Phuket

Phuket province is located in Southern Thailand. It is the biggest Island of Thailand and sits on the Andaman Sea. The nearest province to the north is Phang-nga and the nearest provinces to the east are Phang-nga and Krabi.

Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese Restaurants around the city. A Chinese Vegetarian Festival is held there every year. While the Chinese community is quite big, there are many other ethnicities bringing all their traditions and festivals from all over the world to Phuket.

Being a big island, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent Beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep Viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.

It isn’t all just beaches though, there is also fantastic classical architecture such as the Goom Restaurant. That and the very welcome atmosphere and the famous Phuket nightlife, you can see why the island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand.

Two Heroines Monument

Time for a bit of Phuket history. Yes, history.. Phuket has a rich cultural heritage, although it’s not so apparent if you’re staying in a hotel by the sea. Until tourism arrived on the scene around 30 years ago, hardly anyone lived at the beaches except some fishermen and farmers. The main towns of Phuket were at Phuket Town and Thalang. Phuket Town only became the main town in Phuket in the late 19th century. Before that Thalang had been the biggest population center. Almost every visitor to Phuket will pass through Thalang on the way South from the airport, and about 6km south of Thalang you can see the Phuket Heroines Monument – in the middle of the main road on a traffic circle – you know, it’s that statue of 2 ladies holding swords.

Having driven past the Heroines maybe 1,000 times I decided last weekend to actually stop and have a closer look at the monument. Stopping and getting to a statue in the middle of the busiest road in Phuket is not easy! I was coming from town, heading North.. there’s not a lot of parking since this is the main road. I passed the monument, u-turned and found a parking spot outside the Tesco mini-store about 100m North of the circle. It then took 5 minutes to cross over the road to the Heroines! Phuket has been called “Bangkok by the Sea” and on the main roads you can see why! But eventually a gap came in the traffic and narrowly avoiding a large truck I got across to the Heroines monument.

Ko Racha Yai

Ko Racha Yai or Raya Yai is located on Phuket’s southeast coast with its gleaming beaches. Sightseeing services are available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available. A hilltop viewpoint on the bay’s south offers a magnificent view of the whole island.

Hat Rawai

Located approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial Beach with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phuket s Chao Le people (Sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Hat Laem Kha, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Ko Lon, and Ko He. Laem Phromthep, Phukets Landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Accommodations range from budget bungalows to middle range resorts.

STROLL THE HISTORIC ROADS IN PHUKET OLD TOWN

The old quarter of the world famous holiday place Phuket is full of cultural charm, ranging from remarkable architecture from various influences to delicacies inherited from ancient times.

The narrow streets in Phuket Old Town are always lined with street food stalls, hawker hubs and family-run restaurants. Delicacies available here include everything from local pancakes, or a-pong, Chinese-style fried noodles to somtam. They reflect the culinary influence of different countries that played a role on this Island.

In the morning, you can meet the locals at the typically busy dim sum shops such as the century-old shops like Juan Hiang on Chana Charoen Road, and Boonrat which lies behind the fresh market on Bangkok Road. Have a seat, the waiters fill your table with a vast selection of dumplings, steamed buns and fried snacks.

If the light meal is not enough for you, Phuket-style Kanom Jeen which are rice noodles may suit your hungry morning. Po Lamai, at the intersection of Satun and Dibuk Road, serves one of the best Kanom Jeen topped with various thick and creamy curries.

Phuket Old Town was built on the prosperity of tin mining the last century. It is compact enough to stroll around and witness grandiose Sino-Portuguese style mansions and shophouses with beautiful facades. The unique architectural style reflects the mixed influences of various cultures in Phuket. The Thai-Hua museum on Krabi Road is one of the best places that tell interesting stories of Chinese descendants and heritages on the island.

PHUKET NIGHT SHOWS: FANTASTIC NIGHT ON THE ISLAND

When darkness covers the stunning Sea, Phuket’s attentions shifts to the nightlife and night entertainments. The colorful lights and lively vibe of Phuket can keep you awake all night long. After dark, there are abundant places to go to, but the ones listed below are fantastic.

Phuket Fantasea is one of the most famous shows in Phuket. Inspired by exotic Thai heritages, it showcases the beauty and traditions of the country. With over 400 casts and crews, 44 elephants and many animals, the extravaganza show impresses the entire audience with a breathtaking Las Vegas-style theatrical show featuring new acrobatics, illusions, fireworks, stunts, aerial performances and more.

Families are entertained with a carnival Village with games, parades and a large themed Restaurant with 4,000 seats which offers one of the best buffets in town.

Siam Niramit offers a full evening with a fabulous 70-minute show featuring great choreographies, songs, as well as a great international and Thai restaurant. The nonstop fancy show shows the History of Thailand, traditional lifestyle and beliefs, especially of heaven and hell.

Simon Cabaret is one of the city’s most famous “ladyboy” cabaret shows, offering a music show with stunning costumes, expensive sets and great sound systems. You will be surprised how beautiful Thai boys can be.

If these shows are not your favorites, then Muay Thai Boxing is probably the right choice. Phuket hosts stadiums and shows where you can enjoy watching the sport at its best. The main venue in Phuket is the Boxing Stadium at Saphanhin District.