Tourist Attractions in Phuket

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Phuket

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Phuket

For many years Phuket has broken records in popularity and demand among travellers. And not without reason, because the resorts of the island are located on excellent beaches, the sea water pleases with purity and transparency, and the prices for holidays have always been kept at an affordable level.

According to many tourists, Phuket is a strong and worthy compromise between ambiguous Pattaya and such places as Samui, Krabi or Phi Phi Phi. The island offers paradise vistas, tranquil lagoons, traditional temples and hundreds of entertainment venues.

In Phuket Town, the island’s capital, you can wander the streets and enjoy the amazing architecture, then hire a bike and drive to one of the many viewpoints or to any beach. Everything is close by, so the traveller does not have to cover hundreds of kilometres of tiring road.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Phuket

The Big Buddha, Phuket

 4.6/5

30493 reviews

A 45 metre high monument on Nakkerd Hill in the southern part of the city. The Buddha statue is part of a large temple complex, which is being built with charitable funds. The construction of the monastery began in 2002 and is still ongoing. Everyone can donate money for the construction. The majestic statue of the god can be seen from many points of Phuket, and there are several roads leading from the coast to the attraction.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Chaithararam Temple - Wat Chalong

 4.6/5

13570 reviews

The temple is located in the centre of the island on the way to the Big Buddha statue. The attraction is included in all Phuket sightseeing tours. Wat Chalong is the largest and most picturesque temple on the island, it is deservedly popular with tourists. In the interior of the decoration of the elements is dominated by gilding, the floor is made of marble. The walls are painted with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Karon Temple

 4.6/5

799 reviews

The structure was built at the very end of the 19th century in the Karon Beach area. The small temple building looks quite well-maintained, as it is carefully looked after. At the entrance there are emerald-coloured figures of guardian kites. Twice a week there is a night market in the area near the temple where you can buy food and clothes. Some tourists claim that it is possible to enter the territory of the monastery in a swimming costume, given its location on the beach.

Open time

Old Phuket Town

 0/5

Phuket Town is located in the interior of the island, off the beaten track. There are no beaches or holiday activities, but it has its own special atmosphere. The turn-of-the-century mansions that adorn the streets of the old town are built in the Sino-Portuguese style, a mix of Chinese and European traditions that hints at a time of alternating Portuguese and Chinese domination of the island.

Sarasin Bridge

 4.5/5

752 reviews

A bridge built in 1967 that links Phuket to the Thai mainland. Over time, it was no longer able to cope with the increased traffic. In 2011, a new modern bridge was built nearby and Sarasin became pedestrianised. There is a lookout point that overlooks Phang Ga Bay and the Andaman Sea. There are restaurants serving fresh seafood at the foot of the bridge.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Bangla Road

 4.3/5

468 reviews

A promenade on Patong Beach, the centre of Phuket’s nightlife. It is home to over 200 bars, several large night discos, shops, and adult shows. During the day, the street is a regular resort alley selling souvenirs and offering local cuisine. At night it becomes a colourful gathering of wandering tourists, local transsexuals in mind-boggling costumes and girls of easy behaviour.

Phuket Indy Night Market

 4.2/5

1104 reviews

A weekend market, or should I say weekend evening market, located in Phuket Town near Naka Temple, with only a few outlets open on weekdays. Trading starts from 4pm and continues until 10pm-22.30pm. This is a very colourful and colourful place where you can try several dozen types of Thai street food, buy souvenirs, clothes, shoes and various trinkets.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Lard Yai Market

 4.6/5

69 reviews

Lard Yai is considered Phuket’s largest market. Unlike many other such places, locals shop here, so the prices are lower than in the tourist spots. The market square is located in Phuket Town and is only open on Sundays from 16.00 to 22.00. The rest of the time it is a busy street with quite heavy traffic. Like any Thai market, the stalls at Lard Yai are bursting with an abundance of edibles.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM

Central Phuket Floresta

 4.5/5

16204 reviews

A big modern shop in Phuket Town where a tourist can spend a lot of money. It is a very ordinary shopping centre, as there are many of them in all cities of the world. In addition to goods of world manufacturers, Thai products are sold here, and at the local food court you can taste fast food with national flavour. Numerous massage parlours offer their services on the territory of the centre.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen

 4.5/5

375 reviews

The stadium is located in the centre of Patong on Bangla Road. It is considered one of the best in Phuket. Three times a week there are boxing fights, usually about 10 fights a night. Serious professionals often come to demonstrate their skills. The arena has 350 seats. Those who wish can attend Thai boxing training sessions, which are held in the evenings, on days when there are no competitions.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Phuket FantaSea

 3.9/5

2891 reviews

A colourful theatrical performance telling the story of Thailand’s history. The show involves several dozen elephants and more than 400 people. For an hour and a half the spectator is immersed in the exciting world of magnificent scenery, colourful costumes, acrobatic stunts, traditional dances and special effects. The show has been running since 1998, since then it has been visited by a huge number of tourists.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5:30 – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 5:30 – 11:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 5:30 – 11:30 PM

Siam Niramit Phuket

 4.7/5

4563 reviews

The second historical show opened in 2011 and is a worthy competitor to Phuket Phantasy. Tourists are often faced with the dilemma of which show to attend? Many decide to see both. Siam Niramit is the Phuket branch of the capital’s show park. Before the show, the audience is invited to visit an improvised Thai village and have dinner at a restaurant.

Open time

Monday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM

Simon Cabaret Phuket

 4.1/5

1997 reviews

A famous show in which transsexuals and transvestites take part. They perform mind-bogglingly funny stunts, dance and sing beautifully, thus causing indescribable delight in the audience. The actors demonstrate all their skills on stage, and the grateful audience responds to them with unceasing applause. Simon Cabaret has been operating since 1991 in Patong Beach (resort village).

Open time

Monday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM

Phuket 3D Museum

 4.2/5

2596 reviews

Museum of 3D paintings and optical illusions, opened in 2013. The background of “three-dimensional” images makes for great photographs, as the whole composition is formed into a general picture. The gallery has reproductions of works by famous masters – Van Gogh, E. Munch, Da Vinci. Before entering the museum you should take off your shoes, as some parts of 3D images are located directly on the floor.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phuket Seashell Museum

 4.2/5

265 reviews

The museum exhibits the collection of the Patamakantin travelling brothers. For 40 years they have travelled to countless countries and collected many artefacts from all over the world. The collection contains over 2,000 artefacts, many of which are quite rare and valuable. For example, the museum holds a 140-carat pearl and a huge shell weighing 250 kilograms. Some shell fossils are several hundred million years old.

Place is closed permanently

Phuket Aquarium

 4.1/5

4557 reviews

Oceanarium, which was opened in 1983. The aquarium presents a rich fauna and flora of the ocean and freshwater bodies. Here live moray eels, catfish, huge perches, colourful tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other inhabitants of the depths (about 160 species in total). Some of the most interesting creatures of the oceanarium are cat fish, box fish, clown fish and leopard shark.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Phuket Bird Park

 4/5

2408 reviews

Located in the central part of the island about 8 kilometres from Phuket Town, the park has been in operation since 2013. The area is home to more than 300 species of birds from all over the world (about 1,000 in total). The park’s creators have worked hard on the landscape design. There are pavilions, wooden figures, sculptures, and even some artificial ponds scattered everywhere. The main entertainment is the bird show, which takes place three times a day.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phuket Botanic Garden

 3.8/5

594 reviews

A small, picturesque park spread over an area of 1 hectare. It has only recently opened, but already claims to be a popular attraction on the island. The park is divided into zones. There is a Japanese garden, a palm grove, a prairie with cacti, a Balinese corner, a European park, a traditional Thai provincial house. There is an artificial waterfall in the Botanical Garden, which is reached by a green tunnel.

Open time

Tiger Kingdom - Phuket

 3.9/5

11739 reviews

A small “branch” of a Buddhist monastery, where there is a long tradition of keeping tigers and training them to interact with people. Several animals live on the territory, the tourist can choose which of them he wants to enter the cage. The cost of the visit depends on this. It is believed that these tame tigers are not aggressive and do not attack people, so they can be stroked. But before entering, each visitor is given a paper to sign, by which he agrees to all the consequences of visiting a dangerous predator.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Monkey Hill Viewpoint

 4.4/5

1861 reviews

A hill near Phuket Town, which is home to a colony of monkeys. There are a lot of animals there, they are not afraid of people at all – they calmly walk along the carriageway, hang on the trees, gladly eat treats from the hands of tourists. Sometimes a whole pack of monkeys can follow a car or a moped, it looks very funny. At the top of the hill there is an observation deck with a view of Phuket Town.

Open time

Bang Pae Waterfall

 4/5

1129 reviews

One of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Phuket. The water jets fall from a height of 15 metres and a small lake at the foot of the falls is available for swimming if you wish. The place is famous for its orphaned monkey nursery. Here they nurse baby gibbons that have been left without care for some reason. You cannot enter the nursery, but you can make a donation.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sirinat National Park

 4.4/5

4960 reviews

The reserve was founded in 1981. Its territory stretches along the north-west coast of the island. The national park includes the wild beaches of Bangtao, Nai Ton, Nai Yang and Mai Khao, where giant tortoises nest. The reserve is home to a unique mangrove grove, where various species of mangrove trees are represented and mangrove snakes and varanas live. The total area of Sirinat is about 90 km².

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Karon View Point

 4.5/5

10534 reviews

The point is located between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Beach. The hilltop offers views of the coastline and the beaches of Karon, Kata Yai, Nai Harn and the Big Buddha statue. The observation deck is popular with tourists and many people come here to admire the surroundings. There are a couple of cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat. There is a large gazebo on the site.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Khao Rang

 4.5/5

5183 reviews

Rang Hill is located within Phuket Town, overlooking Chalong and the emerald Andaman Sea. At the top of the hill, where the viewing platform is located, there is a monument to P. Ratsadanupradit, one of Phuket Province’s esteemed governors. Wild monkeys live on the slopes and sometimes beg for food from visitors. There is a restaurant next to the observation deck and a small public garden for sports activities.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Windmill Viewpoint

 4.7/5

4490 reviews

Phuket’s less popular and well-known observation deck. It offers views of Nai Harn Beach, Ya Nui Beach and a small uninhabited island off Prom Thep. The site is equipped with a gazebo and several tents with food and drinks. There aren’t many people here, as the well-trodden tourist routes run away from this picturesque spot. But this is probably for the best.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Cape Phrom Thep

 4.7/5

12587 reviews

The cape is the southernmost point of the island. From the local observation deck, you can watch sunsets of breathtaking beauty. Tourist agencies even organise special evening excursions so that people can see the magical colours of the sun setting into the waters of the Andaman Sea and painting the entire horizon in all shades of pink. In clear weather, you can even see the distant shores of India from the observation deck.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Nai Harn Beach

 0/5

Nai Harn is located in the south-western part of Phuket. It is surrounded on both sides by low mountains, which are covered with palm groves. The beach is small – only 1 km long and up to 50 metres wide. It is suitable for quiet family holidays with children, as the descent into the water is flat and gentle. Thanks to warm currents, the water temperature stays at a comfortable 27-30°C throughout the year.

Karon Beach

 4.6/5

7033 reviews

A member of the top three most popular beaches on the island, which in addition to Kata and Patong. It stretches along the coast for several kilometres. There are a lot of hotels and tourists, but still, not such pandemonium as on Patong because of the greater length of the coastline. There are fewer people on the outskirts of Karon, so those who like privacy should go there instead of looking for a place in the central part.

Open time

Bang Tao Beach

 4.5/5

1959 reviews

A large beach with golden sand and shallow seas over 7 kilometres long. It is located in the neighbourhood of Patong. The southern part of the beach is more residential, with restaurants, cafes, shops and other infrastructure. The northern part is less popular due to its inaccessibility. There are several natural lakes in the central part of Bang Tao, which are connected to the sea by a narrow channel.

Open time

Kata Beach

 4.5/5

2600 reviews

The shoreline of the beach stretches along the coral reef. According to some tourists, this is the cleanest water in Phuket. From May to October the winds blow here, so the place becomes popular with surfers. Many local hotels are located in close proximity to the beach and their windows offer a great view of the azure Andaman Sea. Kata is suitable for both family holidays and active holidays.