Attractions in Phuket

Where else in the world can you dive with leopard sharks, wander around ancient Chinese temples, soak up the sun on a postcard-perfect patch of sand, and catch a drag show, all in one day? Perhaps only in Phuket, where you'll never run out of things to do. Sun-worshippers and warm weather-lovers will relish the tropical humidity and heat. It can reach the mid-90's to 100 in March and April, and the afternoon often gives way to cooling thunderstorms in the monsoon season, from May to October. It's easy to explore this popular and beautiful island, English is widely spoken and many modes of transport exist.

With a population of 63,000, Phuket Town is ground zero for shopping and offers every option from bustling and cheap local markets to air-conditioned megamalls. If you make the effort to visit, the capital of the province has worthy attractions like the Thai Village and Orchid Garden, which showcases glimpses of Thai culture, and the Jui Tui and Put Jaw Temples, which reflect the area's rich Chinese heritage. A stroll around Old Phuket is a must for its well-preserved 19th century architecture. Patong Beach is the see and be seen party zone of Phuket. International eateries satisfy every craving and bars, clubs, and pubs pump the music until late as package holiday tourists spill out onto Bangla Road. For something unique, check out a ladyboy cabaret, which features impressive transgender performances, or a Muay Thai boxing match, an intense martial arts fight that draws huge crowds. There is a fair amount of prostitution in Patong Beach but not so much that it dominates the scene. The beach itself is pleasant, but with its sea of lounge chairs and touts, this is not the place for solitude.

Water sports are unquestionably why many tourists go to Phuket. There is no shortage of opportunities to jet-ski, parasail, windsurf, and go deep sea fishing. The copious marine life and abundant coral reefs draw scuba divers from around the world. Snorkelers will not be disappointed as the water clarity is superb, except when rainy season stirs things up a bit. Swimming is mostly safe although red flag warnings should always be heeded. A profusion of outfitters in Patong Beach and Chalong Bay offer snorkeling tours and excursions to the surrounding islands.

Phuket is blessed with some of the best beaches in Thailand. The turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea lap the dazzling white sands all along the north, south, and western edges of Phuket, while nearby islands like Ko Racha Yai and Ko Mai Thon offer tranquility in the company of swaying palm trees. Phuket's two national parks attract visitors for their gigantic waterfalls and virgin tropical rainforests. Golfing, temple-hopping, and Thai cooking can also go on the agenda. Kids love the Phuket Aquarium near Cape Panwa and are equally enthralled at family-friendly FantaSea, a nighttime cultural entertainment complex akin to Disneyland near Kamala Beach.

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