1 Take a tour of Phi Phi Island
A tour of Phi Phi Island typically includes stops at some of the island’s most popular beaches and viewpoints, such as Maya Bay, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed, and the viewpoint, where you can see panoramic views of the island. Other activities that may be included on a tour of Phi Phi include snorkelling and swimming in the crystal clear waters, and visiting the island’s becahes, shops and restaurants. The tour can be done by boat and is usually a full day tour, starting in the morning and returning in the evening. Tours also includes lunch, snacks and drinks on the boat.
2 Explore the old town of Phuket on foot
Exploring the old town of Phuket on foot is a great way to experience the local culture and history of the island. The old town is filled with charming, colourful buildings and streets lined with shops, restaurants, and street vendors. Walking through the streets, you’ll be able to take in the sights and sounds of the local community, including traditional Chinese shophouses and temples, as well as the bustling markets and street food vendors. You can also visit some of the local museums and historical sites, such as the Phuket Thai Hua Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Overall, exploring the old town of Phuket on foot is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see a side of the island that many visitors miss.
3 Check out the views from the Big Buddha statue
The Big Buddha statue, also known as ‘Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri’, is a large statue of the Buddha located on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can see the beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and colourful towns and villages from the viewpoint at the base of the statue. The statue itself is also a popular spot for tourists and locals to visit, as it is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
4 Go island hopping and snorkelling or scuba diving
Island hopping around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay involves visiting a variety of small islands and beaches by boat. Some popular destinations include James Bond Island, Koh Panyee, and the Phi Phi Islands. These islands offer beautiful scenery, clear waters, and opportunities for snorkelling or scuba diving. Snorkelling typically involves swimming on the surface of the water with a mask and snorkel to view marine life, while scuba diving involves going underwater with scuba gear to explore the deeper parts of the ocean. The waters around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay are known for their diverse marine life, including colourful fish, corals, and sea turtles. Additionally, snorkelling trips can be done in the mangroves and a lot of the islands have kayaking tours as well.
5 Visit Wat Chalong temple
A visit to Wat Chalong temple, located at the southern end of Phuket, is a cultural and spiritual experience. Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors are greeted by a large, golden stupa, or pagoda, which serves as the centerpiece of the complex. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and colourful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
Visitors can walk around the temple grounds and take in the sights and sounds of traditional Thai Buddhist worship, such as the chanting of monks and the burning of incense. They can also visit the main temple hall to see the large statues of the temple’s revered abbots and make offerings of flowers or incense.
Visitors should also take the time to explore the temple’s many smaller shrines and pagodas, each with its own unique history and significance. Overall, a visit to Wat Chalong is an opportunity to learn about Thai culture and Buddhism while also experiencing the serene and peaceful atmosphere of a traditional temple complex.
6 Go shopping at the night markets
Shopping at Phuket night markets can be an exciting and colourful experience. These markets, also known as ‘walking street markets’, are typically open in the evening and offer a wide variety of goods, such as clothing, souvenirs, jewellery, and local handicrafts. Many vendors sell traditional Thai items, such as silk fabrics and hand-carved wooden elephants. Visitors can also find a variety of street food, including traditional Thai dishes such as ‘pad thai’ and curries. Prices at these markets are often negotiable, so haggling with vendors is common practice. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, with street performers and live music adding to the ambiance. Overall, shopping at Phuket night markets is an enjoyable and unique way to experience Thai culture and pick up some souvenirs.
7 Take a cooking class to learn about Thai cuisine
A cooking class to learn about Thai cuisine usually includes a shopping trip for ingedients from a local market, followed by hands-on instruction on how to prepare traditional Thai dishes, such as ‘tom yum’ soup, green papaya salad, and ‘pad Thai’. Classes usually cover a range of techniques, such as chopping, sautéing, and stir-frying, as well as the use of traditional Thai ingredients, such as lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce. Classes will likely also include information on the history and cultural significance of Thai cuisine. At the end of the class, students have the opportunity to enjoy the dishes they have prepared.
8 Enjoy a spa treatment or massage at one of Phuket’s many wellness centers
A spa treatment or massage at one of Phuket’s wellness centers provides a relaxing and luxurious experience. Upon arriving at the spa, you will be greeted by friendly staff and escorted to a comfortable changing room where you can change into a robe and slippers.
You will then be led to a private treatment room where you will have a selection of spa treatments to choose from, such as a Swedish massage, Thai massage, or a body wrap. During the treatment, you will lie on a comfortable massage table and be pampered by skilled therapists using a variety of techniques to soothe and relax your muscles.
You will also be able to enjoy the amenities such as sauna, steam room and hot tubs, before or after your treatment. The spa centers in Phuket also offer a wide range of beauty treatments, such as facials, manicures, and pedicures. It is a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind after a long day of sightseeing or exploring the island.
9 Take a Thai language class at Patong Language School
Phuket is a paradise for tourists who want to explore and learn something new. One of the most interesting things to do in Phuket is to take a Thai language class at Patong Language School. Learning the native language of Thailand will give you an insight into the culture and allow you to communicate better with locals.
At Patong Language School, you can choose from different types of Thai classes, depending on your level of proficiency and goals. The school also offers private classes if you want more personalised instruction. With experienced teachers and flexible schedules, Patong Language School is the perfect place for tourists who want to learn to speak Thai while in Phuket.