Highlights
Beaches
Phuket’s considerable size and indented shoreline comprises some thirty strands, many unspoilt and a far cry from the neon-lit sands of Patong. The west coast dishes out spectacular sunsets and the likes of Bang Tao, a four-mile arc of silky sands, and the celebrity-roamed beaches of Surin and Pansea, trimmed with coconut palms. Another gem is Freedom Beach, a little harder to reach but well worth the effort for its white sands and lush jungle. Meanwhile, striking Mai Khao showcases virtually seven miles of crunchy, golden shores just made for beachcombing. Other notable beaches include Nai Thon, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn in the south of Phuket, yachts bobbing in the bay.
Scuba Diving
Phuket is a famed diving centre, offering gin-clear seas, healthy reefs, a profusion of marine-life and sites for all levels. The best spots are found off smaller, neighbouring islands, though Phuket’s west coast itself offers some alluring shallows; Kata, Freedom Beach and Bang Tao are just a few of these spots. Highly recommended sites further afield - though easily reached by scenic boat trip - include Anemone Reef and Shark Reef (where meek leopard sharks swim in large numbers), King Cruiser Wreck, Koh Dok Mai’s superb wall dive, the famous Phi Phi Islands, and Richelieu Rock in the Surin Islands National Park, considered Thailand’s top diving site.
Temples
Phuket is dotted with beautifully decorated Buddhist temples (known as wats) and sacred Chinese shrines. The famed Big Buddha is an island landmark, clearly visible for miles around from its hilltop location between Kata and Chalong. Get up close to this colossal monument and enjoy sweeping, stunning panoramic views across the island. Wat Chalong is another mesmerizing temple, featuring pagodas and intricate décor with countless reflections radiating from hundreds of pieces of tiny glass. In Phuket Town stands the large, golden sitting Buddha at Wat Khao Rang, as well as the Chinese Jui Tui Shrine, one of the most revered centres in Phuket.
Entertainment
Phuket’s nightlife offers everything from showy go-go bars and street performers, to thatched beer shacks and glamorous beach clubs. Patong has gained a somewhat notorious reputation and is an epicentre of revelry – most visitors are intrigued to catch a glimpse of this thriving party zone, packed with every kind of bar, nightclub and show imaginable. Perhaps the biggest and most extravagant stage show is Phuket FantaSea, showcasing an exotic storyline that blends fantasy with tradition, acted out by a cast of hundreds, performing elephants and jaw-dropping acrobatics. Another popular venue is Siam Niramit, a visually spectacular enactment combining songs, dances and martial arts.