Phuket is the best place to relax. Where to go to Phuket

What does a person planning a trip to the island need to know about Phuket? There are several points that are useful to keep in mind to ensure that your vacation is enjoyable and hassle-free: choosing a beach and the best time to travel, safety issues, recommendations for shopping, local cuisine, etc.

Phuket is one of the most popular resorts in Thailand, where more than 8 million tourists come annually to relax. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, the picturesque nature of the neighboring islands and a variety of entertainment for adults and children. The island is perfect for both families with small children and young couples without children.

The choice of activities in Phuket is huge. Here you can:

swim in the sea to your heart's content;
sunbathe on different beaches;
scuba dive to coral reefs;
learn kitesurfing or windsurfing;
go hiking in a real jungle;
ride an elephant;
try many exotic dishes;
go on a sea cruise to nearby islands;
visit Buddhist temples;
touch a crocodile or pet a tiger;
buy inexpensive clothes and natural cosmetics.

And this is not a complete list of entertainment available on the island. Below you will find everything you need to know about Phuket in order to relax with pleasure and avoid disappointments and unforeseen situations.

Useful information you need to know about Phuket

Geography

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. The island is 850 kilometers away from the capital of the kingdom, Bangkok. It is located in the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean), which makes it different from other popular resorts - Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chang or Koh Samui, which are located in the Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea). More than half the island's area is occupied by low hills covered with jungle. In addition to them, in Phuket you can often find coconut palms, mangroves and hevea (rubber tree) plantations.

The administrative center of the island is . Tourists rarely visit it, since it is located away from popular beaches. As a rule, people come to Phuket Town for shopping and for walking along the colorful streets with ancient colonial-style buildings.

Beaches

Apart from souvenirs, the most common items brought to Phuket are: summer clothes and shoes, which are sold at low prices in Thailand; seasonings and kits for preparing Thai dishes; silver and pearls purchased from certified stores; pillows made of latex, which has a number of unique properties; ointments, balms and medicines made from natural ingredients.

Safety

Important points to know about Phuket.

If a red flag is hung on the beach, then swimming in the sea is prohibited. This precaution is due to high waves and strong currents offshore. During the high season, red flags appear infrequently; as a rule, the sea is dangerous during the rainy season.
You need to be very careful when moving around the island using a rented vehicle: Thais drive in a peculiar way, tourists - irresponsibly. As a result, dangerous situations often arise on Phuket roads.
Transvestites only look like flirty, fragile girls; we must not forget that these are strong young men who are strong enough to take a wallet from a tourist walking down an unlit street at night.
Anything related to gambling and drugs should be avoided in every possible way, as in Thailand you can get a long prison sentence for them . In busy tourist areas there are scammers who try to lure a foreigner into illegal entertainment so that after losing money he will be afraid to report to the police.

Excursions

One of the reasons for the enormous popularity of Phuket among tourists from all over the world is various excursion programs, available to vacationers. The list of options for an exciting pastime is huge: sea cruises to nearby islands, exciting shows with trained animals, active recreation (rafting, diving, ATVs and others) or educational programs (cooking courses, visits to temples or pearl farms).

Excursions that are most in demand among Russian-speaking tourists in Phuket, are listed below.

Cruises to and. Of all the natural attractions around Phuket, these islands are the most visited. Reason for popularity: incredibly beautiful nature, lush greenery, gorgeous beaches.
. Another destination where dozens of boats with tourists depart every day: the fantastic landscapes and beaches of Similan become the most vivid memories of a holiday in Phuket for everyone, without exception.
. The lake is amazing: clear water of a deep emerald color, rocky islands of bizarre shapes rise above it, impassable jungle along the shores, and in one of the mountains there is a huge cave. In the quiet bays of the reservoir there are floating hotels: reed huts built on bamboo rafts.
at Fantasia Park and/or performances at Siam Niramit. Every evening, at the island’s two largest concert venues, spectacular costume performances are held, telling Phuket guests about the history and culture of the country.
. Both children and adults enjoy riding the giant. The animals are trained and therefore do not pose a danger to humans. Trip duration: from 20 minutes to an hour.

Attractions

Listed below are the main (but far from the only) attractions of Phuket, which are definitely worth adding to your vacation program on the island.

Large Buddha statue

The symbol of the island and its most prominent shrine. The marble figure is installed on the top of a hill, so it is impossible not to notice it. Tourists come to the statue out of interest in Buddhist rituals and traditions, as well as to get a bird's eye view of Phuket: from a 400-meter hill, the western part of the island is clearly visible.

Buddhist temple Wat Chalong

This temple complex with its intricate architecture is visited more often than others: it looks more beautiful than other temples on the island, and some of its buildings are built in a style that is quite unusual for Thailand. For Thais, Wat Chalong is the most important place of worship of Buddha, as the temple houses revered relics.

Tiger Kingdom

There are not many places in the world where any visitor can pet a dangerous predator without fear for his life and health. In Phuket, this can be done in a nursery where tigers are kept. Small tiger cubs can be hand-fed with milk, and photographs can be taken with adult animals.

Botanical Garden

An excellent opportunity to combine a pleasant walk through a well-kept park with visual lessons in botany: in the garden you can see dozens of species of tropical plants and trees, learn how cashew nuts grow and how pineapples ripen, get acquainted with many varieties of cacti and orchids, and admire the lake with lotuses.

Monkey Mountain

Phuket has many high hills with viewing platforms, but this hill is different in that a huge troop of monkeys awaits visitors on the way to the top. Macaques don’t mind being filmed, but on one condition: the photographer must treat them with something tasty, otherwise they will rip off everything they can get their hands on - a bag, glasses, a cap, a camera.

Old streets of Phuket Town

To see what the island was like before the influx of tourists, you need to walk through the quarters of old Phuket Town, where residential buildings from the 19th century have been preserved. You won’t have to walk much, because the entire architectural heritage of the island is compactly located on several streets: Thalang, Krabi Road, Dibuk and Phang Nga. It's best to leave the walk for a Sunday evening to combine it with a trip to the night market, which is held every week in the area.

Night market

The market is a free excursion that introduces you to the culture and mentality of local residents. Dozens of sellers and hundreds of their buyers act as guides. The lecture is conducted in Thai, but its meaning is conveyed not so much through words as through smiles, good nature and a cheerful mood. As a bonus: inexpensive fruits, exotic food, exotic souvenirs and cheap consumer goods.

Due to the fact that there is a flight on the island that accepts international flights (which for us means direct flights from the Russian Federation), Phuket is considered one of the most popular resorts in Thailand. But the geographical feature, a large number of beaches that are different from each other and a developed tourist infrastructure are not the only advantages of the island. Phuket is so huge that it is given the status of a separate province, which is why its name does not use the Thai word Ko (island). And for an independent tourist there is always something to see in Phuket on those days when he gets tired of sealing and the monotony of vacation days.

You can buy an excursion either from your hotel guide (but this is always more expensive), if you are vacationing on a package tour, or choose it yourself at one of the street travel agencies.

They constantly ask me to recommend a trusted local agency, which I have used myself. I advise: . Large selection of excursions, including in Russian. It’s convenient that you can write to them via messenger and place an order directly on the website.

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha Temple on Mount Nakaked above Chalong is notable for its huge statue of a seated Buddha, located at an altitude of more than 300 meters above sea level. Construction of the temple with the almost 50-meter statue began in 2008 with donations from the local community, and is still ongoing. From the observation deck near the statue there is an excellent panoramic view of the beauty of the island, although I would not call this viewpoint the best in Phuket, and the popularity of the place has significantly affected its attendance - there are a lot of people.

Botanical Garden in Phuket

Quite a pleasant place where you have the opportunity to get to know the mass of tropical plants of Thailand in the open air, in the format of a tropical garden. The place is spacious, with kilometers of pedestrian paths, corners and dead ends - you can walk around to your heart's content. Great for while away the hot time of the day, and if you really want, you can rent a bungalow in the hotel, which is located right inside the garden, near a small artificial pond. In addition to the Botanical Garden, you can also see a roughly similar attraction - the Butterfly Garden.

Chalong Temple

Wat Chalong Monastery is located in the south of Phuket and is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries on the island. The first written mention of Wat Chalong dates back to 1837. The tallest building of the monastery, Chedi Phra Mahathat, houses a particle of the ashes of Buddha, a gift to the King of Thailand on his 72nd birthday from the government of Sri Lanka. The architecture of the monastery amazes with its purely oriental whimsicality of forms and bright colors. Every 15 minutes, the monks explode firecrackers to drive away evil spirits. The monastery tower offers excellent views of Chalong. All together creates an amazing and unique atmosphere of this place. Separately, I also advise you to visit the deserted and atmospheric one. It is located on a mountain with a beautiful view.

Karon Observation Deck

A noisy and crowded place, very popular among tourists, which is included in most sightseeing tours of Phuket. A large parking lot, an equipped pavilion for visitors, some traders and photographers with birds, in general - an ordinary tourist place with unusually beautiful landscapes. The observation deck offers views of the beaches of Kata, Kata Noi and Karon. It’s worth coming here just to see this beauty with your own eyes. In addition to the observation deck, I recommend going to, it’s very close there. During the day, it may not be necessary, but before sunset - at sunset, there will be a very pleasant view with drinks and food.

Viewpoint on Rang Hill

A pleasant place on the top of Mount Rang, not with a panoramic view, but 180 degrees will be enough for positive emotions. The place is much more attractive than Monkey Hill, and it also has its own local monkeys in the jungle, which you will come across on the way up. The view opens onto the valley with Phuket Town; it looks especially attractive at night, under artificial lighting. Visiting is free and available 24 hours a day. In addition to the observation deck, I recommend visiting the neighboring “attraction” -.

Observation deck at Khao Khad Tower

Khao Khad View Tower is a three-story tower that was built solely for one purpose - to get a full panoramic view. Really 360 degrees. The tower stands on a high, gentle hill and has a large parking lot at the base. There are also retail shops where you can buy sweets or simple snacks, with which you will then enjoy sitting on a bench on the third tier, looking at the azure horizons. The place is not the most popular, but very worthy and is considered one of the best viewpoints on the island of Phuket.

Observation deck at Cape Promthep

One of the most popular and easily accessible viewpoints on the island of Phuket. In addition to the fact that Cape Promthep itself is an interesting natural attraction with an excellent overview, there are also a couple of historical and religious attractions: the Brahma sanctuary with a whole herd of elephants of various sizes and a military lighthouse with free entry, where you can climb for a wider view. The place is crowded, beautiful and deserves at least one visit. In addition to Cape Promthep, you can also visit a similar attraction -.

Bang Pae Waterfall

The largest waterfall in Phuket is Bang Pae. It is located in the northern part of Phuket, within the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, in the Thalang district. The water in it does not flow down the wall and does not break into rapids, but classically falls into a stone bowl from a 15-meter height. You can and should swim in the bowl if the number of people in the reservoir allows. Bang Pae in Phuket is the most picturesque waterfall on the island, perfect for walks and relaxation. On the way to the waterfall you can look into the gibbon nursery, although I wouldn’t go there a second time - it’s a sad sight.

Thai boxing

Muay Thai is part of the culture and national sport of Thailand. Unlike regular boxing, almost any strikes are allowed in Thai - this is a much tougher type of martial arts than others. At the beginning of the last century, the windings on the hands of boxers were sprinkled with crushed glass and iron, and fights often ended in death. There are many places in Phuket where you can watch real fights. Ticket prices are quite high, but for those interested in such spectacles, visiting at least one of the Muay Thai arenas will be very interesting. This is not only a fight, but also a kind of art, with complex accompanying rituals.

Flight of Hanuman

Hanuman is the god of monkeys, in case you didn't know. And “The Flight of Hanuman” is an exciting zip-line attraction where everyone can feel like a monkey and fly over the jungle, clinging with a special cable to the ropes stretched between the trees, getting their dose of adrenaline. The longest flight is about 400 meters, the height above the ground is up to 40 meters. The adventure is quite safe, but such an experience will be remembered for a long time and will give a lot of impressions.

Snake farm

Snake shows are a popular attraction in Thailand. Including in Phuket, where there are several snake farms. The most famous of them is located near the Chalong ring. The snake show lasts 45 minutes. In addition, you can see the serpentarium and take a photo with a python. There is a shop at the farm that sells snakeskin products (belts, purses, wallets), as well as medicines made from snake venom.

Safari Kok Chang

Elephant safaris have been around for quite some time and take place in the jungle between Rawai and Kata beaches. Lasts from 20 minutes to an hour. During the safari you can see the most beautiful beaches of Phuket - from Kata Noi to Karon. Elephants can also be fed.

A slightly tired zoo, which however copes with its main task - to entertain children in Phuket. Adults are unlikely to like the zoo; the place is very simple, without pathos. Animals are shown both in enclosures and in the format of prepared shows with tricks and even some kind of meaningful plots. The visit will take several hours, you won’t want to come here a second time, but with all that has been said, the Phuket Zoo is many times cooler than the one in Phuket. True, the price tag at the zoo is kind of insane.

What to see near Phuket

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is a group of six islands located in the Andaman Sea, 48 km from Phuket. The most famous island is Phi Phi Ley and Maya Bay, where the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed in 1999. This is the most popular attraction and one of the symbols of Thailand. The beaches around the islands look fantastically beautiful in good weather: snow-white sand, emerald sea with clear water and steep cliffs. You can come from Phuket to Phi Phi on a one-day tour. This excursion is especially suitable for lovers of beaches and natural attractions.

Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake

Khao Sok National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in Thailand, located 160 km from Phuket, on a narrow mainland isthmus that separates the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. One of the most beautiful places in the park is the mountain lake Cheow Lan. Other attractions of Khao Sok also make a strong impression: steep karst cliffs, tropical forest with a huge number of different plant species, mountain rivers and waterfalls. The territory of Khao Sok National Park is well developed, there are roads, guesthouses, cafes and marked walking paths. In my opinion, this is the most interesting and unusual place in the south of Thailand.

James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay National Park is home to islands and bizarre pillar-shaped rocks, with grottoes and caves in which stalactites hang from the ceiling, tropical vegetation and greenish-azure water create unique landscapes, as if from a fantasy world. One of the most famous islands of the national park is called “James Bond Island”, since it was there that one of the films in the series about the world famous spy was filmed. Most of the islands in the park are uninhabited; many have caves and tunnels leading to hidden lagoons. The best way to explore the park is by boat or kayak, and the most economical way to get there is on a tour.

A national park and paradise with the best beaches on the west coast of Thailand. Thanks to its isolation on the islands, and seasonal closures for the restoration of nature, the Similans are and remain a paradise on earth. The stunning color of the sea, snow-white beaches, tropical islands and boat crossings between them - all this leaves unforgettable emotions and aesthetic pleasure. This is the best thing that can happen to you in Thailand, if, of course, you came here specifically for the beauty of nature.

Similan Islands

For many years, Phuket has been breaking records in popularity and demand among travelers. And not without reason, because the island’s resorts are located on excellent beaches, the sea water is clean and transparent, and prices for vacations have always been kept at an affordable level.

According to many tourists, Phuket is a strong and worthy compromise between the controversial Pattaya and places like Samui, Krabi or Phi Phi. The island has heavenly views, tranquil lagoons, traditional temples and hundreds of entertainment venues.

In the capital of the island, Phuket Town, you can wander through the streets and enjoy the amazing architecture, and then rent a bike and ride to one of the many observation decks or to any beach. Everything is nearby, so the traveler does not have to travel hundreds of kilometers of tedious road.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Phuket?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The monument is 45 meters high, installed on Nakkerd Hill in the southern part of the city. The Buddha statue is part of a large temple complex that is being built with charitable funds. Construction of the monastery began in 2002 and is still ongoing. Anyone can donate money for construction. The majestic statue of the god is visible from many points in Phuket; several roads lead from the coast to the attraction.

The temple is located in the center of the island on the way to the Big Buddha statue. The attraction is included in all sightseeing tours of Phuket. Wat Chalong is the largest and most picturesque temple on the island; it is deservedly popular among tourists. In the interior, 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.

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 maintained. At the entrance there are figures of emerald-colored snake guards. Twice a week there is a night market on the site near the temple, where you can buy food and clothing. Some tourists claim that you can enter the monastery in a swimsuit, given its location on the beach.

Phuket town is located in the interior of the island, away from the beaten tourist paths. There are no beaches or vacation activities, but it has its own special atmosphere. The mansions from the last century that decorate the streets of the old city are built in the Sino-Portuguese style - a mixture of Chinese and European traditions, which indicates the times of alternating dominance of the Portuguese and Chinese on the island.

The bridge was built in 1967 and connects Phuket with mainland Thailand. Over time, it could no longer cope with the increased flow of cars. In 2011, a new modern bridge was built nearby and Sarasin became pedestrian. An observation deck has been installed here, which offers views of Phang Ga Bay and the exit to the Andaman Sea. At the foot of the bridge there are restaurants serving fresh seafood.

A walking alley on the territory of Patong Beach, the center of Phuket's nightlife. There are more than 200 bars, several large night discos, shops, and shows for adults. During the day, the street is an ordinary resort alley where they sell souvenirs and offer local cuisine. At night it turns into a motley gathering of wandering tourists, local transsexuals in breathtaking costumes and girls of easy virtue.

A weekend or, more correctly, weekend market, which is located in Phuket Town next to the Naka Temple. On weekdays, only a few outlets are open here. Trading starts at 16.00 and continues until 22.00-22.30. This is a very bright and colorful place where you can try several dozen types of Thai street food, buy souvenirs, clothes, shoes and various trinkets.

Lard Yai is considered the largest market in Phuket. Unlike many other similar places, local residents shop here, so prices are lower than in tourist places. The shopping area is located in Phuket Town and is open only on Sundays from 16.00 to 22.00. The rest of the time it is a busy street with fairly heavy traffic. Like any Thai market, Lard Yai's counters are bursting with an abundance of food items.

9. Shopping center "Central Festival"

A large modern store in Phuket Town where a tourist can spend a fair amount of money. This is the most ordinary shopping center, of which there are many in all cities of the world. In addition to goods from global manufacturers, Thai products are sold here, and at the local food court you can taste fast food with a national flavor. Numerous massage parlors offer their services on the territory of the center.

The stadium is located in the center of Patong on Bangla Road. It is considered one of the best in Phuket. Boxing matches are held here three times a week, usually about 10 fights per evening. Serious professionals often come to demonstrate their skills. The arena has a capacity of 350 seats. Those interested can attend Muay Thai training sessions, which are held in the evenings on days when there are no competitions.

A colorful theatrical performance telling the history of Thailand. The show involves several dozen elephants and more than 400 people. For an hour and a half, the viewer is immersed in a fascinating world of magnificent scenery, colorful 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.

The second historical performance, opened in 2011 and is a worthy competitor to Phuket FantaSea. Tourists often face a dilemma: which show to attend? Many people decide to watch both. Siam Niramit is a branch of the capital's show park in Phuket. Before the performance begins, spectators are invited to visit an impromptu Thai village and have dinner at a restaurant.

A famous show featuring transsexuals and transvestites. They perform mind-blowing funny stunts, dance and sing superbly, causing indescribable delight among the audience. The actors demonstrate all their skills on stage, and the grateful audience responds with incessant applause. Simon Cabaret has been operating since 1991 on the beach (resort village) Patong.

Museum of 3D paintings and optical illusions, opened in 2013. Against the background of “volumetric” images, magnificent photographs are obtained, since in the picture the entire composition is combined into an overall picture. The gallery has reproductions of works by famous masters - Van Gogh, E. Munch, Da Vinci. Before entering the museum, you must take off your shoes, as some parts of the 3D images are located directly on the floor.

The museum exhibits a collection of the Patamacantin traveling brothers. For 40 years, they traveled to countless countries and collected many artifacts around the world. The collection contains more than 2,000 exhibits, many of them are quite rare and valuable. For example, the museum houses a 140-carat pearl and a huge shell weighing 250 kilograms. Some shell fossils are several hundred million years old.

Oceanarium, which opened in 1983. The aquarium displays the rich fauna and flora of the ocean and fresh water bodies. Moray eels, catfish, huge perches, bright tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other inhabitants of the depths (about 160 species in total) live here. Some of the most interesting creatures of the aquarium are the cat fish, box fish, clown fish and leopard shark.

The park is located in the central part of the island, approximately 8 km. from Phuket Town, it has been operating since 2013. The territory is home to more than 300 species of birds brought from all over the planet (about 1000 individuals in total). The creators of the park worked hard on the landscape design. There are gazebos, wooden figurines, sculptures scattered everywhere, and there are even several artificial ponds. The main attraction is the bird show, which takes place three times a day.

A small picturesque park located on an area of 1 hectare. It opened quite recently, but already claims to be a popular attraction on the island. The park space is divided into zones. There is a Japanese garden, a palm grove, a prairie with cacti, a Balinese corner, a European park, and a traditional Thai provincial house. In the Botanical Garden there is an artificial waterfall, where a tunnel entwined with greenery leads.

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

A hill located near Phuket Town that is home to a colony of monkeys. There are a lot of animals there, they are not at all afraid of people - they calmly walk along the road, hang on trees, and happily eat treats from the hands of tourists. Sometimes a whole flock of monkeys can tag along behind a car or moped; this sight looks very funny. At the top of the hill there is an observation deck overlooking Phuket Town.

One of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Phuket. Jets of water fall from a height of 15 meters; you can swim in a small lake at the foot if you wish. The place became famous due to the fact that on its territory there is a nursery for orphan monkeys. Here, baby gibbons left without care for some reason are nursed. You cannot enter the nursery, but you can make a donation.

The reserve was founded in 1981. Its territory stretches along the northwestern coast of the island. Within the national park there are wild beaches of Bangtao, Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Kao, where giant turtles nest. The reserve has a unique mangrove grove, where various species of this tree are represented and mangrove snakes and monitor lizards live. The total area of Sirinath is about 90 km².

The point is located between Nai Harn and Kata beaches. From the top of the hill there are views of the coast and beaches of Karon, Kata Yai, Nai Harn, and the statue of the Big Buddha is clearly visible. The observation deck is popular among tourists; 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.

Rang Hill is located within Phuket Town, overlooking Chalong and the emerald Andaman Sea. At the top of the hill where the observation deck is located, there is a monument to P. Ratsadanupradit, one of the respected governors of Phuket province. Wild monkeys live on the slopes and sometimes beg visitors for food. Near the observation deck there is a restaurant and a small park for sports.

A less popular and famous viewpoint in Phuket. It offers views of the beaches of Nai Harn, Ya Nui and a small uninhabited island off Prom Thep Cape. The site is equipped with a gazebo and several tents with food and drinks. There are not many people here, as well-trodden tourist routes lie away from this picturesque place. But this is perhaps for the best.

The cape is the southernmost point of the island. From the local observation deck you can watch stunningly beautiful sunsets. Travel agencies even organize special evening excursions so that people can see the magical colors 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.

Nai Harn is located in the southwestern part of Phuket. On both sides it is surrounded by low mountains, which are covered with palm groves. The beach is small - only 1 km. in length and up to 50 meters in width. It is suitable for a relaxing family holiday with children, as the descent into the water is smooth and gentle. Thanks to warm currents, the water temperature remains within a comfortable range of 27-30°C throughout the year.

Member of the three most popular and popular beaches on the island, which, in addition to it, also includes Kata and Patong. It stretches along the coast for several kilometers. There are a lot of hotels and tourists here, but still not as crowded as in Patong due to the longer coastline. There are fewer people on the outskirts of Karon, so those who like solitude are advised to go there straight away rather than look for a place in the central part.

A large beach with golden sand and a shallow entry into the sea with a length of more than 7 km. It is located next to Patong. The southern part of the beach is more populated; there are restaurants, cafes, retail outlets and other infrastructure. The northern part is less popular due to its inaccessibility. In the central part of Bang Tao there are several natural lakes that are connected to the sea through a narrow channel.

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

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist centers in Thailand. Clean beaches, deserted landscapes, a wide selection of hotels - this is not a complete list of the advantages of the island of Phuket. Kamala Beach, Bang Tao, Patong - it all sounds like a magical spell. Dive lovers, surfers and family travelers will find themselves in Phuket - there is enough space for everyone.

We will tell you about the best resorts in Phuket, take a look at the most beautiful beaches of the island and make the top 5 popular destinations. For tourists traveling to Thailand with children, we also have some interesting information in store.

Choosing Phuket resorts that are worth going to

In 2014, the appearance of Phuket changed radically. The military decided to restore army order here and began to clear the approaches to the sand spits of “extra” buildings. Everything that stood on the sand was evacuated - sun loungers, restaurants, cafes. Now tourists sunbathe on their own towels and mattresses, and are protected from the scorching sun by umbrellas purchased in supermarkets. This step by the local authorities affected the comfort, but significantly improved the ecology and appearance of the resorts.

Which beach is best to go to in Phuket? The best places for swimming are concentrated in the western part of the island - there you will find developed infrastructure and gentle slopes. Before heading to Phuket, pay attention to the following nuances:

The best time to plan a vacation is November-April. The waves are not dangerous, and the climate is optimal for Europeans.
There are no private beaches in Phuket. According to Thai law, resorts can be used by anyone.
The cost of a holiday varies widely. You can stay in a budget hotel for 300 rubles a day, or you can pay 30 thousand.
Constant waves come with the monsoons in April. This information will be of interest to surfers.
When choosing a beach, do not forget about low tides. In some places the sea recedes hundreds of meters, revealing an ugly bottom with protruding rocks.

Popular resorts in Phuket are very crowded.

Five of the best beaches in Phuket

Now let's try to find out where the best beach in Phuket is. Everyone has their own criteria, so we decided to put together the five most popular and “touted” resorts, and the final choice will be yours. Let's get started:

Fortunately, there are no sea urchins or jellyfish on the beaches of Phuket, which means you can dive into the water without special shoes.

The most beautiful place in Phuket

Popular resorts have a bad feature - there are a lot of people there. We will try to find calm and secluded places with breathtaking landscapes and cozy mini-hotels. Which beach is the best to relax on in Phuket? Below are three of the most beautiful corners of the island. Once there, you will be away from the bustle of the world for a long time.

Three of the most beautiful and secluded beaches

Fans of nightlife will appreciate Patong.

Which beach in Phuket is best for families with children?

If you are planning a holiday in Thailand with small children, then you cannot find a better place than the resorts of Phuket. There are a lot of quiet beaches where kids will feel comfortable. At the same time, Phuket has a developed tourism infrastructure, and the environmental situation invariably pleases guests.

Phuket is considered the second most popular resort in Thailand; every year more and more tourists fly here on vacation. And this is not surprising, since Phuket is truly a paradise with an azure sea, snow-white beaches and picturesque tropical landscapes. However, before flying to the island of Phuket, you need to think through everything in advance and understand where exactly is the best place to relax. Therefore, in this article I will tell you where it is better to relax in Phuket so that your trip brings you maximum joy and vivid impressions.

If you are flying to Phuket with children, then the best place to relax is the beaches and. In these two areas there are a large number of family hotels, where everything is provided for children (food, playrooms and playgrounds, children's beds, etc.). This service will make your holiday in Phuket with children as comfortable as possible. The price range of hotels here is varied and everyone can find a suitable option for themselves. On the shores of Karon Beach there are wonderful hotels Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Beyond Resort Karon, and there are also more budget options Baan Karon Buri Resort and Simplitel Hotel. As for Kata Beach hotels, the most popular hotels are Casadel Sol Hotel Phuket and Centara Kata Resort Phuket, with more budget options Kata Silver Sand Hotel or Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel.

The entrance to the sea on the beaches of Kata and Karon is smooth and shallow, the water is clean and warm. Therefore, relaxing on these beaches with small children is very comfortable. But do not forget about the rainy season from May to October, when it is unsafe to swim in the sea due to large waves.

In terms of the number of cafes, restaurants, retail shops, shops, pharmacies, massage parlors and various parties, Kata is inferior to Karon Beach. Therefore, if you want a more relaxing holiday, I recommend choosing Kata Beach.

Recreation for youth

Where is the best place for young people to relax? As you know, young people prefer to relax actively and cheerfully, so especially for them in Phuket there is the noisiest and most party-oriented street, as well as the famous Bangla Road. The Patong area has many shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, massage parlors, clubs and discos. Here you will not be bored either day or night. Patong Beach itself is quite clean, the sand is white, but the water is cloudy. The beach offers a huge number of water activities; merchants are constantly scurrying around offering to buy souvenirs, clothes or food.

Patong has a huge amount of inexpensive housing, as this place is loved by backpackers and students. For example, Patong Backpacker Hostel or Phuket International Youth Hostel. On the first coastline of Patong Beach there are expensive hotels B-Lay Tong Phuket or Phuket Graceland Resort, where you can have a wonderful holiday in Phuket.

Holidays for pensioners

Pensioners can also have a great holiday in Phuket. The beaches of Kata and Karon are ideal for them, where they combine a relaxing holiday and developed infrastructure. Also, for maximum comfort, you can check into a hotel with a private beach, where each guest will receive the highest service and care. Such hotels include Dusit Thani Laguna or Moevenpick Resort Bangtao.

Holidays in Phuket are excellent for retirees, because there are a large number of massage and spa salons that will allow them to improve their health and restore vitality. And being in nature and sea air will benefit anyone. Just don’t forget about safety precautions for staying in the sun. Always use sunscreen and wear a hat.

Secluded places

Most beaches with developed infrastructure in Phuket are crowded. But there are also calm, secluded places where you can be in silence away from civilization. These beaches include Mai Khao, Nai Thon and Nai Yang.

Mai Khao Beach is part of the national reserve of Thailand, so there are no umbrellas or sunbeds on the shore. They are prohibited there. It is on this beach that you can enjoy the untouched beauty of nature.

Where is it cheaper to vacation?

If you want to save money on your vacation, it is best to settle in less tourist areas and away from the sea. Accommodation in hotels is always more expensive than a guesthouse or hostel, but the conditions there are not as comfortable. If you are going to relax in Phuket for a month or more, then it is better to rent a house or apartment in a condominium. Their cost starts from 10,000 baht, although some manage to find cheaper. I rented a one-room apartment in Plus Condominimum 2, which is located in the center of the island in the Kathu area. I wrote about my experience of renting housing in Phuket.

Also, many tourists come to Phuket during the rainy season (from May to October) to save money, but I do not recommend doing this, since Phuket has a very pronounced rainy season and you will not be able to swim in the sea due to large waves. If you want to relax in Thailand during the rainy season, then go to the resorts of the Gulf of Thailand (Pattaya, Koh Chang, Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao). There, even during the rainy season, you can have a good rest on the beach.