The interests of travelers do not always coincide. Someone travels around Phuket in search of temples and ancient ruins, while someone has enough of the beach, the sun and “lightweight” Thai girls in a brothel. Someone flies to Phuket with the whole family and thinks about the leisure of little companions.

This article is for everyone. We will talk about "party" places, Buddhist shrines, elephants and aquariums. Based on the information received, you can independently visit the place you like. Or join an exciting excursion.

What to visit in Phuket - independent trip

With proper planning of your time and budget, even in one day in Phuket you can see a lot of interesting things. The island allows you to feel the unique Thai flavor, enjoy the landscapes that open from the observation platforms, arrange a cruise around the surrounding islands and delight children with exotic animals.

If you are riding in splendid isolation (or with your wife), it would be advisable to rent a motorbike. A day rental will cost 250 baht and you will visit a lot of interesting places in Phuket. You will need to pay another 100 baht for fuel.

Please note that trips on tourist buses will cost you disproportionately more than traveling on a rented motorbike.

But family travelers should think about car rental. We will talk more about this in the corresponding article. For now, just note that the daily car rental will cost 1200 baht, another 800 you have to pay for fuel. If you want to travel around everything quickly, head to the southern part of the island. Here's what's worth looking at:

• Rang Hill (lookout);
• Old city;
• Big Buddha;
• Chalong Temple;
• Rawai Seafood Market;
• Cape Promthep.

Top 5 Best Phuket Attractions

Phuket fascinates tourists not only with natural exoticism. Some places are about a thousand years old, others are recent. Some of the proposed list is generally difficult to call a landmark in the classical sense of the word.

Here is what the top five most attractive places in Phuket look like:

Having decided to buy souvenirs and junk, go to the Sunday Market - this market opens late in the evenings on Saturdays and Sundays. Read what to bring from Phuket as a gift. You can bargain with local shopkeepers using a calculator - there you will write your price. Nearest landmark: Central Festival. Market Address: Wai-Rat-Hong-Yuk Road.

The most unusual place in Phuket

What else can you see on the island on your own? Head straight to Phuket Town, where the famous Monkey Mountain is located. This is a real mountain that has grown in the center of urban development. You can get to the top by climbing the asphalt path. There is nowhere to park here, the path is narrow, and at the top of the mountain a system of cell towers awaits you. Hence the conclusion - park at the foot of Monkey Mountain and then stomp on foot.

The second option is a motorbike. To do this, you will have to find the Central Festival (this is a shopping center) and drive 700 meters from it to Phuket Town. Next, you will come across a fork (turn to the left) and a prison - and there it is already within easy reach.

Important tip: take your children, bananas and nuts with you. Children will feed nuts to primates, and everyone will enjoy.

Useful information about the mountain:

• The second name is To Sae;
• The entrance is free;
• Working hours - around the clock.

Phuket with the whole family - what to see for children

Despite the "beach" orientation of the resort, children from Phuket are crazy. The reason lies in the fact that there is a lot of entertainment for little travelers.

Here's what you should definitely visit with your kids:

• Buggy;
• Elephant nursery;
• zoo;
• jungle;
• Monkey Mountain;
• mini golf;
• Oceanarium;
• Butterfly Park.

Operators offer package travelers to ride Khao Lak and Khao Sok to ride a baby on an elephant. You don’t need to do this - there are enough elephant farms in Phuket itself. The pleasure will cost about 600 baht, but the baby will forget about everything in the world for 30-40 minutes.

Riding a buggy is a good thing, but for this, parents must have certain driving skills. By renting an ATV, you can combine the pleasures of driving through the jungle and visiting an elephant farm. As for the zoo, the entrance will cost you 500 baht, and they will charge 300 per child. Be sure to visit the show with crocodiles, monkeys and elephants - viewing this action is included in the ticket price.

The highlight of the program is the Phuket Aquarium. The entrance fee can be called symbolic - 100 baht will be charged from an adult visitor, 50 baht from a child. On Saturdays and Sundays you can go to feed the sharks. If you are driving to the Oceanarium in a rental car, move along the Chalong ring and then turn towards Phuket Town. After seven kilometers you will meet the Toyota Center. At the traffic lights, turn right and after another 7 km you will run into the Oceanarium.

The highlight of the children's program is the Phuket Aquarium.

Excursion program - what is worth paying for

Surely there are travelers here who prefer not to bother and pay for group tours. What excursions are worth visiting in Phuket? Try to go to the surrounding islands, taste exotic Thai cuisine, enjoy the evening show program with elephants, indulge in the joys of shopping and divine massage. Most of the excursions involve a trip outside of Phuket.

Consider the most attractive options:

• James Bond. This is a two-day trip to the islands of Krabi, Phi Phi and James Bond. The islets are located in Phang Nga Bay. The price of pleasure is 2200-3200 baht. You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide.
• Similan Islands. Nine incredibly beautiful islands with a fascinating underwater world, turtles and sharks. Beautiful sunsets and snorkeling await you. The cost is 1700-1900 baht.
• Tigers in Phuket. A relatively new excursion that includes visiting enclosures with young tigers. Price - 800-3500 baht.
• Siam Niramit. Cultural and historical performance, considered one of the most expensive shows in Thailand. The tour includes a visit to a Thai village, lunch at a restaurant, a shooting range and an elephant show. Price - from 1700 baht.
• Underwater scooters. This high-tech entertainment appeared relatively recently. There are paired and individual underwater motorcycles. A person breathes in a special bell and even has the opportunity to talk with a diving partner. The price of pleasure is from 2800 baht.

Family travelers should rent a car.

Summarize. Phuket Island provides ample opportunities for entertainment for the whole family. We did not mention diving, fishing, yachting and other standard items of the tourist program - they are also common on the island.

The combination of exotic cuisine, friendly Thai girls, beach and water recreation - that's what attracts thousands of travelers to Phuket. Connoisseurs of solitary meditations and reflections will also find themselves here. Young children will remember the Oceanarium and theme parks for a long time. Bon Voyage!

The island is already a favorite vacation spot for many, and for those who go there for the first time, a detailed map and reviews of travelers who have been there will help you navigate the sights of Phuket, and you can book tickets for group excursions using portals and.

Travelers go to Phuket for its fabulous beaches, but the map of Phuket with attractions is no less worthy of attention than white sand and.

Google Maps / google.ru

A detailed map of Phuket will help even an inexperienced tourist to navigate and see all the most interesting things without reference to excursions in Phuket, at a convenient time and with savings.

What needs to be seen?

Phuket tourist map advises travelers to pay attention to museums:

1. Tai Nua.
2. Seashells.

In addition to museums, the sights of Phuket Island, which are interesting for every traveler, are:

• Big Buddha;
• Khao Lak National Park;
• Cape Promthep (observation platform);
• Similans;
• Phuket Zoo.

Getting around in Thailand as a whole and directly in Phuket is quite simple, and tourists who come here for the first time will need a map of Phuket in Russian.

The main museums of the island

Attractions are scattered in different places in Phuket, it is more expedient to start their inspection from museums.

tai hua

The museum is located in a building built at the very beginning of the last century and designed in a colonial style. Its appearance whimsically combines tangible elements of elegant French architecture with local practicality and functionality.

phuket.tourslife.ru

A building was being built for a Chinese elementary school, but only the central wing remained from the primary original building, but it was preserved unchanged.

The doors of the museum are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, the entrance fee is 200 baht.

The central streets of the capital of the island can be easily reached on foot from almost any tourist hotel in Phuket Town.

Talang is both the name of one of the districts and the museum; on a map that is not translated into Russian, they can be confused.

phuket.tourslife.ru

Thalang National Museum, this is how the museum is marked on the map of Phuket, tells about the history of Thailand from ancient times, separate expositions tell about the history of Fr. Phuket. A very interesting hall tells about the discovery of tin deposits here, which was the reason for the mass migration of Chinese workers, which completely changed the ethnic ratio of the population.

According to the latest census, 35% of the population of Phuket cities are Chinese, 20% are Thai, 40% are southern ethnic Thais and Malays, 5% are a complex ethnic group, direct descendants of pirates. This is actually a separate diaspora, with its own traditions, culture and history. The hall dedicated to piracy is also extremely interesting, especially for children who love films about pirates.

There are also exhibits on the street, a large exposition tells about the 2004 tsunami, with authentic objects, cars and many other testimonies of this tragedy. There is also an exhibition imitating ancient Thai thatched villages.

The museum is waiting for visitors every day, except Mondays and Sundays, from 08:30 to 16:00. The entrance costs 100 baht, there are discounts for children, you will have to pay 50 baht for them.

phuket.tourslife.ru

The museum is located on Si Sunthon Street. When walking around the Thalang area, you need to focus on the monument to the Heroines (monument to Chan and Muk). From it you need to go east for about 200 meters, it is impossible to get lost, there are signs on the street.

Walking is the best way to get to know the museum and the area itself, which has temples, waterfalls and more. A separate guide “Phuket Town. Talang is very useful for any traveler. Such brochures, without Russification, of course, are in the lobby of any of the island's hotels.

Shell Museum

An original and not "loading" museum, which demonstrates marine curiosities, a variety of shells, pebbles and much more. The museum has a shop that sells a variety of products made from shells and pearls - from simple decorative shells and jewelry to cutlery and jewelry boxes.

It is located in the Rawai area, next to the popular Palm Village Phuket hotel and Rawai beach, beloved by many travelers.

The museum is located on Wayset Road and is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The ticket costs 200 baht for an adult and 100 baht for a child.

Camping and zoo

A special place among the attractions of Thailand is occupied by national parks and zoos, which is not surprising, given the incredible beauty and richness of local nature.

Khao Lak National Park

The real kingdom of nature in all its splendor. The park consists of two parts - the mountainous Lam Pi and the beach Hat Tai Muang. At its core, the park is a large campsite.

water_sss / flickr.com

It is located near the small town of Thai Muang. You can get here from Phuket Town either in a rented car along Highway 4, which will cost about 300 baht per day on average, or by bus from the terminal of the 1st local bus station, which stops directly at the park. The fare will cost 100 baht, the bus is on the way from 1.5 to 2 hours.

Everything you need for outdoor tourism, that is, camping, can be rented directly in the park.

Here you can visit the nursery of sea turtles, in which not only turtles live, but also many other inhabitants of the sea. In addition to the nursery, there is a wonderful restaurant in the park, which presents local, general national and European cuisines.

water_sss / flickr.com

The park has a lot of hiking trails through the jungle. It is worth paying attention to the trails to the Chong Fa waterfall, the largest and most beautiful. In addition to it, there are 3 more waterfalls on the territory, smaller ones.

A visit to the park will cost 100 baht, the bill in the restaurant depends on the choice of dishes, you can eat for 40-50 baht, or you can even for 150-200.

The cost of renting a tent is from 120 baht, for a full sleeping set they will ask for 60 baht.

Phuket Zoo

The zoo on the island is small, it opened in 1997 and since then it has been in demand not only among tourists, but also among local residents. Black swans, Bengal tigers, orangutans, ostriches, elephants and, of course, crocodiles enjoy constant success with visitors. In addition to animals and birds, there is a small aquarium on the territory.

Ahmed Rabea/flickr.com

The local zoo pleases with a variety of performances. In addition to, in principle, the crocodile show, which is widespread in Thailand, there are shows of elephants, monkeys and ostriches.

The zoo is located in the north of the island, in the area of ​​Chalong Bay. Open daily from 8:30 to 18:00. Show performances are held during the day several times with an interval of three hours.

Kevin Veau / flickr.com

Ticket price - 500 baht, for children under 12 years old - 300 baht, kids under 5 years old are free.

Not far from the zoo is the largest cosmetics store on the island and a water park.

temples

A map of Phuket attractions, like any other tourist destination, cannot do without cultural and historical monuments associated with religion.

The temple complex is very large, the entrance to the territory is unlimited. You can roam freely, admire the pagodas and take pictures with the Buddhas. "Golden" Buddha statues are everywhere and in a wide variety of poses. In addition, the temple has an excellent observation deck with free access.

Holiday Point/flickr.com

You can enter the territory daily, from 8:00 to 18:00.

The complex is located between the capital of the island and Karon beach. From all the cities of Phuket and from the Karon beach complex, you can take direct bus flights directly to the entrance to the temple complex. The fare is from 35 to 50 baht. From distant beach complexes it is easier to get to Phuket Town, and from the capital, take a direct bus departing from the bus station on Ranong Street every half hour.

A very large temple complex, on the territory of which there are two museums - Buddhism and local tin mines, the most unique of all Buddha statues - Luang Poh Phra Thong, which is a huge golden bust, a functioning monastery, a crematorium and a cafe. Signs are placed throughout the territory, and in the most unexpected places you can stumble upon old cannons and funny figurines.

travel-phuket.ru

Access to the complex has no restrictions, you don’t need to pay any money for anything here. You can visit this place on any day during daylight hours, from sunrise to its last ray.

Many mystical tales, beautiful and heroic legends and simple children's folk tales are associated with the temple.

The temple is located in the north, near the Thalang area, you can only come here by taxi or in a rented car, there is no transport near the complex.

Big Buddha

The snow-white Buddha, 45 meters high, settled on Mount Nakaked in the Chalong region and is visible from anywhere on the island. The top of the mountain is considered a place of power, and legends say that the Buddha himself once meditated on it.

Eirien/flickr.com

By tuk-tuk you can get from anywhere in the Chalong area or from Karon Beach, they will ask for a fare from 15 to 40 baht. In addition to the Buddha, the mountain is an excellent observation deck. Access to it is open from 8:00 to 20:00, admission is free, but for signs with desires they will ask from 300 to 1000 baht.

What else needs to be seen?

In addition to excursions in Phuket, there are places near the island that are a must-see. One of these places is Similan, that is, the Similan Islands.

These are 10 small truly paradise islands that make up the National Park. Access is not allowed on all of them. Here are the best snorkeling and diving in the world, the clearest water and the opportunity to spend the night in a tent under palm trees or in a boat under the moon.

Fred von Lohmann/flickr.com

The islands are open from October to May, a day trip costs from 1900 baht. For each additional day of stay you need to pay extra 500 baht. Before traveling with an excursion, it is necessary to find out the most detailed route, because there is an opportunity to dine and wash only on two of the islands, which some unscrupulous organizers of “discounted” tours are delicately silent about.

You can get to this fabulous place on your own from any pier in Phuket by renting a boat. The cost can be different, depending on how successfully the traveler knows how to bargain.

Where is the best place to stay?

Phuket is a small island, and since people come to Thailand for its beaches, sun and entertainment, Patong is the best place to choose a hotel. The site will always help you book a room in advance.

Patong is known not only throughout Thailand, but throughout the world, both for its beaches and nightlife. It is centered on Bangla Road and Paradise Complex.

David Johnson/flickr.com

In Patong, the beach line is divided into two main large beaches with developed infrastructure - Patong and Freedom. The first one is very crowded, it is always very noisy here, there are many children. Here you can get a massage on a bamboo mat and, in principle, get anything from food to alcoholic cocktails without getting up from the sunbed. The second one is quieter, secluded and comfortable, without intrusive services, probably due to the distance from large hotels.

From Patong, you can easily get to anywhere on the island by bus, rental car or tuk-tuk. There are also a lot of tour operators here, most excursions are organized directly next to the beaches, but there are also organized trips around the island from hotels that need to be booked in advance.

No matter where the traveler stops on the island, it will not be difficult to see the sights of Phuket on your own.

Video: sights of Phuket.

Phuket is a holiday destination where most of the tourists go on ready-made tour packages, but on the island itself it is possible to navigate it on their own and few people know about it, continuing to buy ready-made packages with excursions from guides. Of course, you can’t get to such places as the James Bond Islands on your own, but there are many other opportunities to see Phuket on your own, which the typical tourist does not know about, and today I am going to share them with you. It will be such a mini guide to Phuket, TOP 20 places on the island that you can visit quite easily and simply during your vacation without guides and travel agencies.

It does not necessarily seek to cover as many interesting places as possible, especially since everyone has different requests, so I have broken the information into blocks, so it will be much more convenient for you to make a choice and go on an adventure!

3 ways to independently move around the island

We came to Phuket not as ordinary tourists, but on our own or, as we say, as savages, and decided that we would also explore the island without the help of guides. All that was needed for this was to remove fears and prejudices inside ourselves about a motorbike, that we could be put in jail for driving without a license, and so on. Because a tourist has three ways to move around the island in Thailand on their own quickly and without strain:

1. Rent a bike for a few days. I described all the subtleties of this method

3. The most expensive is to rent a tuk tuk, taxi, moto taxi. Everything is clear here, in order to find a taxi driver you just need to go outside in Thailand, there are a great many of them, and the choice is really great, for every taste and budget. This option is suitable for you if you want a personal driver to accompany you on a trip and you are not going to save money.

TOP 20 interesting places to see in Phuket on your own

1. Beaches

The beaches of Phuket are its property, for which thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every day, and it would be an unfortunate omission to spend your entire vacation staying on only one of them. Some tourists are afraid to go on a trip to a neighboring beach, and many are sure that all the beaches on the island are the same.

I hasten to dispel your doubts and fears, in Phuket each beach is unique in its own way, each has its own characteristics, such as the color of the water, the transparency of the sea, the landscape, the zest - for example, in Karon, the sand creaks underfoot like snow in the cold, and on Mai Beach Khao (Mai Khao) planes fly directly over the heads of vacationers. All you need to explore the neighboring beaches is to master at least one of the modes of transportation that I listed above. Phuket, despite the fact that it is an island, is still rather big in size, so you definitely won’t be able to explore it on foot.

Conventionally, all the beaches on the island of Phuket can be divided into two groups:

1. Free. This includes all the beaches of Phuket, which are popular among tour operators. This is loved by Russians, its neighbors, Kata, Kata Noi, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Yanuy, Tri Trang, Mai Khao, Naithon, Banana Beach.

2. Paid. Laem Sing (entrance 100 baht), (entrance 200 baht), Paradise (entrance 200 baht). What makes these beaches paid is the well-groomed territory, white sand, beautiful natural landscape. If we compare the same paid Freedom with free Patong, then the latter loses in terms of the beauty and color of the sea.

There are also beaches that are indicated on the tourist map of Phuket, but are not bathable. Due to low tide, dirty sea, poor bottom and lack of a normal entry into the water. This includes the beach - Rawai, Laem Ka, Panwa, Nayang, Chalong.

2. Snorkeling

Contrary to the prevailing prejudices that there is nothing to see underwater in Thailand, you can go snorkeling on the beaches of Phuket, and for this you don’t have to go to the paradise islands, you just need to know the beaches with a rich underwater world, then you definitely won’t be disappointed.

The most suitable beach for snorkeling is free and cozy. It is not in vain that a Diving School has opened on its territory and people who are fond of diving settle here. For lovers of snorkeling, there is an opportunity to rent a kayak or boat. Also in Phuket, beaches that are not inferior in beauty to the underwater world are Banana Beach, Yanui, Nai Harn.

3. Lookouts

You will lose a lot and your acquaintance with the island of Phuket will not be complete if, while here, you do not visit at least two viewing platforms. In Thailand, they are called view - point from ang. "viewpoint" - a point of view, and these places offer a stunning panoramic view of the area from a bird's eye view.

Big Buddha

This is not just an observation platform, a huge snow-white 45-meter marble Buddha statue on a mountain near Karon Beach. It is clearly visible from almost all the southern beaches of the island, it seems to be watching the environment from a height, protecting it from evil spirits, as the locals say. Getting to the foot of the statue is not difficult, there is a hiking trail and an asphalt road for independent travelers. But we do not recommend conquering the hill on your own, since you will simply run out of steam in such heat and you will not have time for sightseeing. Therefore, it is best to sit on a rented bike, or on a songteo with the inscription "Big Budda".

Cape Promthep

Perhaps the most beautiful place on the island is its extreme southern point, which is called. And I definitely recommend it! Firstly, it is here that you can watch the sunset in all its splendor. Secondly, it is the landscape of the area, the cape is a long narrow strip of the mainland, extending several meters into the sea.

Entrance is free, parking is free

GPS coordinates - 7.759683, 98.304183

Karon Viewpoint

Another free observation deck in Phuket, which offers stunning views of three large beaches at once - Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, as well as the surrounding area. It is quite impressive, consists of several levels that connect steps. The site is fully equipped for visitors, there is a large stone gazebo, parking, shade from trees. You can get to Karon Viewpoint by bike, on foot from the nearest Kata Noi beach, while taking a songteo to Kata Beach. If you like trekking trips, then the road will captivate you more on its own, as it passes through the jungle, along the way you will meet banana trees and if you are lucky you will see)

GPS coordinates - 7.797398, 98.302231

Viewpoint with paragliders (Wind Mill Viewpoint)

Another name for this lookout is Windmills, you can immediately see them if you look at the left side of Nai Harn Beach. This place was also chosen by lovers of paragliding, these are elongated parachutes that use ascending air currents to fly, or in simple words, a fair wind. On a paraglider in Phuket, you can fly for hours under the clouds, while a picture of the endless Andaman Sea and tropical beaches will open before your eyes. Prices for renting a paraglider in Phuket start from 1,000 baht.

The observation deck at the Windmills is an excellent suitable place not only for unforgettable flights, but also for ordinary people, vacationers. Compared to Promthep Cape, which is always crowded with tourists, there are practically no people here, and the panoramic view is just as amazing. In addition, from here, from a bird's eye view, you can see the two nearest beaches - Yanui and Nai Harn.

Entrance is free, parking is free

GPS coordinates - 7.770263, 98.306368

Black Rock Lookout

In translation, this place means Black Rock, this name is not accidental, since huge black boulders lie at the very top of the observation deck. How they ended up here is unknown, but the fact that the view from here is unforgettable is a fact, and given the lack of publicity of this place, it has no price. Even during peak hours, when all the view points of Phuket are crowded with people, here you can watch the sun set into the water in splendid isolation.

The Black Rock observation deck is located next to Karon View Point near Nui Beach, and you can climb a 300-meter point through the jungle, there is no normal road to it, only a trail broken from ATV wheels. But fatigue is relieved as if by hand when you see what kind of view appears before your eyes - the endless expanses of the Andaman Sea and the miniature islands of Nai Harn Beach.

GPS coordinates - 7.783098, 98.297505

4. Temples

As in any locality in Thailand, Phuket is full of religious institutions, and these are not only Temples, but also Mosques, since the population of a country that preaches Buddhism is 5% Muslim. For us, to be honest, this was an amazing discovery, since we came from an Islamic republic and are adherents of Islam. Also, Islam is the dominant religion in many provinces of Thailand, if you come to Krabi, you will also be surprised that all the women there wear.

Reclining Buddha

Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Lipon or Wat Srisoonthorn are all names for the same place, and if you haven't been to and haven't seen a reclining Buddha statue, you can look at a similar one in Phuket. What is special about this statue? Firstly, here the Buddha is not depicted in the usual meditating lotus position, but reclining on his right side.

The tradition of making the Buddha in this guise in Thailand was born for a reason. The fact is that an ancient legend says that when a ferocious Demon decided to descend from heaven to meet the great Buddha, he deliberately lay down on the grass. And the ill-fated Demon had to bend down to look into the eyes of the sage. Thais not only decorate the sculpture with gold and stones, but also paint his feet. They are the main decoration of the statue of the Reclining Buddha. The temple is not located in the resort area and you can get to it by public transport songteo, following the route "Phuket - Sarasin" or by bike.

GPS coordinates - 7.989605, 98.355365

Temple Wat Chalong

This is the largest Temple in Phuket, consisting of 29 Buddhist temples, it is notable for the fact that on its territory there is a Three-story Chedi 60 meters high, inside which lies a fragment of the shoulder bone of the Buddha! The ashes are inside a glass bowl and are available for viewing by visitors. To do this, you need to go up to the top floor of the building. If you have never been to the Temples in Thailand before, be sure to look inside the Chedi Phra Mahathat. The interior decoration of the chedi is amazing, inside the walls are painted with scenes from the life of the Buddha, the railings of the stairs are carved in the form of huge snakes, also painted by hand.

By the way, there is a functioning crematorium in the Temple, and here frequent guests are funeral processions that come here to conduct the corresponding ceremonies and customs. If you think that the crematorium is some kind of intimidating building with a huge chimney, then not at all. It is made in the traditional Buddhist style and looks very festive. Its walls are painted in snow-white color, and the roof is decorated with bright tiles with figures of dragons. This building looks more like a small palace, and inside the crematorium there is a farewell hall.

Entrance is free, closed clothing is required.

GPS coordinates - 7.847397, 98.336671

Temple in Patong

This Wat Suwan Khiri Wong Temple is convenient for those who are staying in Patong, because you can walk here on your own from anywhere on the beach. Inside the temple you can find gilded Buddha statues, many different figures in the form of dragons, lions. Monks live in the Patong Temple, their unhurried procession can be observed in the morning hours when they walk along the resort streets to collect offerings in a shoulder bag in the form of a metal cast iron. These donations may not necessarily be in cash; food is put into the cauldron for them to treat the monks, drinks and other food allowed for consumption in the Temple. Also in the Temple in Patong, such an interesting ritual is performed as the expulsion of evil spirits, when firecrackers are lit and the space is filled with smoke and explosions)

Entrance is free, closed clothing is required.

GPS coordinates - 7.902556, 98.310525

Temple on Karon

Another small district Temple, especially convenient for visiting tourists, located in the northern part of Karon Beach. A nice bonus to visiting a religious place is a weekend market operating on its territory, so you can go to the Temple on Karon to combine business with pleasure. And the Temple is really pleasing to the eye, not long ago repairs were carried out in it, and now it amazes visitors with the brightness of colors. In general, I got the strong impression that the Thais build their Temples to dazzle and amaze!

The entrance to the Temple on Karon is crowned with huge golden gates, so it is impossible to miss it walking by, especially around the Temple you will immediately notice the market crowd. The malls are open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 17:00 to 23:00.

Entrance is free, closed clothing is required.

GPS coordinates - 7.847984, 98.297392

Mosque in Patong (Add Mansion Patong)

It will be interesting for adherents of the Muslim religion to visit, to see how this religious direction is developed in Thailand. To find the Mosque you need to go to the right side of the beach. Compared to the colorful Buddhist Temples, it looks a little faded and gray, made in the traditional oriental style.

GPS coordinates - 7.904119, 98.303298

Mosque in Bangtao (Mukarom Mosque)

Another institution for Muslims, only on Bang Tao beach. It was built in connection with the large residence in the area of ​​​​Islamic worshipers, namely the Malays, who visit it daily. Compared to the Mosque in Patong, Mukarom Mosque looks more festive and solemn, it is completely white, the tops of the turrets are crowned with green minarets with crescents. It looks like a Mosque in Dubai, a tiny mini-version of it.

Entrance is free, you need closed clothing and a headdress for women.

GPS coordinates - 7.979863, 98.294830

5. Show

Most of the Shows in Thailand are performed with the participation of people of the third gender or transvestites. Ignorant people on the streets may mistake them for girls, and for good reason. Men in Thailand have become so good at transforming into women that you won’t immediately understand who is standing in front of you. You don't have to go far to see a live trance, they can sit at a nearby table in a cafe, and sell sushi at the night market. Visitors, and the locals themselves, are loyal to them, because sex tourism in the country is a rich influx of vacationers. And for those who turn up their noses from debauchery, the Thais made a Show with the participation of trannies, which you can watch without blushing.

Show Aphrodite (Aphrodite Cabaret Show)

Tickets for the Aphrodite Show will be sold to you at any corner, especially it is advertised on the street of debauchery Bangla Road, where you can buy a ticket directly from the hands of a transvestite) they cost more. The performance lasts exactly one hour and during this time you will see how the most beautiful lady-boys of Thailand will perform popular hits to the soundtrack. And they do it very well, singing is accompanied by dance performances. A grandiose Show will unfold before you, where you will forget that all the participants in this action are men! Converted into women, they look very true, after the concert, shooting is allowed for which you will have to pay extra.

Ticket price - 500 baht (surcharge for VIP - 100 baht), transfer - 100 baht, photography with artists on the street - 30 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.903414, 98.367429

Simon Cabaret Show (Simon Star Show)

Another memorable Show in Phuket, made in the same spirit, echoes the previous one in many moments, there are similar songs, the only difference is that other girl-boys work there. The costumes, scenery, performance will surprise you, even if you have already been to a similar Show, and if not, then you will leave the hall full of impressions! The Simon show is positioned as a Cabaret, but nothing inviting and indecent happens on the stage.

Ticket price - 600 baht (surcharge for VIP - 100 baht), transfer - 100 baht, photography on the street with participants - 30 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.879973, 98.29319

Show Fantasia (Phuket FantaSea)

Compared to the previous two similar shows, this is positioned as the Elephant Show, because animals are involved in the performance in addition to people. Tourists are brought to the show long before the start to see the amusement park adjacent to the Elephant Palace, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe complex is 50 hectares, there are children's attractions, toy shops and souvenir shops on it.

The script of the show is to show the viewer the elements of Thai culture and life, while on the huge stage you can see live buffaloes, goats, chickens and of course 44 elephants! A beautiful Thai fairy tale unfolds on the stage with the participation of the main characters of a prince and a girl from an ordinary family, you can also see such characters as Gods and Demons.

Ticket price - 1900 baht (surcharge for VIP - 300 baht), transfer - 300 baht, photography on the street with artists - 800 baht, buffet - 1100, drinks - 90 baht, combo restaurant + Show - 2200 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.95643, 98.286799.

Show Siam Niramit

The Siam Niramit show starts long before the performance itself. On the territory where the Show is held, there are stylized buildings of the Thai village with the participation of real animals, buffaloes, goats and others. In the houses you can meet villagers in disguise, they will go out and offer you to taste dishes of national Thai cuisine. If you have not been to the Thai Floating Market before, here you will have the opportunity to see it in miniature. Do not miss the opportunity to take free photos on the street, shooting is prohibited in the hall.

For an hour and a half, a performance unfolds on the stage that tells the audience the history of Thailand, introduces the culture and traditions of the country, shows how the Thais lived in ancient times, how they earned their living. The second part is devoted to the afterlife, showing heaven and hell in the Thai representation. The third part is more cheerful, it is dedicated to the traditions of Thailand, they show national holidays, as well as many others.

Ticket price - 1500 baht (surcharge for VIP - 400 baht), combo restaurant + Show - 1850 baht, transfer - 300 baht, photography on the street with the participants of the Show - free of charge.

GPS coordinates - 7.931109, 98.376946

6. Thai boxing (Muay Thai)

Muay Thai ads are going viral, blaring from the loud speakers of open-top trucks driving around Phuket's popular beaches. On the roof of such a pickup, there is an arena with boxers. Of course, you will not see real Thai boxing there, to join the atmosphere, you need to come to the sports arena. What can you see in Muay Thai, besides wrestling? Thais are sensitive to spirits, so even before the fight they perform the appropriate ritual, which from the outside looks like a dance. Two wrestlers perform dance moves in front of each other to ritual music, so they protect the ring from evil spirits and attract good luck. Also loud hypnotic traditional music accompanies the beginning of the competition, this is live drumming, tapping on copper cups and playing a wind instrument. Thai boxing is not an ordinary scuffle, it is a manifestation of traditions and spirituality.

The venue for the fights is Patong Beach, Bangla Boxing Stadium. Schedule of fights from 21:00 - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Duration - 2 hours.

Ticket price - 1600 - 2400 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.89726200, 98.30458400

7. Entertainment

Phuket is becoming more and more comfortable for families with children every year. What can not but rejoice, because some tourists are full of prejudices that Thailand is a place only for adult recreation, a mecca of debauchery and sex tourism.

If you want to show your child the real jungle, elephants and monkeys in their natural habitat, then you have a direct road to Thailand to the tropical islands, the most comfortable of which Phuket is today.

Zoo

Phuket Zoo in Phuket is a place for family holidays, in addition to animals located on its territory, you can watch all kinds of shows with the participation of elephants, crocodiles and monkeys, which are already included in the ticket price.

The Zoo is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. You can come to Phuket Zoo on your own or buy an excursion that will include a transfer. About the road to the zoo in Phuket on my own, I told

Opening hours from 8:30 to 18:00,

Monkey Show - 9:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:45

Show with crocodiles - at 9:45, 12:45, 15:15, 17:30

Elephant Show - at 10:30, 13:30, 16:00

Ticket price - 500 baht, a child under 4 years old - a ticket is free

GPS coordinates - 7.935313, 98.356133

Cat Cafe

An unusual cafe in Phuket offers its guests such a service as a meal in the company of purebred cats. This unusual marketing ploy has brought fame to more than one cafe in Japan and Korea, now such cat cafes are opening everywhere, and the resort town of Phuket is no exception. Cat breeds in the cafe are predominantly Persian, but there are also Siamese and British cats.

Location – Cat Cafe is located in Phuket Town.

Opening hours 12 to 21:30. Monday - day off

GPS coordinates - 7.885499, 98.390894

Dolphinarium (Nemo Dolphins Bay)

Next to the Phuket Zoo, there is a dolphinarium building. Two fur seals and five dolphins perform in the dolphinarium. The traditional program is jumping through rings, tossing balls, riding dolphins, drawing pictures by dolphins.

Ticket prices vary and depend on the rows:

• Seats in rows 1-2: adults 1200 baht, children 700 baht.
• Seats in rows 3-5: adults 900 baht, children 600 baht.
• Seats in row 6-7: adult 600 baht, child 400 baht.
• Swimming with dolphins: 6,000 baht per person.
• Diving with dolphins: 6500 baht per person.

Nemo Dolphins Bay opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00. You can take photos and videos for free.

GPS coordinates - 7.842818, 98.356664

Aquarium (Phuket Aquarium)

The Phuket Aquarium is located on Cape Panwa, and it is one of the best places on the island for families with children. More than 150 species of fish and marine life, brought here from the expanses of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, coexist in the aquarium. For them, their usual habitat is recreated in the aquarium, namely, these are coral reefs, mangroves, stones made of sand and stones. The main feature of the oceanarium is a 10-meter tunnel, passing through which you can watch huge stingrays, sharks and turtles swimming on their heads. The most colorful inhabitant of the aquarium is a huge grouper fish, which is over 20 years old.

It is better to plan a visit to the Oceanarium in the morning, then there will be fewer people, and you will have half an hour to go through a one-story building from beginning to end. At the entrance there is a cafe, a souvenir shop and a pool with giant turtles.

Phuket Aquarium is open from 08.30-16.00, fish feeding starts at 11.00 and it is better not to miss this event.

Admission for an adult is 180 baht, for a child from 5 years old - 100 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.804040, 98.407706

Bird Park (Phuket Bird Park)

The Phuket Bird Park is not just a place where more than 1000 species of birds from all over Southeast Asia live, but also a Botanical Garden, where instead of paved paths there will be neat paths among palm trees, and you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the tropical jungle. This feeling will be especially palpable in huge enclosures, where birds scurry back and forth in the atmosphere of free flight. These are not just cages, these are entire spaces where you can wander around, feed exotic birds from your hand and feel like a Robinson. The ticket price also includes a show program, in which, in addition to birds, otters participate. For half an hour of performance, you can see how parrots ride a bicycle, and otters dance to the music)

Admission for adults - 500 baht, for children - 300 baht.

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Show 10.30., 13.30., 15.30.

GPS coordinates - 7.862852, 98.344969

Tiger Kingdom (Phuket Tiger Kingdom)

Many come to Thailand with one thought - to visit a zoo with tigers in order to be able to be alone in a cage with a toothy predator. Such zoos are not available everywhere, and one of them is located in Phuket. This place is called the Kingdom of the Tigers, and for good reason! After all, the local inhabitants are tigers, almost tamed by man to the state of pets)

The institution keeps in its history only one case of an attack on a tourist, but it all happened due to improper behavior on the part of the visitor, when the tourist himself provoked the bite of the animal. You will be instructed in advance about the recommended behavior, namely, you need to come in for photos and hugs from behind and other important points of communication with tigers. Upon entering, you sign a document that all responsibility in the event of an accident falls on your shoulders. Also, visitors are given the opportunity to choose which animal to go to the cage. Tigers are divided into categories - baby tigers (smallest), teenage tigers (small tiger) and adult animals.

Entrance for adults - from 800 baht, depends on the size of the tiger. Photo with animals on your camera for free, photographer services - 500 baht.

Opening hours - daily from 9:00 to 18:00

GPS coordinates - 7.907121, 98.329851

elephant farms

What are elephant farms in Phuket and why are they remarkable for visiting? Firstly, this is an opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of the island, to feel like an Indian raja who rides an elephant through the jungle. Secondly, it is an opportunity to see the elephant camp with your own eyes, where not only big elephants live, but also baby elephants. Watch how the elephants are washed, feed the animals by hand and take unusual photos.

There are elephant farms in Phuket on almost all large farms, you just have to choose the one closest to you. Elephant riding prices depend on time and start from 600 baht for 20 minutes, the child pays half as much, up to 4 years for free. Your photos are free, from the mahout - 100 baht. Feeding elephants, buying bananas - 100 baht. Bathing a baby elephant in a pond - 300 baht.

• Kok Chang Elephant Camp (Kata Noi Beach)
• Siam Safari (Chalong area. On the way to the Big Buddha)
• Safari Elephant Club (Patong Beach)
• Sea View Elephant Camp (Nai Harn Beach)
• Camp Chang Kalim (Kalim Beach)

Entrance is free, parking is available

Farm hours are from 08.30 to 17.30.

upside down house

An unusual house in Phuket is a whole complex of attractions - the upside down house itself, a maze and a quest. If you have not been to such establishments before, then you will definitely like it here! This is an opportunity to take unusual upside down photos with a tuk-tuk, all the paraphernalia and the interior of a Thai house. In the garden there is an opportunity to get lost in the evergreen labyrinth, the area of ​​which is 1000 sq.m. The quest is a closed room, the exit from which is provided to you only if you complete the tasks for logic and ingenuity.

Entrance for adults upside down house - from 290 baht, 170 baht for children, children under 4 years old are free. Labyrinth – 150 adults / 100 children

Opening hours daily from 10.00 to 18.00.

GPS coordinates - 7.938735, 98.379629

8. Street of debauchery (Bangla Road)

For those who come to Phuket not just to spend time on the beach, but to see the Thai Red Light District with their own eyes, you just need to come to Patong Beach, Bangla Road, where real trances roam the pavement, open their doors to establishments with half-naked Asians dancing on tables and houses with glass windows through which you can see an unusual performance. Also, this street is a collection of striptease bars, nightclubs, cabaret, transvestite shows. Here you will definitely find entertainment to your liking, and it will not necessarily be debauched, Bangla Road is a place for cheap shopping, budget cafes and Russian restaurants. What else can you do on a party street, I told

GPS coordinates: 7.893687, 98.29679

Sex Show (Ping pong show)

Well, if you want to see the real Thai exotic, you will have to pay extra. Entrepreneurial Thai barkers run along Bangla Road, who sell tickets to tourists for a performance where most of the rooms are, this is what I am ashamed to say out loud. Moreover, the entrance to the Ping pong show is free, but you must buy at least one drink from the bar menu. Prices for juices and alcoholic drinks start at 300 baht.

Entrance - from 300 baht for a drink from the bar menu

Opening hours - from 18.00 to 04.00

GPS coordinates - 7.893687, 98.29679

9. Waterfalls

Phuket waterfalls are a fickle phenomenon and here you need to be prepared for the fact that any waterfall in Thailand tends to dry up, so in order not to be disappointed upon arrival, you should know the favorable time to visit. From December to May, all waterfalls turn into streams, or even completely dry up. It is not difficult to find a waterfall in Phuket on your own, you need to follow the signs with the inscription "Waterfall", which means waterfall.

Bang Pae Waterfall

This is the largest freshwater waterfall in Phuket, falling from a height of ten meters, and at the bottom it forms a font with ice water, in which Thai children love to splash so much. Also on the territory of the reserve Bang Pae there are cages with gibbons - these are such fluffy monkeys with a contrasting muzzle.

Opening hours from 9.00 to 18.00

GPS coordinates - 8.039284, 98.391300

Ton Sai Waterfall

Not as huge and impressive as the Bang Pae waterfall, but located in the immediate vicinity of it, so it is convenient for a joint visit. It is best not to embark on a journey alone from Bang Pae Falls to Ton Sai, since the three-kilometer road through the impenetrable jungle, is unlikely to be a good solution for a walk. This is best done with a guide, who can be hired here in the National Park, and along the way you will be accompanied by the singing of tropical birds and you will be able to see with your own eyes the great racket-tailed drongo and red-backed sea eagle.

Admission 200 baht for adults, 100 baht for children for entrance to Khao Phra Theo National Park. Parking is paid 30 baht.

Opening hours from 9.00 to 18.00

GPS coordinates - 8.02787, 98.363256

10. Fishing on the lake

For avid fishermen who go on vacation with the idea of ​​catching exotic fish on vacation, and instead of a mask and fins they carry spinning and tackle in their suitcase, there are suitable entertainments in Phuket - these are freshwater lakes, in which they get their own food locals are not averse to sharing these places with tourists. What is the difference between fishing on a tropical island and fishing in your homeland? Firstly, you have the opportunity to catch fish weighing up to 300 kilograms and take an impressive photo. Secondly, no one will let you go home with prey, since such lakes in Phuket are considered protected, and all fish caught are released back to their habitat. The reward for the fisherman will be the excitement of hunting and vivid memories. Who can be caught in the lake in Phuket? This is the Amazonian long-tailed catfish, arapaima, Siamese carp, Mekong catfish.

The most popular place for tourists of fishermen is the Fish Park (Phuket Fishing Park) on the territory of the freshwater lake Sawai in Phuket. Entrance for a fisherman - 2440 adults, 1540 children, visitor 1140 baht. The ticket price includes transfer, lunch, gear, drinks.

GPS coordinates - 8.042798, 98.310257

11. Parks

In the early morning or when the midday heat subsides, it is best to go for a walk in the parks of Phuket, this is an opportunity to get acquainted with the flora of Thailand, see rare tropical plants and flowers with your own eyes.

Phuket Orchid Garden (Orchid Park Phuket)

Fans of these beautiful flowers and children will be interested to see a real orchid farm in Phuket, because it grows more than 20,000 different species and hybrids of orchids from all over the world. By the way, an orchid will be a good gift for a mother or a girlfriend, you will definitely not find such a rare specimen on the shelves in your homeland. Officially, flowers are prohibited from being exported from the Kingdom, but if you issue a certificate, then you will not have problems with customs.

Admission 400 baht adult, 200 baht child

Opening hours: daily from 09.00 to 17.30

GPS coordinates - 7.818274, 98.334439

Phuket Botanic Garden

Do you want to see how mangoes and mangosteens are grown or the life of Thai peasants, breathe in the coolness in the shade of trees and sit by the pond where flocks of golden carps are splashing? Then you have a direct road to the Botanical Garden in Phuket. The park leaves only a pleasant impression, it is very well-groomed, decorated in the form of twenty themed gardens - Japanese, Chinese, English gardens, etc., there is a cactus butterfly garden. Lovers of flora and fauna will get an unforgettable aesthetic pleasure here!

Admission 500 baht adult, 300 baht child

Opening hours: daily from 09.00 to 16.30. Wednesday - day off

GPS coordinates - 7.848024, 98.346335

12. Sports, outdoor activities

You can enjoy water sports in Phuket without leaving the beach. Barkers will come up to you at all popular holiday destinations, inviting you to ride a banana, jet ski, parachute or paraglider.

Flying Hanuman cable car

Do you want adrenaline in your blood to simply go off scale or just relieve stress by yelling to your heart's content, flying over the tropical jungle like Tarzan or Indiana Jones on vines? Then you have a direct road to the attraction, named after the great deity of the ape-like species, which moved with the help of jumps, similar to the flight of a bird. Within 2.5 - 3 hours, you, like an ancient deity, will move between the trees only with the help of ropes and ladders hanging above the ground at a bird's eye view.

The ticket price for adults and children is 1800 baht. Photo on your camera for free, photographer service 300 baht, photo on a flash drive - 1500 baht.

Opening hours - from 08:00-17:00

GPS coordinates - 7.925014, 98.323068

13. Night markets

Night markets in Phuket are the fastest way to immerse yourself in the gastronomic atmosphere of the island and taste the local cuisine at budget prices. These markets have long been a meeting place and while away evenings for tourists and locals. If you came on vacation on a "breakfast only" package, you have a direct road to Knight Market. Based on the name itself, it is clear that these markets unfold after sunset. The scale of such markets boggles the imagination of even the most experienced tourist, these are endless rows of seafood, meat, side dishes, sushi, famous punk cakes and more. Next to the counters there are tables where you can comfortably place an order or just pick up some tasty treats and have dinner right there. They sell not only food - rice, barbecue, chicken, sweets, necks and fruits, but also clothes, souvenirs, cosmetics.

In Phuket, every beach has its own night market, which bears the same name. Also, in addition to these markets, there is the famous fish market in Rawai, the Naka market in Patong, the Lard Yai Sunday market in Phuket Town.

14. Restaurants, cafes overlooking the sea

Have you come to Phuket with your soulmate, or just want to arrange a romantic evening for yourself, take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy not only delicious food, but at the same time stay in the most beautiful place on Earth? Then you should definitely visit Phuket restaurants located in the most beautiful places of the island!

Heaven Restaurant

The name of the restaurant speaks for itself and translates as "heaven", and indeed Heaven seems to be hovering above the ground. Its location is chosen extremely well, this place is next to Phuket's landmark Karon viewpoint, which offers the same stunning panoramic view as from the main observation point on the island, overlooking the beaches of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. The menu of the restaurant is Thai, Japanese and European cuisines, there is also a spacious dance floor on the territory, and on weekends Thai DJs come here to play sets and spend the sunset with lounge-style music along with visitors.

Free admission

The cost of dishes from the menu is from 250-350 baht, the average check for dinner is from 1000 baht.

Opening hours - from 9:00 to 04.00

GPS coordinates: 7.799144, 98.300050

On the Rock Restaurant

Restaurant visitors come here to spend the evening on the open veranda right on the seashore and enjoy a seafood dinner. Here you can try dishes of king prawns and lobsters, cooked with a French and Caribbean accent, as well as local Thai cuisine. If you are relaxing on Karon Beach, then this is the closest popular restaurant to you on the entire coast.

The cost of dishes from the menu is from 250-350 baht, the average check for dinner is from 800 baht.

Location: Inside Marina Phuket Resort, GPS coordinates: 7.8291919, 98.293689

Restaurant Baan Chom View

The outdoor terrace of the restaurant offers a panoramic view of the mountain on which it is located. The restaurant's menu includes seafood dishes, seafood delicacies, Thai and European cuisines. At sunset, the view from here is stunning, when you can watch how a huge disk of the sun sets into the Andaman Sea.

The cost of dishes from the menu is from 160 baht, the average bill for dinner is from 500 baht.

Working hours: from 12:00 to 04:00

Location: Behind Kata Noi Beach, GPS Coordinates: 7.8092607, 98.3022776

15. Historic places

For those who like to spend their holidays not only in idle entertainment, but also to study the historical component of the holiday destination, Phuket has a great opportunity to take a walk to the sights that show the island from a completely different side.

Sarasin Bridge

Until 1967, local residents did without a bridge, since there was a narrow cape on the site of the sea, but many years have passed since then and water has flooded this piece of land, so the government built a beautiful snow-white bridge, which by our time has managed to acquire legends and legends. Previously, all tourists coming to Phuket from the mainland entered the island via the Sarasin Bridge, but today it has been made a pedestrian attraction. And not in vain, because the Sarasin Bridge offers stunning views of the cape, here you can watch sunsets, and beautiful photos are obtained from the figured turrets. At night, the bridge is illuminated by lanterns, and a market opens on it, where you can buy fresh fruits and Thai cuisine for a penny.

The construction of the bridge is the starting point for the island to become a popular tourist destination. It’s hard to imagine now, but Phuket was previously called Jung Ceylon, and all that was known about it was as a place for mining, and the islanders were not engaged in entertaining tourists, but in fishing, pearling and seashells. Another reason to ride on the Sarasin Bridge is to see the settlements of sea gypsies who build their dwellings right on the water, on large wooden piles.

Free admission

GPS coordinates: 8.201954, 98.298239

Monument to soldiers-liberators

There are also sad pages in the history of Phuket - this is the invasion of Burmese troops into the resort town. Then, back in 1785, two women sisters Chan and Muk, instead of fleeing from the enemy army, began to gather an army in order to repulse the invaders. They led the Thai army and won several victories in battle, thanks not to strength, but to female ingenuity and wisdom. At the end of the war, the King of Thailand personally awarded the courageous sisters with high titles.

Thais to this day honor the memory of Grandmothers Chan and Muk, as they themselves affectionately call them) Visiting Thais also treat the monument with special respect and are always the first to visit this place on the day they arrive in Phuket. Since the locals are very religious, they ask at the foot of the statues for help in business, students believe that Grandmothers give them good luck before difficult exams. For tourists, next to the memorial there is a souvenir shop where you can buy miniature copies of heroic women who forever inscribed themselves in the history of Jung Ceylon.

GPS coordinates: 7.981005, 98.363814

Thalang National Museum

Not far from the monument to the heroic grandmothers, there is the National Museum, where you can personally get acquainted with the history of the formation of Phuket, the life of the locals, their culture, way of life and customs. If you know about the island only as a popular tourist destination, then it will be interesting and surprising for you to see Phuket from the other side. Namely, to learn about such peoples as sea gypsies, Muslims, Chinese, who, along with the locals, are also residents of Phuket. Get acquainted with the history of the battle with the Burmese that happened on the island in the 18th century, see how tin was mined and how the locals lived many centuries ago, when there were no tourists and visitors.

Also on the territory of the complex there is a memory of the tsunami that happened in Phuket in 2004. Under a canopy in the open air, you can see what the elements have turned the things of the modern world into - these are warped cars, broken boats, fragments of things.

Ticket price - 100 baht adult, 50 baht child

Working hours: from 09:00 to 16:00. Day off - Monday, Tuesday.

Location: Thalang district, GPS coordinates: 7.98097; 98.36658

16. Places for making wishes

Thais firmly believe in spirits, this can be understood by the number of miniature houses on the beaches and near the local dwellings. They make daily offerings to such places, leaving food and drink. The locals also have customs that tourists and vacationers liked so much that they successfully adopted them. This is making wishes in holy places. If you have a cherished, hidden desire that needs to be fulfilled with the help of the intervention of extraneous forces, then you definitely need to go to such places. Believe my experience, everything that I wished for in Phuket came true a long time ago without my help)

1. These are such metal sheets on which you can write your sincere wishes to yourself, loved ones, family. The leaves flutter in the wind, touch the bells and create an interesting melody. They are located on the mountain where the Big Buddha sits.

The entrance is free. There is free parking

GPS coordinates - 7.828117, 98.313901

2. Cast iron pots lined up. In order to perform the ceremony, you need to take a handful of coins and go in turn dropping a coin into each of the cast irons. By doing this, you seem to give food to the monks, which is also rewarded by the fulfillment of desires. There are such pots in the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, on Mount Big Buddha.

The entrance is free. There is free parking

GPS coordinates - 7.828117, 98.313901

3. Rub the gong. Another tradition that gives you the fulfillment of your cherished desires and well-being. Thais believe that if you hit a huge metal gong and get a sound, you can find out what your next year will be like. They determine a good future by the sound of the gong, it should be drawn out and melodic. You can also extract the sound from the gong by running your hands over the center, rubbing it. There is a huge gong near the Big Buddha statue in Phuket.

The entrance is free. There is free parking

GPS coordinates - 7.828117, 98.313901

17 Monkey Hill

As you understand from the name, this observation deck is not quite ordinary, because you will not be alone, but in the company of wild monkeys, who are full-fledged inhabitants of the mountain, to enjoy the beautiful view of Chalong Pier, Phuket Town, the Kata area and the Golden Buddha statue. You can get to the mountain only on your own, climbing a steep asphalt road with a length of almost four kilometers. For monkeys, you can bring their favorite delicacy - bananas, mangoes, nuts or corn. When feeding animals, do not forget that there is a risk of catching rabies. And if you come to Thailand without insurance, treatment at a local hospital can cost a pretty penny.

The entrance is free. There is free parking.

GPS coordinates - 7.898325, 98.395228

18. Sea Gypsy Village

The Thais themselves call these people chao-le, which literally means inhabitants of the sea. And indeed, sea gypsies literally build their dwellings on the water. Because of this unusual feature, they have become interesting for tourists who can see with their own eyes how people live in our time, not burdened with the cares of the modern world and the benefits of civilization, such as a telephone or decent clothes, and content with the gifts of the sea and nature.

There are two gypsy villages in Phuket, both of which are available for self-examination. One is located right on the island on Rawai Beach, there is also the famous fish market, which is kept by these very people of the seas. Keep in mind that the sea gypsy village is a separate state with its own language, religion, culture, holidays and customs. They do not turn to hospitals for help, but believe in the power of a shaman who communicates with spirits. The second settlement is located on the island of Sire, which is connected to Phuket by a narrow isthmus with a road. There is a public bus from the center of Phuket with a route (Saphan Hin - Sirey Island).

Free admission

GPS coordinates - 7.874907, 98.422511

19. Cockfighting

If you want to look into the soul of a Thai and find out what kind of entertainment he is most passionate about, you will see an unusual picture there - these are cockfights. Such fights began to be arranged in Thailand for the amusement of the public since the last century, the Thais have taken this type of activity with a bang, and even got excited about making bets and ending the performances with a mass brawl already among people. By the way, in such fights, it is not domestic birds that enter the ring, but fighting cocks, which are grown on special feed, they have been instilled with training from childhood, giving endurance, fighting character and strong legs.

If you want to immerse yourself in the local flavor, then you definitely need to see cockfights and feel the atmosphere that prevails not only in the arena, but also in the visual rows. You most likely will not find an official announcement about this event, since the Thai authorities are against gambling and even conduct regular raids to detain the organizers, so only locals know about cockfights. Usually, a yard fenced with a palisade is chosen as a venue.

20. Shopping malls

Like in any other country, shopping in Thailand has its own narrow focus, and what exactly you can bring from the country of smiles to please friends and family, I told you in more detail. Now we will consider where you can go shopping in Phuket.

Jungceylon Shopping Center

The location of this shopping mall is perhaps the most successful in all of Phuket, because Jungceylon is located on Patong Beach, in its very heart. More than 200 stores are located in the shopping center, offering customers clothes, cashmere carpets, cosmetics and perfumes, shoes, computer games, mobile phones and accessories, and the most modern electronic gadgets. Also inside you can find BigC - a supermarket that has everything from Thai cuisine to household electrical appliances. Also in the shopping center, a pleasant tradition for all visitors was the performance of musical groups or dancers, as well as a fountain show.

Opening hours from 11:00 to 22:00. Fountain show daily at 13:00, 15:00, 19:00 and 21:00. The entrance is free.

GPS coordinates - 7.892131, 98.298876

Premium Outlet Phuket

It is not necessary to go to Milan and Europe for brands, Thailand also has products from famous brands such as Lacoste, Pierre Cardin, Van Heusen, Levi's, Lee, Nautica, Adidas and Nike, and even at attractive prices, where discounts can reach up to 70 %. The Shopping Mall is owned by Thailand's largest fashion retailer and has earned the trust of customers over decades in the business.

Opening hours from 10:00 to 21:00

GPS coordinates - 7.945675, 98.385147

Central Festival (Central Festival)

This is the largest shopping center in Phuket, here you can buy local fabrics, watches and jewelry, electronics and modern gadgets, try Thai, Japanese and European cuisines at reasonable prices. Most of the shops presented here will seem familiar to you, especially if you come to Phuket from Russia. By public transport, you can get on all songteos coming from the beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon, from the rest only through Phuket Town.

Opening hours from 10:30 to 22:00

GPS coordinates - 7.891753, 98.367485

What to see on Phuket excursions

Now you know what to see in Phuket on your own, but those excursions that I recommend buying through travel agencies, as they are located far outside the island and it will be problematic for an inexperienced traveler to get on their own.

In our travels, we buy tickets for excursions via the Internet, because this is a sure way to save a percentage of the cost and avoid unnecessary running and queuing. We like the search engine from Sputnik8, you can book a place in it and be sure of a return, there are also reviews from tourists, on the basis of which we always choose the best guide for ourselves.

Karon is one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket, and besides, it has an excellent reputation: it was not in vain that in 2008 he was in the top ten in the world. As they say, not a beach, but a song, and literally: white sand creaking sonorously underfoot gave this place the unofficial epithet “singing”. It is not as crowded here as on the neighboring (five kilometers) Patong beach, and quite intimate - this effect is created thanks to the sand embankment that hides the road passing by from the eyes. But one should not think that Karon is a wild unbroken place for misanthropes. There is entertainment for every taste, full of shops and other tourist fuss. Therefore, everyone can choose what is closer to him: the noise of nightclubs or unity with nature. In the first case, you should go to the northern part of the beach, Small Karon, spread out in the bay at the Le Meridien hotel, with discos and restaurants. Otherwise, head south to Greater Karon. Fishing, diving (the water here is incredibly clear), numerous spas or just meditation by the water - why not quiet happiness? Here are just surfers on Karon, both southern and northern, have nothing to do: ebb and flow occurs here all the time.

One of the advantages of Surin Beach is the lack of fuss and regularity. The Buddhist temple located in the neighborhood also reminds of the futility of all things. Surin is not noisy, it is not a very public place, and it is full of clubs and restaurants. Surfing, snorkeling (in the high season - from October to April), perfectly clear water and unexpected pine trees, reminiscent of the homeland, in the shade of which you can hide from the sun - Surin gives a variety of experiences. It is also called the beach of millionaires: world celebrities regularly stay in some local hotels, appreciating Surin Beach for that very non-publicity. By the way, Thais themselves come here to relax, which also says a lot.

On Mount Nakaked, at an altitude of more than 400 meters, there is a temple complex of the Big Buddha. It consists of two levels. On the first floor there is a shopping area (souvenir shops) and a small museum. The temple is still being built, and the construction is being carried out with the people's money. If you want to help - buy souvenirs: fees from their sales go just to the common piggy bank. In addition to trading and visiting the museum, which tells about the stages of a great work (the temple has been under construction for more than 10 years), at the first level you can get a monastic blessing. The monks, sitting in the depths of the building on a dais, will perform a ritual by hanging a modest but lucky weaving on your hand. It is important to know that women are not allowed to touch monks - and, accordingly, vice versa. Thanks to the dexterity of the monastic hands, weaving will be on your hand without being touched.

The statue of the Big Buddha itself is located on the second level. The 45-meter Buddha, made of white marble, is captured at the moment of enlightenment. From there you have an incredible view of the surroundings.

We did not recommend visiting one of the hotels in Phuket, as it would be too banal. But Cassia is the most fashionable and original hotel project of the year! All professionals of the tourist market and lovers of the main Thai resort, without exception, were waiting for its start. A fresh and unique format that is ideal for our tourists in the current not very comfortable economic conditions, it is a unique mix of quality and affordability. Cassia's first design studio hotel is an atypical story for Thailand, a country of contrasts where the luxury and grandeur of luxury giants coexist with very budget options. Here - quality, comfort, focus on the liveliest, fashionable and advanced audience for quite sane money.

How is this possible? Firstly, the studio hotel, which was recently opened in October 2015, is the project of Banyan Tree, the most reputable Asian brand in the world of hospitality. This is already a kind of quality mark. Secondly, this is a truly unique format, which has no analogues not only in Phuket, but throughout Thailand. The trendy, spacious apartments are fully built for the generation of mobile internet, Facebook and Instagram. Stylish designer lofts with their own kitchen, a Grab & Go cafe, and a bar with DJ parties will cost the most comfortable amount - and, perhaps, this is the best option in terms of price and quality.

Cassia Phuket has over two hundred apartments and lofts. Each has one or two bedrooms and kitchens, which means that both a large family and a noisy group of friends will be comfortable here. All apartments offer ocean, lagoon or park views. There is free internet everywhere, you can order room service directly to your room, and breakfast is brought free of charge in a special lunch box.

In addition, guests can use the infrastructure of the nearest hotels Banyan Tree Phuket and Angsana Laguna Phuket, because the main advantage of Cassia Phuket is that it is located on the territory of one of the most prestigious resort complexes of the island - Laguna Phuket. And from here you can walk to Bang Tao Beach, which makes this unique project the best choice for location.

Also known as Laguna Beach, this beach stretches for eight kilometers along the northwest coast of Phuket. Here is a huge hotel complex "Laguna", which includes seven luxurious five-star hotels, standing right on the beach. It is easy to guess that the prices on the beach are quite serious, and the atmosphere is imbued with well-being and elitism. There is even an 18-hole golf course. Imagine a picture: a wonderful beach, clear water - and relaxed people with clubs against this background. However, tourists do not live in style alone: ​​in Bang Tao you can also find quite budget locations - cafes in which prices will pleasantly surprise you.

White sand, sandy bottom, allowing you to swim even at high tide ... Kamala, located inside the palm bay, is another of Phuket's secluded places. The beach has opened quite recently, but it is already popular among those who are not looking for active entertainment in Phuket, but just want to enjoy peace and quiet. Entertainment in Kamala is really tight, but vacationers do not complain - they did not come here for diving. However, snorkelers will love the wonderful coral reef. Yes, and remember that you need to go to the northern part of the beach: in the southern part there are many boats and almost no tourists.

The most popular show in Phuket takes place just in Kamala. You can't call it anything other than grandiose. For an hour and a half, several hundred actors and almost half a dozen elephants will tell the audience the love story of Prince Kamala and his battle for love. The show unfolding at the Palace of the Elephants is a fairy tale come to life: running elephants, special effects, colorful costumes, acrobats. "Fantasy" has been shown for 17 years and constantly collects full houses, despite the serious prices (1500 baht - this is how much a ticket costs only for the show). Phuket Fantasea is only part of a huge entertainment complex, an amusement park, which is rightly called Thai Disneyland.

The most famous Buddhist temple of all thirty that are located in Phuket, Wat Chalong was built in the middle of the 19th century and is still in operation. As usual here, it is not one building, but a whole complex. It will not be possible to get into the main temple: it is closed to outsiders. But even in a small temple there is something to see - for example, Buddha figurines in different poses, each of which corresponds to a day of the week. There is also a pavilion on the territory of the complex, in which there are statues of the three most revered local monks. In front of the complex is a life-size statue of an elephant. It is believed that if you rub the elephant's belly, you will become happy and lucky. And in Wat Chalong, annual fairs are held: at this time, the temple turns into a busy market, packed with tourists.

Promthep Cape, aka Promtem, was once called Lam Jao, "God's Cape". Promthep means about the same - "God Brahma". The place is truly divine. Imagine an altar filled with colorful elephant figurines. Imagine a functioning lighthouse and the best viewpoint on the island. Full - 360 degree - perspective, all of Phuket at a glance.

Here you can watch the most beautiful sunset on the island. If you want to be away from the tourist flow, do not be lazy - from the observation deck, go to the peninsula. There is almost no one there, as the climb is quite severe. But you will have the opportunity to sit on a rock with your legs hanging down.