What are the best places to visit in Phuket
With its warm gleaming waters, dreamy Bang Thao beach is perfect for serenity. Step onto its white sands and do little else. If you’re after upmarket bars without the hedonism, then head to long stretches of the beaches around Bang Thao for decent Thai restaurants and the odd bamboo shack.
About halfway down the island, off the west coast, you’ll find sleepy Kamala. The perfect sunset escape, this beachside village is surrounded by tree-thick hills and calm waters. It offers cute beach bars and the chilled club, Cafe del Mar.
At the south west of the island, past busy Patong, you’ll find the laid-back beaches of Karon and Kata. Kata is the most family friendly and kids will love the wave pool at Surf House Phuket at Kata Beach. Also making a splash is the Andamanda Water Park, towards the south east of the island.
South of Kata, you can climb on the rocks above Kata Noi and sip a sundowner at one of the bars. If you fancy a stay in the hills, Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong - MGallery offers an outstanding view of two bays and is surrounded by lush jungle.
For a slice of history in Phuket Old Town, visit the charming Soi Romanee. This small vibrant street sits among beautifully revived Sino-Portuguese architecture. It used to be crammed with brothels and opium dens but these days you’re unlikely to see anything riskier than a glowing Chinese lantern in a boutique cafe. Phuket Thai Hua Museum gives photos and videos dating from the Chinese migration, while Chinpracha House gives you a glimpse into what the island’s former tin-mining industry has funded. While you’re in town, you’ll find Naka weekend market or Talad Tairod night markets where you can even try deep-fried insects – incidentally they often taste like shrimp. For something stronger, take a tour around eco-minded Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. If you fancy an escape altogether, just a short journey by boat from around the town can get you to Barcelo Coconut Island.
Heading to the island’s most southernly point you’ll get to Laem Phromthep – at this cape you’ll find a surreal crab-shaped lighthouse and the perfect spot for a sunset.