Phuket is the biggest island in all of Thailand, and it has got a little bit of everything. Beautiful, lively beaches and deserted bays, party strips and sacred temples, local life and colonial heritage towns, small off-shore islands and magnificent coral gardens – there is plenty to see and do. Here’s what not to miss during your stay on Phuket Island:

1. Old Town shopping, strolling and coffee

Phuket Old Town has got a lot of old-age charm with beautiful colonial buildings and museums. At the same time, the town is home to hip and trendy coffee bars and boutique shops. You can easily spend a full day or two strolling around these lively streets in this lovely old town, munching on coffee and cake, shopping for unique items and exploring the exciting street food culture at the weekend market. Phuket Town is easy to fall in love with, and it takes less than 30 minutes to get to the beach, making it easy to come here for a day trip from your private pool villas – perfect!

2. Banana Beach

Phuket is surrounded by beautiful beaches and bays with soft powdery white sands and turquoise waters, but Banana Beach is one of my personal favourites. It is located away from the main beach area, close to the airport and it is hidden at the bottom of a cliff. Come here early, bring some drinks and food and a perfect beach day awaits. Banana Beach is quiet, small and wonderful. There is one warung on the beach where you can get some Thai meals (a bit pricey though), and that’s all – there is nothing else around but sand and sea – just the way we like it!

3. Local food with a whole lot of chilli

Authentic Thai food is spicy, and Phuket is just the right place to build up your chilli tolerance. Those of you into spicy food, you will love the food here! Tom Yum, red curries, pad Thai with extra chilli flakes on top, chilli crab – you name it. For those who still need to go through the painful phase where your mouth is on fire, and you taste nothing at all, work on your tolerance gradually during your holiday here in Phuket. Once you get the hang of it – you won’t get enough! Is spicy food really not your thing? No worries! Thai food is awesome and especially in the touristy areas, you can get delightful food adjusted to westerners. Happy munching!

4. Crazy nights at Bangla Road

Even if you didn’t come to party, checking out the (in)famous Bangla Road party strip in Patong is entertaining. Immerse yourself in a sea of neon lights and craziness, and you won’t know what hit you. Beautiful ladies, tall and glamorous, singers, dancers, smiles and buckets of alcohol. You may feel a little lost in a good way like Alice in Wonderland. Bangla Road starts waking up after sunset, and it takes all passengers who set food on this party strip on a ride that can last until deep in the night if you are not careful.

5. On, In & Underwater

Phuket is a water paradise. The ocean has got blue and turquoise waters, and the beaches are fringed by high swaying tropical palms and coconut trees. The water is warm – perfect for swimming. You can have fun with watersports or go explore the wonders of the underwater world. Snorkelling and diving trips allow you to swim in coral gardens, spotting exotic fish and sea creatures. You can also go sea kayaking or scooter away on the surface of the sea. Water fun is endless on the island of Phuket.

 

Written by Stephanie – Villa Finder