Phuket is one of the largest islands in Thailand. This tropical rainforest has something for everyone – mountain ranges, pristine beaches and clear blue seas, historical monuments, culture and a vibrant nightlife. You will be spoilt for choice should you choose to visit, Phuket Thai. Here is a list of 10 of the must-see attractions when you are in Phuket.

Phang Nga Bay

Located between Phuket and the mainland, Phang Nga Bay is on every tourist’s itinerary because it is one of the most picturesque locations in Thailand. Here you get to see remarkable limestone cliffs and rock formations alongside inviting beaches and mangrove forests. Dotted with coral reef this bay appeals to the big and the small alike. Look out for the famous James Bond Island which was featured in a Bond Movie. Koh Panyee is another famous island in the bay.

Phi Phi Island

If you like Hollywood movies, you might recognize this island which has to its credit over 2000 movies; and in case you are not aware the tour guide will surely enlighten you. Sheer cliffs overlooking the emerald blue Arabian sea is nature at its best. Corals and colorful marine life are the major attractions of this place along with long white sandy beaches.It is just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and usually a half day tour.

Big Buddha

The imposing statue of the Buddha in white is visible from anywhere in south Phuket Thai. Located on the Nakkerd Hills, one can have a 360-degree view of Phuket from the hilltop. It overlooks the Chalong, Kata and Rawai bays. Made from Burmese white jade the statue glimmers in the Sun and is breathtaking from close. The drive uphill is equally enchanting.

Wat Chalong

Buddhism is one of the main religion in Thailand and hence it is no surprise that there are 29 ornate and exquisitely beautiful temples or Wats in Phuket. Wat Chalong is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Phuket that is visited by thousands each year. The majestic Grand Pagoda apparently carries a splinter from Lord Buddha’s bone. Painting from the life of Buddha decorates the Pagoda. The Poh Than Jao Wat statute of Buddha is the main attractions of this place. During festivals, this place is brimming with local flavors and sights and sounds. This historical site must find a spot on your itinerary when in Phuket Thai. You can visit this temple anytime between seven in the morning to five in the evening.

Patong Beach

This is the seedy side of Phuket with the Bangla Road lined with nightclubs, bars, adult shows and several roadside eateries and kiosks. There is the Simon Cabaret show, a transvestite show which is immensely popular among both men and women.Just to experience the essence of the place a walk down the road is a must.

Phromthep Cape Overview

What is a holiday worth if there are no memorable pictures to showcase it? The Phromthep Cave is one such viewpoint that offers spectacular views of the shimmering ocean below and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. The surrounding cliffs and the impressive scenery make this a crowd favorite both local and tourists. There are several other viewpoints like Kaho Kat viewpoint which gives you a 360-degree view of the entire southern side of Phuket or the viewpoint on the Khao Rang hill from where you can even see the Big Buddha.

FantaSea

Your visit to Phuket Thai is incomplete without experiencing the FantaSea Show on Kamala Beach. It is a cultural extravaganza of pyro-techniques and elephants on stage that will mesmerize young and old alike. It is one of a kind on this side of the globe. The show is a combination of Thai mythology adeptly interspersed with humor, fantasy and mind-boggling acrobatic tricks from the performers. The show is highly entertaining and enthralling.

Tiger Kingdom

What can be more gratifying than to pet a tiger? A recent addition to the long list of attractions in Phuket Thai, the Tiger Kingdom is located in the foothills of the Patong Hill. In this sanctuary, you will come across Indochinese tigers of all ages and sizes. If you are brave enough you can venture into one of the cages and have yourself clicked caressing a tiger. What many visitors find delightful is to play with baby tigers which are so adorable.

Night market

No trip culminates without the essential souvenir shopping and assimilating the local culture and flavor. There are several night markets in Phuket Thai where you can get interesting souvenirs at astonishing prices. These are also the places to taste the local cuisine and enjoy the street performances and music of the land. The Chillva market is one such hip and happening place where the local teens frequent. The Phuket Weekend market or Naka market is another market that is worth a visit. Here you can get counterfeits of all the latest brands of handbags, clothes and even shoes. There are several eateries too that can overwhelm you with their aromas.

Old Phuket Town

A delectable mix of Chinese and Portuguese architecture, the Old Phuket Town is charming in its own way. There is a pleasant mix of Buddhist shrines and Thai temples in this land of allure. The quaint well laid out streets can be traversed on foot. You will be surprised at the number of cafes and restaurants along the way that are ever ready to fill your palate should your sauntering tire you. Walk along the Thalang Road and discover the Sino Portuguese style shop arcades that flank both sides of the road. Tread into the SoiRomanee where several of the vintage houses have been converted into bars and guesthouses.

Traveling around Phuket is really easy. You can walk to attractions close to your hotel or resort and if the weather is too hot you can hire a cab or use the ubiquitous tuk-tuk. There are also two types of buses that ply in the city: the blue open-air buses which normally connect the town with the resorts and the red air-conditioned buses which go within the town.

This sleepy laid-back city of Phuket is a paradise worth visiting by the young and old. The white sandy beaches, the emerald green sea and the sublime experience of scuba diving and snorkeling in any of the crystal-clear waters of the islands of Phuket is an experience to cherish long after you have left the shores of this amazing tropical island in Thailand. Time to pack your bags and get into your vacation gear.