Here we go: About Phuket
Phuket was originally known as Thalang, from the Malay word for ‘cape’. It is believed that the name ‘Phuket’ is from another Malay word, ‘bukit’, which means ‘hill’; the island appears as a hill from the water.
Phuket became part of Siam (now Thailand) in the 13th century. Always a stop on the major trade routes between India and China, Phuket became known as a source for tin during the 16th century. At that time, Phuket also became a trade stop for European traders with Portuguese, French, Dutch and English ships visiting frequently. Like the rest of Thailand, Phuket was never colonized by a European power, though some of its architecture, particularly in Phuket Town, bears Chinese and Portuguese influences. While Phuket was a major source of tin and rubber, its main industry is now tourism.
Places to visit in Phuket
Let’s start with Phuket’s most notable historical sites!
Big Buddha
High on the list of places to visit in Phuket and also one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, The Big Buddha is a large statue of a seated Buddha set on Nagakerd Hill, near Chalong. Visible from many places on the island, the massive sculpture is a reinforced concrete structure 45 meters tall and covered with 135 tons of Burmese white jade marble. Accessed via stairs, the Big Buddha sits atop a temple.
Wat Chalong Temple
The largest and most visible Buddhist temple on Phuket, Wat Chalong is about a 15-minute drive from the Big Buddha. The interior of the temple features gold-covered statues and frescos depicting Buddha’s life. When entering a Thai temple (‘wat’), it is customary to remove your shoes and ensure that your shoulders are covered.
Monkey Hill
About a 25-30 minute drive from Wat Chalong is Monkey Hill and the Khao Toh Sae Viewpoint. One of the highest points on the island, the viewpoint offers panoramic views of Phuket. Keep in mind that the area is called “Monkey Hill” because monkeys live in the nearby forests and often frolic around the viewpoint.
Phuket beaches
Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, Phuket is famous for its white-sand beaches. Patong Beach, in the lively town of Patong, is an extremely popular destination. North of Patong are Surin and Kamala beaches, while the southern beaches include Kata Noi, Karon and Nai Harn.
- Patong Beach
- Kata Noi Beach
- Karon Beach
- Nai Harn Beach
Phuket FantaSea
Near Kamala Beach, the Phuket FantaSea Thai Cultural Theme Park attracts thousands of tourists each year. The park has three main attractions, including a ‘Festival Village’ shopping street, an expansive Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant featuring Thai and international dishes, and Vegas-style entertainment in the Palace of the Elephants. In addition, the park offers an evening performance of Thai Culture & Illusion, with a cast of 150 people and dozens of elephants.
Phuket 3D Museum
Also known as the Trick Eye Museum, this entertaining complex in picturesque Phuket is a favorite for children and photographers, featuring massive three-dimensional paintings and interactive art installations. Moments that push the boundaries of your mind await you in this museum, which is an extraordinary discovery point.
Coconut Island
Accessible via a 15-minute ferry ride from Laem Hin Pier, Coconut Island is known for its upscale resorts. Offering idyllic, quiet beaches and an abundance of coconut palms, the island is called Koh Maphrao in Thai.
Dining in Phuket
Thai cuisine is legendary for its complexity and diversity, as well as its delicious and spicy flavors. Naturally, Phuket’s gastronomy reflects this wealth. The island has numerous Thai and international restaurants; seafood figures prominently, as do tropical fruits. Although the local specialties listed below are mainly considered street food, each has been listed in the Michelin Guide.
- O tao: A dish made with small oysters and other seafood fried in a batter of egg and taro. O Tao Bang Niao, a purveyor of o tao, is listed in the Michelin Guide.
- Ah pong (A pong): Coconut crepes. A Pong Mae Sunee, a purveyor of ahpong, is listed in the Michelin Guide.
- Khanom chin: Rice noodles and various toppings such as seafood. Khanom Jeen Baan Bang Kan, a shop serving a variety of noodle dishes, is listed in the Michelin Guide.
- Oh aew: A shaved ice dessert with o-aew seeds or jelly, bananas and red beans, usually sweetened with sugar or syrup.
- Pad thai: Classic street dish consisting of rice noodles, shrimp, a scrambled egg, peanuts and bean sprouts. Sometimes chicken or tofu is added.
Helpful notes on Phuket
If you cannot wait to experience Phuket for yourself, here’s the link to Phuket flight tickets!
Staying in Phuket
As one of the most popular routes in Thailand and even Southeast Asia, Phuket offers a wide range of accommodations at various budget levels – from luxury resorts to relaxed hotels and from hostels to rental apartments. Some of the most popular areas for tourists include Patong and Patong Beach, as well as the areas around Karon and Kata beaches, and Phuket Town. While it is inland and lacks immediate access to the beach, Phuket Town is convenient to many tourist attractions. To plan your vacation even more easily, check out Turkish Airlines Holidays holiday packages for accommodation and flight reservations.
Getting around Phuket
Phuket’s public transportation system can be challenging to navigate. The Phuket Smart Bus operates between the airport and various stops throughout the island. You can find out more here. Other public transportation options include minibuses. Taxis are available as are motorcycle taxis and tuk tuks, though the latter two are appropriate for shorter distances only. Taxis are always available and, of course, you can rent a car or a motorbike.
Getting from Phuket International Airport to other areas on Phuket
It takes around 2 hours to get from Phuket International Airport to Nai Harn Beach, at the southern end of the island. Driving times will vary depending on your destination. The Phuket Smart Bus operates from the airport to various stops and leaves around every 30 minutes. Airport taxis are available at the terminal 24 hours.
We wish you safe travels!
