the Island

Surin Beach is a remote and peaceful spot on the north side of the island. Nearby Kamala Beach is where you will find FantaSea, a cultural theme park with lots of shopping and excellent dining in the Canal Shopping Village. During the fall and winter, giant sea turtles come to Nai Yang Beach to lay their eggs. If you are lucky, you might spot one. This beach is also not far from Wat Phra Tong, an important Buddhist monastery, and Wat Phra Nang Sang, which boasts the three largest Buddha statues in the world.