Key attractions
The beach is king in Phuket, followed by nefarious nightlife for a swathe of visiting tourists. The best beaches are in the west and include Patong, the busiest, and more laidback Karon and Kata nearby. Consequently, beach activities such as jet-skiing and scuba diving are very popular. Worthwhile sights elsewhere include Chalong Temple in the southeast, the Seashell Museum near Rawai, and the new huge Buddha statue on a hilltop between Chalong and Kata. Phuket Town is unremarkable, but does have old Sino-Portuguese houses in its Chinatown area.
Having fun
There is not much in the way of high culture of the traditional Thai kind, though the Phuket FantaSea experience in Kamala is a fun night out for the family, complete with performing elephants. Most of the fun consists of bar-hopping in Patong or Karon beaches, though these also have excellent seafood restaurants and an array of discos. For risqué, check out Simon Cabaret, with its transsexual ‘performers’. Big hotels lay on cultural evenings, such as the Hilton at Kata, while Phuket Town has some extra special Thai restaurants and clubs.
Shopping
Shopping malls and street night markets are the state of play in most Thai cities and resorts today, and Patong does both quite well. Though they tend to be repetitive, you can pick up bargain dresses and pants when you haggle, or at the fun Jungceylon mall. Other popular items are t-shirts, handbags, or handicrafts, while boutiques and tailors are also the norm at the beaches. The best mall on the island is Central Festival nearer to Phuket Town, boasting big name stores, along with a good food court and cinema.
Nearby
Phuket is a large island and there are lots of daytrip options. Many visitors hire a scooter or car and take in the strip of beaches down the west coast, to include viewpoints in the south such as Promthep Cape. Scuba trips are hugely popular, although a major daytrip option goes out to the Phi Phi islands and also up to the stunning Phang Nga Bay area. Krabi is also with reach, by boat or by road, and can be incorporated with a Phi Phi trip.
Our recommendations in Phuket
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Located in Karon, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is on the beach. Kata Porpeang Market and Bangla Road are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kata Noi Beach and Kata Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Phuket Fantasea and Phuket Aquarium. Our guests appreciate the hotel's quiet location.
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Located in Karon, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort is on the beach. Big Buddha and Tsunami Memorial are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Bangla Road and Jungceylon Shopping Center. Traveling with kids? Consider Phuket Fantasea, or check out an event or a game at Bangla Boxing Stadium.
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach
Located in Karon, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is in a rural location and on the beach. Big Buddha and Chalong Temple are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Karon Beach and Kata Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Phuket Fantasea and Phuket Aquarium.
Cape Panwa Hotel
Located in Wichit, Cape Panwa Hotel is in the suburbs and on a private beach. Travelers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Phuket Trickeye Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Chalong Bay and Panwa Beach. Phuket Aquarium and Phuket Zoo are also worth visiting.
Centara Karon Resort Phuket
Located in Karon, Centara Karon Resort Phuket is in the entertainment district and near the beach. Big Buddha and Chalong Temple are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Bangla Road and Jungceylon Shopping Center. Traveling with kids? Consider Phuket Fantasea and Phuket Aquarium.
Paradox Resort Phuket
Located in Karon, Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket is in the entertainment district and on the beach. Chalong Temple and Big Buddha are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Karon Beach and Kata Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Phuket Fantasea, or check out an event or a game at Bangla Boxing Stadium.
Pacific Club Resort
Located in Karon, Pacific Club Resort is near the beach. Big Buddha and Chalong Temple are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Karon Beach and Kata Beach. Phuket Fantasea and Phuket Aquarium are also worth visiting.
Sawasdee Village
Located in Karon, Sawasdee Village is near the beach. Kata Porpeang Market and Bangla Road are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Kata Beach and Karon Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bangla Boxing Stadium or Patong Boxing Stadium.
Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort And Spa
Located in Karon, Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort And Spa is in the entertainment district and near the beach. Big Buddha and Chalong Temple are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Kata Beach and Karon Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Phuket Fantasea, or check out an event or a game at Bangla Boxing Stadium.