5 Reasons For Visiting Stunning Phuket, Thailand

Phuket Island originally planned to reopen to international travelers in July 2020. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen, but now, with a COVID-19 vaccination program underway, Phuket hopes to be able to reopen in July 2021. Why should you visit Phuket and what does this lovely Thai island have to offer travelers?

1. Phuket City, Phuket Island, Thailand

The capital of Thailand’s Phuket province is Phuket City, located on the island of the same name. This exciting city offers a selection of fascinating museums, historic mansions, Chinese shrines and more. The major temples stand in Chalong and Thalang, with Thalang Road lined with colorful, 19th-century Sino-Portuguese buildings and shophouses.

Baan Chinpracha mansion is a fascinating visit, with its Italian floor tiles, antique furniture and shuttered windows. The mansion was bult by a wealthy tin merchant in 1903.

Among the museums, stands the Thai Hua Museum. Set in a 1930s manor, the museum offers exhibits about Phuket’s unique culture and history. Meanwhile, a trip into the hills behind Kata offers visitors the chance to see the famous Big Buddha.

2. Phuket is beautiful beaches

Thailand’s largest island offers white-gold beaches on the southern and western coasts. Each beach is different from the upmarket Ao Bang Thao and Surin, with their luxury resorts and beach clubs, or the quieter and mellow Rawai in the jungles of south Phuket.

However, not everyone wants to laze on the sand. Read on to find out about water sports in Phuket.

3. Diving into Phuket

Those who prefer to get under the water should head to Ko Phi-Phi’s popular dive sites, as well as the beautiful national-park-protected Similan Islands. Even those new to diving can get involved, as there are several local dive schools to get them on the way.

Meanwhile, snorkeling trips offer beautiful underwater landscapes. Kayaking expeditions are another way to go, especially into Ao Phang-Nga’s semi-submerged island lagoons, with their towering limestone karsts.

4. National Parks of Phuket

Phuket has nine national parks, waiting to be explored, with an extensive range of exotic flora and fauna, as well as beautiful waterfalls and natural caves. Many of the parks are located at beachside, offering the chance to mix the adventure by relaxing on the beach after viewing the wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is located in Khao Phra Rhaeo National Park. The center has been open since 1992 and rescues abandoned pet gibbons, while preparing them to be released back into the wild.

The island also offers a selection of sensational viewpoints where travelers can enjoy sweeping views over the island. One of these is located on Khao Rang Hill, where visitors can relax under large, shady old-growth trees while enjoying the view.

5. Phuket is delicious cuisine

Phuket serves Thai cuisine, but with its own distinct character and flavors. Here, spicy and salty southern-Thai cooking meets with Malay and Chinese flavors and influences.

Examples include Thai-style roti or dim sum, dipped in curry for breakfast. Other dishes include nee pad hokkien - stir-fried hokkien noodles in a broth, pak miang – scrambled spinach-leaves, moo hong – pork braised with pepper and garlic, or mee gang poo – crab meat curry with noodles. Phuket also offers exquisite fusion menus, freshly caught seafood and international cuisine, giving diners a world of choice. Make a point of visiting the markets in Phuket City where tasty street food and fresh wares are available..

If Phuket does, indeed, open up to international visitors in July 2021, make sure you are at the head of the queue.