Phuket

These four areas of Phuket are among the most popular with visitors:

Karon

Travelers can find beaches, bars, restaurants and resorts in Karon. Unlike Patong, though, it is much more laid-back and family-friendly. Karon Beach is one of the longest in Phuket, so sunbathers never feel like it’s overcrowded. The waves are calmer here, so it’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The nightlife is healthy, but it is much more sedate than what is found in Patong. Culture lovers will appreciate the amazing statues of a Naga, a creature from Buddhist mythology in Wat Karon and by the beach.

Kata

Popular with families and travelers all year round, Kata Beach offers a wealth of activities, from water sports and surfing to scuba diving. The soft sand means it’s also perfectly all right to laze on the beach all day and catch some rays. There are many restaurants and bars nearby offering stunning views of the bays, and the modern Palm Square complex is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to grab a drink or a meal. Kata Night Market sells a number of handmade Thai crafts, clothes, and food as well. With enough to do to keep vacationers busy, it’s ideal for families or those wanting a break from busier places.

Patong

Patong is on the island’s western coast and it’s well-known by locals and repeat visitors for its party scene and the infamous Bangla Walking Street. Besides a hot nightlife, Patong also boasts a well of divine shopping experiences – from shops located beachside to the impressive Jungceylon shopping center. Travelers sparing no costs during their holidays might choose Patong as the place to put down those holiday roots and there is no more beautiful situation than Villa Amarisa with its bird’s eye view of the ocean in the midst of lush greenery. Perched high atop the coastal cliffs of Kamala Bay, this opulent retreat has three levels with a private elevator connecting them. There are two master suites, one of which has direct access to the beautiful outdoor infinity pool. Guests can work out in a well-equipped gym and relax those tired muscles in the outdoor Jacuzzi. There is a delightful outdoor dining area and stone steps taking guests down to incredible tropical gardens.

Phuket Town

The architecturally beautiful capital of the province of Phuket features colorful, Sino-colonial buildings hosting a number of quaint shops and cafes. The area is a wonderful place to soak in some local culture. Amanpuri Nine Bedroom Ocean Villa is west of Phuket Town in an idyllic setting. The luxurious estate can accommodate up to 18 guests who will enjoy all the A-1 amenities on offer. The property’s pavilions and villas overlook serene gardens and the Andaman Sea. There is an outdoor pool guests can relax in after enjoying a game or two of tennis on the private court. There is also a gym, massage and steam rooms, and a sauna. Have cocktails and dinner on the terrace while watching the sun dip into the sea.

Phuket’s culinary scene is simply delightful. Here are five restaurants that excel at fine dining:

Acqua Restaurant

Acqua is an upscale Italian eatery that has received many awards and accolades. The incredible gastronomic experience is heightened by the restaurant’s beautiful décor. The chef uses only the freshest and highest quality ingredients in his dishes. The comprehensive menu offers creations like sheep milk ricotta gnocchi on a smoked mozzarella sauce, lemon zest, Sardinia sea urchin and Avruga caviar; black ink spaghetti verrigni with Sicilian prawns rosso di mazara, burrata, and Avruga caviar. For dessert, try the chocolate and gorgonzola mousse with pear ice cream or the cinnamon-flavored panna cotta with fresh berry sauce.

Blue Elephant

There is nothing casual about this place. It is fine dining all the way, starting from the luscious old mansion in which it’s located to the incredibly opulent interiors. The mansion used to be a governor’s home but was long ago abandoned until being lovingly restored by the restaurant’s owners. The Blue Elephant is also a long-established cooking school. The lamb or duck curry massaman dishes are exemplary, as are the satays.

The Boathouse

Diners here have a choice of authentic Thai or Western cuisine. Whatever choice is made, the location is perfect – right on beautiful Kata Beach overlooking the bay. This eatery has been synonymous with fine dining for many years. Guests have their choice of where they would like to dine: the main dining room, an outdoor terrace overlooking the beach, the iconic bar, the rooftop Sunset Lounge or in a private villa by the beach. The epitome of romance.

Mom Tri’s Kitchen

Mom Tri’s Kitchen is one of the oldest restaurants in Phuket and one of the few places serving authentic cuisine when most places weren’t. Chef Darren and Chef Sura prepare excellent Thai fare, including seafood and some real Phuket dishes. The restaurant is in a wooden Thai-style house, on a small cliff with beautiful sea views. Mom Tri’s Kitchen keeps a superb wine cellar with delicious vintages to go with a romantic dinner.

Silk Restaurant

Located at Andara Resort, Silk offers diners divine meals amongst a collection of Thai artifacts, which enhance its sleek and elegant design and a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea. Guests can lounge on opium beds and dine al fresco or in the air-conditioned comfort of the dining room with the light from magnificent bronze and silk lanterns hanging overhead. Silk is known for its grilled specialties. Favorite dishes of the locals include Goong Sarong, Gaeng Kati Nuae Pu Bai Cha Plu and Pla Kapong Hor Baitong.

The people in Phuket sure do relish their culture and the arts. For the size of Phuket, it is brimming with museums and galleries. Here are five that might be of interest:

Chinpracha House

Anyone who appreciates antiques and architecture needs to visit Chinpracha House while in Phuket. Luxury Thailand holidays aren’t well-rounded without learning a bit about the culture. This beautifully-preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion built in 1903 is still occupied by sixth-generation descendants of the original owner, Phra Pitak Chinpracha, but they delightfully allow visitors to come to see not only the building but the gardens and the delights contained within such as all the vintage black and white family portraits, Italian ceramic tiles and Victorian embellishments like four-poster beds decked out in lace.

Museum Phuket

The Museum Phuket is dedicated to telling the story of Phuket from its early history up to the present. The museum features photo exhibitions and displays as well as workshops where visitors can try their hands at traditional handicrafts.

Phuket Mining Museum

The Mining Museum tells the history of the tin mining era of Phuket. Highlights include the formation of minerals and the structure of the earth, a history of mining section featuring wax figures in caves, a model of a tin mine with small miner figures and a scale mockup of what Phuket looked like and the way people lived years ago.

Phuket Thai Hua Museum

This was the first Chinese language school in Phuket, established by the Chinese Hokkien, Chinese ancestors who migrated to the area. Visitors can learn about the Hokkien Chinese traveling to Phuket, their beliefs, lifestyle, art and culture, and the relationship between the Chinese and Phuket people. The multi-media exhibition is modern, fun, easy to understand, and appropriate for everyone. The museum is also a memorial for locals to remember their ancestors.

Seashell Museum

Visitors who adore the sea and its life will find a variety of colorful and fascinating seashells from all over the world at this unique museum. Giant clam shells, white Indian chank shells, slit shells, and a number of historic fossils are all here. There is an on-site shop selling shells, pearls, unique jewelry, and books.

These five spots can fulfill any vacationer’s after-dark cravings:

Cafe del Mar

Café del Mar is called the mother of all chill music. In fact, all experiences at this venue are meant to be chill. Whether guests are in the mood for a culinary feast or to sip cocktails while listening to A-list DJs, the café atmosphere fills a void in Phuket’s nightlife roster. Try the ginger and lychee mojito a try – fresh ginger and lychee shaken with rum, mint, lime, and topped with soda.

Catch Beach Club

Now this is a classy place! Cool, funky, and with a fresh, white, and blue seaside design, Catch has a chilled-out vibe during the day while the tempo rises after the sun sets, creating a nightclub atmosphere of beachside party beats. Renowned DJs are lined up and guests can expect some deep house soundscapes to add to the tropical magic only a beach club ambiance can generate.

La Chunga Bar

La Chunga Bar and Restaurant has been open for decades. The venue was given new life in 2013 under new management. Just a couple steps from the sea, La Chunga is open until the sun rises. It is comfortably exclusive and a delight for partygoers. It is a chic party spot for the hip and elite. Chilled, unique cocktails keep coming and the service is excellent.

HQ Beach Lounge

The HQ Beach Lounge provides it all: a nice quiet place in the shade of casuarina trees right by the sea, quality music, an interesting menu, signature cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere. HQ Beach Lounge is great for a relaxing afternoon beach stay, a sunset dinner, and cocktails with good music in the evenings.

Xana Beach Club

Xana is one of the most popular beach clubs in Phuket. Spend a laid-back afternoon in the pool or by the sea, have lunch on the beach, and continue into the night with some mixing and mingling. Their cocktail and wine lists are comprehensive enough to keep guests happy all day and into the evening. With a massive sound system, Xana Beach Club hosts occasional parties with international DJs.

Phuket has many stellar events. At least one of these four might be of interest, or perhaps all of them:

Loy Krathong Festival

Every year, Loy Krathong is celebrated on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, which is in November. Everyone goes to the closest river, lake, beach, or swimming pool to release a floating offering, hoping for good luck in the coming year. In Phuket, Loy Krathong is celebrated on all beaches, at many lakes, and everywhere there is water, including most hotel swimming pools. On main beaches, people also release flying lanterns. It’s surreal and beautiful. As always, when there is an event, there is plenty of street food, parties, and games. If taking part, remember only to buy Krathongs made from banana tree slices or bread dough.

Phuket Chinese New Year

Thailand has one of the largest communities of Chinese outside China in the world, so it is natural that Chinese New Year is celebrated in the country. The old Sino-Portuguese district in Phuket town has a not-to-be-missed event for visitors in Phuket. Expect celebrations with a dragon parade and lion dances, firecrackers to ward off the Nian snake demon that ravaged the villages in ancient China, lanterns, Chinese cultural shows, and street stalls selling food.

Thailand International Boat Show

From making deals in the exhibition hall to buying a boat in the marina, networking with clients on the boardwalk, to jumping onboard a superyacht, Thailand International Boat Show is the largest exhibition held in Phuket. Showgoers will have the chance to see more than 50 crafts up close and personal at the Royal Phuket Marina. Yachts of all sizes, both power, and sail, will be on display – from dinghies and day trippers up to superyachts. In addition, there will be jet skis and pocket submarines. To round out the show, there will be fine and casual dining areas, interactive displays, live music, and panel discussions. This is a must-attend January event for watercraft enthusiasts.

Songkran

Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. Visitors who head to Phuket or Thailand in April should know a little about this festival. Songkran is the Thai New Year, and it occurs when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries. According to the Thai calendar, it is the year 2564. The entire country gets many days off, and most Thai people go back home to celebrate Songkran with their families. It also involves a strange tradition of throwing water at each other, but since this is the hottest time of the year, this is cool and fun.

There is no shortage of fun and unique things to do in Phuket. The four activities here are sure to be among the most memorable experiences on a Phuket vacation:

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Tour

Thailand has more than 200 different varieties of sugar cane from which the stellar Chalong Bay rum is made. Sugarcane is grown without chemical fertilizers in partnership with local farmers who still harvest their crops by hand, preserving the pure essence of natural sugarcane. Visitors can see how the magic happens by taking a tour of the distillery, which is on the southeast coast of Phuket. Enjoy a mojito while discovering how this rum is crafted and take part in a cocktail workshop and have a bite to eat at Suay, the restaurant and cocktail bar.

Phang Nga Bay Day Trip

Take a full-day speed boat excursion to Phang Nga Bay. Journey through emerald waters, past hundreds of limestone islands while making stops at James Bond Island and the secluded lagoons of Talu Island in a scenic canoe ride. Experience the wonder of stalactite caves, swim, relax, or work on a tan on Naka Island’s secluded beach. Have a delicious and unique lunch at a restaurant on stilts over the water.

Phuket Big Buddha

The mesmerizing statue of the 150-foot-tall Great Buddha of Phuket was created to memorialize Maravija Buddha. The official name of the statue is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, or Ming Mongkol Buddha. The statue is one of the most highly-revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on the Nakkerd Hills between Kata and Chalong overlooking the beautiful city of Phuket. The Big Buddha is accompanied by a smaller Buddha statue, gold in color and made of 20 tons of brass. This religious site provides a meditative environment for all who visit. Keep in mind strict rules regarding dress are followed.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is Phuket’s most revered and most visited Buddhist temple. The temple complex was built in its current location in 1837. This is where most Thai people make offerings of lotus flowers and add small pieces of gold paper to the monks’ statues inside. The two monks are credited with helping halt the Chinese Rebellion of 1876. Visitors highly recommend a visit to Wat Chalong, as well as a stroll through its impressive, clean, and well-maintained grounds, saying the temple complex exudes peace and serenity.