Phuket: Coastal Views and Cultural History

Phuket Province lies in southern Thailand; Phuket Island is surrounded by beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi and Mai Khao. For views across the island and its bays, head to Khao Khad Viewpoint in Wichit, in Mueang Phuket District. From there, the panorama stretches across Phuket and over the three bays of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon.

Coastal Views and Dive Sites

Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi also offer different experiences. Ko Racha Yai has a white-sand beach and clear water. Ko Racha Noi is a popular dive site in southern Phuket, but is suitable exclusively for experienced professional divers. This restriction is important to keep in mind when including diving opportunities in your travel plans.

At the major beaches of Patong, Kata, Karon, Nai Han, Mai Khao and Nai Yang, diving instruction and equipment are available. The offerings mentioned there therefore differ from the Ko Racha Noi dive site, which is expressly restricted to experienced professional divers. Conditions and offerings from individual providers may change; check in advance if diving is part of your plans.

History, Beliefs and Traditions

Old Phuket Town is a historic part of Phuket with old houses in the Sino-Portuguese style. The Phuket Museum offers another perspective on history, tracing it from its early beginnings to the Peranakan way of life. The museum also has an extensive collection of kebayas. The historic district and the museum thus offer different ways to explore Phuket’s history: the architecture of old houses in one, and the development of ways of life and a collection of garments in the other.

Wat Chalong, also known as Wat Chai Tharam, is a historic temple and a center of faith for the people of Phuket. The story of the revered Luangpho Chaem is associated with it. The Chinese Vegetarian Festival is also part of Phuket’s annual events calendar. Its exact date follows the Chinese lunar calendar. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Walking Tours, Markets and Workshops

A walking tour led by the Old Phuket Town Community includes Hokkien noodles prepared by a local cook. Lat Yai Sunday Market, meanwhile, gives visitors the opportunity to sample local food. The two culinary experiences have different focuses: a specific dish is part of the walking tour, while the market offers a chance to sample local food.

In Phuket Town, the Walking Street Tour consists of six parts and is scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lat Yai, by contrast, is a Sunday market. This difference can help you fit the culinary experiences described into your weekly plans. Check the tour dates before your trip.

If you would like to get creative yourself, Sitao Studio in the heart of Phuket offers workshops in painting ceramics. This is a different kind of experience from a walking tour or market: the focus here is on a hands-on activity. Check whether a workshop is available before your visit.

Getting to Phuket

Phuket International Airport is the only airport on the island and offers both domestic and international flights. As flight schedules can change, check connections against your travel dates.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Amphoe Thalang, Kathu, Rawai, Karon, Patong, Phuket, Wichit, Kammala, Mai Khao, Pa Klok, Chalong, Kata Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Surin Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.