Where to go to Phuket. Which area of ​​Phuket to choose for your holiday. All the beaches of Phuket and the best beaches of the island - a description from personal experience It’s better to go to Phuket to relax

In the article we talk about best beaches Phuket. We share information about the cleanliness of beaches, the popularity of places and infrastructure. We will also tell you which Phuket beaches are best suited for families with children. For convenience, we have marked all the best beaches on the map.

  1. There is no concept in the country private beach": all beaches are municipal, and therefore in Thailand the concept " is perceived differently. There are many hotels near the beach, and such hotels have no right to prevent people from visiting the beach. So any beach in Thailand is at your disposal.
  2. Most equipped beaches with developed tourist infrastructure are located on west coast Phuket.
  3. The best time to vacation in Phuket is from December to March. During this period, the waves are not so high and the weather is most favorable for relaxation. Read more about the weather in Phuket.

The best beaches of Phuket on the map

Comparison of Phuket beaches

Who is resting Purity Number of vacationers Entrance to the sea Shopping Entertainment Beach length
Youth, amateurs nightlife ☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ flat
sandy		 ☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ ≈ 4 km
Youth, couples with children ☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ sandy ☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ ≈ 4-5 km
☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ flat
sandy		 ☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆ ≈ 2 km
Couples, married couples with children ☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆ flat
sandy		 ☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆ ≈ 8 km
Young people, couples with children, older couples ☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ flat
sandy		 ☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆ ≈ 2 km
Couples, married couples with children ☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆ flat
sandy		 ☆☆ ☆☆☆ ≈ 0.7 km

☆– minimum value; ☆☆☆☆☆ – maximum value


Photo © by Teerawanit Malikun on Unsplash

Description of the best beaches in Phuket

Patong

Patong is the best beach in Phuket for lovers of nightlife and fun. Patong Beach is considered the most popular place youth, because life in this place is in full swing, and the fun lasts around the clock.

Best place to relax on Patong Beach in November, December, January, February, March and April.

Entrance to the sea comfortable: flat and sandy. The bottom is free of stones and sharp shells. There are no clearly defined ebb and flow tides here (the sea does not run tens of meters away).

During the daytime, there are many sunbeds and umbrellas. Renting a sunbed with an umbrella for the whole day costs 100-150 baht.

Due to the large number of tourists, the beach does not have time to be cleaned, so it can hardly be called clean.

Built along the Beach many hotels: from inexpensive hotels and hostels to comfortable hotels with 5 stars. The bulk are 3 and 4 star hotels. The most cheap hotels can cost an average of 260 baht. Guest houses can cost tourists from 450 baht per day. From October, prices on Patong Beach begin to rise. Current prices can be found out .

Hotels are separated from the beach by a road along the coast. Read the article about the best hotels on Patong Beach.


© Photo: by Nicolas Lannuzel/flickr.com Patong, Phuket

Great on the beach developed infrastructure: There are many shops and department stores, massage parlors, cafes, ATMs, there are buses, taxis and tuk-tuks.

For shopping lovers, not far from the beach (15-20 minutes) there is a large shopping mall Junqceylon. There are also many markets and shops located here.

Nightlife lovers gather on Bangla Road after dark. There are many bars, go-go dancers, vibrant shows and much more under the 18+ sign.

Pros and cons of Patong Beach

© Photo: by Nicolas Lannuzel/flickr.com Patong, Phuket

© Photo: by Edgardo W. Olivera/flickr.com Patong, Phuket

Photo © jo.sau/flickr.com

Photo © jo.sau/flickr.com

Photo © Peter Cartledge/flickr.com

© Photo: by Edgardo W. Olivera/flickr.com Patong Beach, Thailand


Karon

Karon is considered one of the best beaches in Phuket. Clean beach length is about 4 km. Most often they rest young couples, married couples with children.

It's best to rest on the beach from December to March. During the summer months, the sea becomes cloudy due to the sand that is stirred up by large waves.

Note: In summer and September the sea becomes dangerous. During the rainy season, underwater currents appear that can be pulled into the open sea. At this time, it is better to swim in full view of lifeguards and in special places.

Beach and sea: a beach with yellow sand that creaks under your feet when you walk. The sea is transparent and clean. In some places on the beach, the entrance to the sea is NOT flat, so you don’t have to walk long to take a dip.


Photo © HRBRUNNER/flickr.com

Sunbeds in 2016 they were removed from the beach and they could not be rented, but in 2017 they appeared on the beach again. Now you can rent mattresses and an umbrella for 100-200 baht.

Most people on Karon relax on the south beach; in the north and in the center you can lie more freely.

From entertainment there are jet skis on the beach, parachute rides behind a motor boat, a banana boat, etc.

There are no modest Thai cafes on the beach; the majority are restaurants, the cost of a dish is from 150-200 baht. There is a 7-Eleven store and a small market.

Pros and cons of Karon Beach

Kata

Another popular place that is included in the list of the best beaches in Phuket. Many tourists vacation here. Great on the beach developed infrastructure: many hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops.

Mostly people relax here young and older couples, couples with children who came for a relaxing holiday. There are no bars or clubs here.

Sea and beach: The entrance to the sea is gentle; at low tide the water recedes several meters (≈ 3-4 m). The sandy beach itself is well-groomed and clean.

The best place to visit is Kata Beach in season: from November to March. For surfing enthusiasts, the season of strong waves and winds begins from May to October.


Photo © Ishmael Riles/flickr.com

The beach is equipped with: There is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas for 100 baht per day, there are changing cabins and showers.

There are small cafes, restaurants and small shops along the beach.

From entertainment on the beach there are parasailing behind a motor boat, snorkeling (snorkeling), jet skis, surfing, etc.

Hotels there is a lot here: from inexpensive ones for 350-400 baht to 5 star hotels on the first line. The first line is occupied by large hotels, and a little further in you can find budget options hotels.

Shopping lovers can look into the city center and markets located near Hotel Club Med.

Pros and cons of Kata Beach

Photo © bfishadow/flickr.com

Photo © edwin.11/flickr.com

Photo © ih/flickr.com

Photo © mst7022/flickr.com

Photo © wales_gibbons/flickr.com

Photo © wales_gibbons/flickr.com

Bang Tao

This beach can be called one of the quietest and calmest beaches in Phuket. We added it to the list of the best beaches in Phuket for its cleanliness, lack of crowds of tourists and for its distance highway(unlike most of the beaches in Thailand).

Fits For family vacation with children and young couples.

Bang Tao Beach stretches for 8 km. Tall trees grow along the entire beach, creating natural shade. Beach with fine white sand. The entrance to the sea is flat and muddy.

Sun loungers are available for rent on the beach (150-200 baht). Some of them belong to a cafe on the beach and sunbeds are provided free of charge for customers.

As a rule, wealthy people vacation here, so the prices are hotels it is higher here than in Patong. Approximate price tag for a hotel room from 1500 baht.


Photo © CCFoodTravel/flickr.com

From entertainment There is a cafe and massage on the beach. Not far from the beach there is a golf course and there are also tennis courts.

Concerning shops and shopping, then most of them are located in the southern part of the beach. It's difficult to find cheap products here. Mainly designed for wealthy buyers with high demands on quality.

Pros and cons of Bang Tao Beach

Video about Bang Tao beach

Kamala

Another exotic beach in Phuket, which can safely be called one of the best beaches on the island.

It's best to come to Kamala Beach during high season (November to March). During the monsoon season, swimming on the beach becomes dangerous and special flags appear along the beach and the winds create large waves for surfers.

Mostly people come here to relax married couples with children and elderly couples.

Beach and sea It is kept clean, there are no pebbles or sharp shells in the sand. The sea itself is blue. There are no waves here during the season. The entrance to the sea is gentle and fenced off from boats.

Note: It is best to avoid swimming in the southern part of the beach, as there is a small boat parking area there and the area is not clean.


Photo © Matthew Colvin de Valle/flickr.com

Here you can hide from the sun under the palm trees that grow along coastline. They also rent sunbeds for 100 baht.

There are no crowds of tourists on this beach, only in high season their number increases slightly. In the northern part there is a place where you can relax in complete privacy (between the hotel and Kamala beach).

For entertainment For tourists, there are jet skis, banana boats, parachute rides behind a motor boat, and snorkeling. Relaxing entertainment includes massages, cafes and restaurants. Kamala also hosts a colorful show (Phuket Fantasea).

There is no nightlife on the beach: bars, noisy discos, etc.

Concerning hotels, then there is a lot good options. We advise you to pay attention to the Novotel hotel (we mentioned it above). There is a good beach here: clean and well-groomed. The hotel is surrounded by exotic greenery and is located as close as possible to the beach.

Budget hotel options can be found on Beach Road. The further from the beach, the cheaper the hotel.

Not far from the beaches there are several 7-Eleven stores and a small market.

Pros and cons of Kamala Beach

Video of Phuket beaches – Kamala beach

Nai Harn

Phuket is a holiday destination where most tourists go on ready-made tour packages, but on the island itself it is possible to move around it independently and few people know about it, continuing to buy ready-made excursion packages from guides as usual. Of course, you can’t get to places like the James Bond Islands on your own, but there are many other opportunities to see in Phuket on your own that the typical tourist doesn’t know about, and today I’m going to share them with you. This will be a mini guide to Phuket, the TOP 20 places on the island that you can quite easily and simply visit during your vacation without guides and travel agencies.

Doesn't necessarily try to cover as much as possible interesting places, especially since everyone has different needs, so I divided 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 navigate the island independently

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 we needed for this was to remove our fears and prejudices about motorbikes, that we could be put in prison for driving without a license, and so on. Because a tourist has three ways to navigate around the island in Thailand on his own quickly and without stress:

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, motorcycle taxi. Everything is clear here, in order to find a taxi driver you just need to go out onto the street 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 your trip and 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 heritage, 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 just one of them. Some tourists are afraid of going 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, they all have their own characteristics, such as the color of the water, the transparency of the sea, the landscape, the zest - for example, on Karon, the sand under your feet creaks like snow in the cold, and on May beach Khao (Mai Khao) planes fly directly above the heads of vacationers. Everything you need to study nearby beaches- is to master at least one of the methods of movement that I listed above. Phuket, despite the fact that it is an island, is still rather large in size, so you definitely won’t be able to explore it on foot.

Conventionally, all 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 Kao, Naithon, Banana Beach.

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

There are also beaches that are marked on tourist map Phuket, but not bathing. Due to low tides, dirty sea, poor bottom and lack of 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 you don’t have to go to 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 for nothing that a school of divers has opened on its territory and people who are interested in diving settle here. For snorkeling enthusiasts, there is the opportunity to rent a kayak or boat. Also in Phuket the beaches are not inferior in beauty underwater world- this is 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 observation platforms. In Thailand they are called view - point from English. “viewpoint” is a vantage point, and from these places the views are stunning. panoramic view a bird's eye view of the area.

Big Buddha

This is not just an observation deck, a huge snow-white 45-meter marble statue of Buddha on a mountain near Karon Beach. It is clearly visible from almost everyone southern beaches islands, she seems to be watching her surroundings from above, protecting her from evil spirits, as the locals say. Getting to the foot of the statue is not difficult; there is a walking trail and an asphalt road for independent travelers. But we do not recommend conquering the hill on your own, as you will simply run out of steam in such heat and will have no time for sightseeing. Therefore, it is best to take a rented bike or a songthaew 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 visiting it! Firstly, this is where you can watch the sunset in all its splendor. Secondly, this is the landscape of the area, the cape is a long narrow strip of the mainland, extending several meters into the sea.

Admission is free, parking is free

GPS coordinates - 7.759683, 98.304183

Karon Viewpoint

Another free one Observation deck in Phuket, which offers stunning views of three large beaches- Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, as well as the surrounding area. It is quite impressive, consisting of several levels that are connected by 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, and take a songthaew to Kata beach. If you like trekking, then the road on its own will captivate you more, since 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

Wind Mill Viewpoint

Another name for this viewpoint is Windmills; they can be immediately seen if you look at the left side of Nai Harn Beach. Also, this place was chosen by lovers of paragliding, these are oblong parachutes that are used for flight updrafts air, or in simple words, a tailwind. On a paraglider in Phuket you can fly for hours under the clouds, while a picture of the endless world will open before your eyes. Andaman Sea and to tropical beaches. Prices for renting a paraglider in Phuket start from 1,000 baht.

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

Admission is free, parking is free

GPS coordinates - 7.770263, 98.306368

Black Rock Lookout

Translated, this place means Black Rock; this name is not accidental, since at the very top of the observation deck there are huge black boulders. 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, there is no price for it. Even during rush hours, when all the view points in 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 to the 300-meter point through the jungle; there is no normal road to it, only a path broken from the wheels of ATVs. But fatigue disappears as if by hand when you see the view that 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 islamic republic and we are adherents of Islam. Islam is also the dominant religion in many provinces of Thailand, if you come to Krabi, you will also be surprised what all the women there wear.

Reclining Buddha

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

The tradition of making Buddha in exactly this guise in Thailand was not born without reason. The fact is that ancient legend says that when the fierce Demon decided to descend from heaven to meet the great Buddha, he deliberately lay down on the grass. And the unfortunate Demon had to bend down to look into the eyes of the sage. The 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 in resort area and you can get to it by public transport Songthaew, following the route “Phuket - Sarasin” or by bike.

GPS coordinates - 7.989605, 98.355365

Wat Chalong Temple

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 of which rests a fragment of the humerus of the Buddha! The ashes are contained within 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 a Temple in Thailand before, be sure to take a look inside Chedi Phra Mahathat. The interior decoration of the chedi is amazing; inside the walls are painted with scenes from the life of Buddha, the staircase railings are carved in the form of huge snakes, also painted by hand.

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

Admission is free, closed clothing is required.

GPS coordinates - 7.847397, 98.336671

Temple in Patong

This Wat Suwan Khiri Wong Temple is convenient to visit for those staying in Patong, because you can walk here on your own from anywhere on the beach. Inside the temple you can find gilded statues of Buddha, many different figures in the form of dragons and lions. Monks live in the Patong Temple; their leisurely 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 do not necessarily have to be in monetary form; they put food into the pot for treating the monks, drinks and other food permitted for consumption in the Temple. Also in the Temple in Patong, such an interesting ritual is carried out as the expulsion of evil spirits, when firecrackers are lit and the space is filled with smoke and explosions)

Admission is free, closed clothing is required.

GPS coordinates - 7.902556, 98.310525

Temple of Karon

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

The entrance to the Temple on Karon is crowned with huge golden gates, so it is impossible to miss it while walking by, especially since around the Temple you will immediately notice the market bustle. Shopping arcades are open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 17 to 23 hours.

Admission 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 and see how this religious trend is developed in Thailand. To find the Mosque you need to go to the right side of the beach. Compared to colorful Buddhist Temples looks a little faded and gray, made in a traditional oriental style.

GPS coordinates - 7.904119, 98.303298

Mosque in Bangtao (Mukarom Mosque)

Another establishment for Muslims, only on Bang Tao beach. It was built due to the large population of Islamic devotees in the area, namely the Malays, who visit it daily. Compared to the Patong Mosque, Mukarom Mosque looks more festive and solemn, it is completely white, the tops of the turrets are crowned with green minarets with crescents. It is somewhat reminiscent of the Mosque in Dubai, a tiny mini version of it.

Admission is free; closed clothing and a hat are required for women.

GPS coordinates - 7.979863, 98.294830

5. Show

Most of the shows in Thailand are performed by people of the third gender or by transvestites. Uninformed people on the streets may mistake them for girls, and for good reason. Men in Thailand have become so adept at transforming themselves 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 the next table in a cafe and sell sushi at the night market. Visitors, and even the locals themselves, treat them loyally, because the country receives a large influx of vacationers for sex tourism. And for those who turn their nose up at debauchery, the Thais have made a Show with the participation of trannies, which you can watch without blushing.

Aphrodite Cabaret Show

Tickets for the Aphrodite Show will be sold to you on 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) You can also take a walk to Phuket town yourself, but I would not recommend this, because why are they there? they cost more. The performance lasts exactly one hour and during this time you will see how the most beautiful ladyboys in Thailand will perform popular hits to the soundtrack. Moreover, they do this very efficiently; the singing is accompanied by dance performances. A grand Show will unfold before you, where you will forget that all the participants in this action are men! Transformed into women, they look very realistic; after the concert, filming is allowed, for which you will have to pay extra.

Ticket price - 500 baht (surcharge for VIP - 100 baht), transfer - 100 baht, photo shooting 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 aspects, there are similar songs, the only difference is that other girls and boys work there. Costumes, scenery, performance - all this 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 or indecent happens on stage.

Ticket price - 600 baht (surcharge for VIP - 100 baht), transfer - 100 baht, photo shooting 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 an Elephant Show because the performance involves animals in addition to humans. Tourists are brought to the show long before the start to see the amusement park adjacent to the Palace of the Elephants, total area The territory of the complex is 50 hectares, it contains children's attractions, toy stores and souvenir shops.

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

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

GPS coordinates - 7.95643, 98.286799.

Siam Niramit Show

The Siam Niramit show begins long before the performance itself. On the territory where the Show is held there are stylized buildings of a Thai village with the participation of real animals, buffalos, goats and others. In the houses you can meet villagers in disguise, they will come out and offer you to taste 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. Don't miss the opportunity to take free photos on the street; photography is prohibited in the hall.

For an hour and a half, a performance unfolds on 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 got their food. The second part is dedicated to the afterlife, showing heaven and hell in the Thai view. The third part is more fun, it is dedicated to the traditions of Thailand, showing national holidays, as well as many others.

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

GPS coordinates - 7.931109, 98.376946

6. Thai boxing (Muay Thai)

Muay Thai advertising can be called viral, it pours out from the loud speakers of open trucks driving along the popular beaches of Phuket. On the roof of such a pickup truck there is an arena with boxers. Of course, you won’t 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 a fight they perform an 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 start of the competition, this includes live drumming, tapping on brass cups and playing a wind instrument. Thai boxing is not an ordinary fight, it is a manifestation of traditions and spirituality.

The location of the fights is Patong Beach, Bangla Boxing Stadium. Fight schedule from 21:00 - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Duration - 2 hours.

Ticket price - 1600 - 2400 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.89726200, 98.30458400

7. Entertainment

Every year Phuket becomes more and more comfortable for a family holiday with children. Which is good news, 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 environment habitat, then you have a direct road to Thailand to the tropical islands, the most comfortable of which today is the island of Phuket.

Zoo

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

The zoo's opening hours are from 8.30 to 18.00. You can come to Phuket Zoo on your own or buy an excursion that includes a transfer. I told you about the road to the zoo in Phuket on your own

Opening hours from 8:30 to 18:00,

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

Crocodile show – at 9:45, 12:45, 15:15, 17:30

Elephant show – 10:30, 13:30, 16:00

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

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 trick has brought fame to more than one cafe in Japan and Korea; now similar cat cafes are opening everywhere, and the resort town of Phuket is no exception. The cat breeds in the cafe are predominantly Persian, but there are also Siamese cats and British cats.

Where is it located - 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 at the dolphinarium. The traditional program includes jumping through hoops, tossing balls, riding dolphins, and 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 the 6th-7th row: adults 600 baht, children 400 baht.
  • Swimming with dolphins: 6,000 baht per person.
  • Diving with dolphins: 6,500 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 at Cape Panwa and is one of the best places on the island for a family holiday with children. The aquarium is home to more than 150 species of fish and marine life brought here from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. For them, the aquarium recreates their usual habitat, namely coral reefs, mangroves, sand and rocks. The main feature of the oceanarium is a 10-meter tunnel, through which you can observe huge stingrays, sharks and turtles swimming on their heads. The most colorful resident of the aquarium is a huge grouper fish, more than 20 years old.

It is better to plan a visit to the Oceanarium in the first half of the day, then there will be fewer people, and you will have half an hour of time to walk through the 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 opening hours are from 08.30-16.00, fish feeding begins at 11.00 and it is better not to miss this event.

Admission for an adult is 180 baht, for a child over 5 years old – 100 baht.

GPS coordinates - 7.804040, 98.407706

Phuket Bird Park

Bird Park in Phuket is not just a place where more than 1000 species of birds live from all over the South East Asia, but also Botanical Garden, where instead of asphalt 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 tangible in huge enclosures, where birds scurry back and forth in an atmosphere of free flight. These are not just cages, these are entire spaces where you can wander, hand-feed exotic birds and feel like Robinson. Also included in the ticket price is a show program in which, in addition to birds, otters participate. In half an hour of the show you can see parrots riding bicycles and otters dancing to the music)

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

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

GPS coordinates - 7.862852, 98.344969

Tiger Kingdom (Phuket Tiger Kingdom)

Many people come to Thailand with one thought - to visit a zoo with tigers, to have the opportunity to be alone in a cage with a toothy predator. Such zoos are not found everywhere, and one of them is located in Phuket. This place is called the Tiger Kingdom, and for good reason! After all, the local inhabitants are tigers, almost tamed by humans to the point of becoming pets)

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

Entrance for adults - from 800 baht, depending on the size of the tiger. Photos with animals using your own camera are free, photographer services are 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 travels on an elephant through the jungle. Secondly, this is an opportunity to see with your own eyes the elephant camp, where not only large elephants live, but also baby elephants. Watch how 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. Prices for elephant rides depend on time and start from 600 baht for 20 minutes, a child pays half as much, up to 4 years old is free. Your photos are free, from the elephant driver - 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 District. On the way to the Big Buddha)
  • Safari Elephant Club (Patong Beach)
  • Sea View Elephant Camp (Nai Harn Beach)
  • Camp Chang Kalim (Kalim Beach)

Admission is free, parking is available

Farm opening hours are from 08.30 to 17.30.

Upside Down House

An unusual house in Phuket is a whole complex of attractions - the inverted house itself, a labyrinth and a quest. If you have never been to such establishments before, you will definitely like it here! This is an opportunity to take unusual upside-down photographs with a tuk-tuk, all the paraphernalia and interior of a Thai house. In the garden you can get lost in the evergreen labyrinth, the area of ​​which is 1000 sq.m. The quest is a closed room, from which you are guaranteed to exit only if you complete tasks involving logic and intelligence.

Entrance for adults upside down house - from 290 baht, 170 baht for children, children under 4 years old 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 came 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 trannies roam the pavement, establishments with half-naked Asian women dancing on tables open their doors and houses with glass windows through which you can see an unusual performance. This street is also a collection of striptease bars, nightclubs, cabarets, and transvestite shows. Here you will definitely find entertainment to your liking, and it will not necessarily be with an emphasis on debauchery; Bangla Road is a place for cheap shopping, budget cafes and Russian restaurants. I told you what else you can do on a party street

GPS coordinates: 7.893687, 98.29679

Sex Show (Ping pong show)

Well, if you want to see real Thai exoticism, you will have to pay extra. Enterprising Thai barkers run along Bangla Road, selling tourists tickets to the show, where most of the numbers are, this is something I’m ashamed to say out loud. Moreover, entry 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 from 300 baht.

Entrance - from 300 baht per 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 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 dry up completely. It’s not difficult to find a waterfall in Phuket on your own; you need to follow the signs that say “Waterfall,” which means waterfall.

Bang Pae Waterfall

This is the largest freshwater waterfall in Phuket, falling from a ten-meter height, and at the bottom it forms a plunge pool with ice-cold water, in which Thai children love to splash. Also on the territory of the Bang Pae Nature Reserve There are cages with gibbons - these are fluffy monkeys with a contrasting muzzle.

Opening hours from 9.00 to 18.00

GPS coordinates - 8.039284, 98.391300

Ton Sai Waterfall

It is not as huge and impressive as Bang Pae Waterfall, but it is located in the immediate vicinity of it, so it is convenient for visiting together. It's best not to travel alone from Bang Pae Falls to Ton Sai, since the three-kilometer road through impenetrable jungle, is unlikely to be a good solution for a walk. It is best to do this 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 the red-backed sea eagle.

Entrance 200 baht for adults, 100 baht for children National Park Khao Phra Thaew. Parking fee 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 in their suitcase instead of a mask and fins they carry a spinning rod and gear, Phuket has suitable entertainment - these are freshwater lakes in which they catch their own food locals are not averse to sharing these places with tourists. How is fishing different? tropical island from 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 the catch, since such lakes in Phuket are considered protected areas, and all the fish caught are released back to their habitat. The reward for the fisherman will be the excitement of the hunt and vivid memories. Who can you catch in the lake in Phuket? These are Amazonian long-tail catfish, arapaima, Siamese carp, Mekong catfish.

The most popular place for fishing tourists is the Phuket Fishing Park on the territory of freshwater lake Savai in Phuket. Entrance for 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 flora Thailand, see rare tropical plants and flowers with your own eyes.

Orchid Park Phuket

Lovers of these beautiful flowers and children will be interested in seeing 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 your mother or girlfriend; you definitely won’t 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

Botanical Garden in Phuket (Phuket Botanic Garden)

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

Admission 500 baht adult, 300 baht child

Opening hours: daily from 09.00 to 16.30. Wednesday - closed

GPS coordinates - 7.848024, 98.346335

12. Sports, active recreation

You can enjoy water sports in Phuket without leaving the beach; at all popular holiday destinations, barkers will approach you inviting you to ride a banana, hydro scooter, parachute or paraglider.

Cable car Flying Hanuman

Do you want the adrenaline in your blood to go through the roof or just relieve stress by screaming to your heart's content, flying over the tropical jungle, like Tarzan or Indiana Jones on the vines? Then you're on your way to an attraction named after a great ape-like deity who moved by jumping like a bird's flight. For 2.5 - 3 hours, you, just 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.

Ticket price for adults and children is 1800 baht. Photos on your camera are free, photographer service is 300 baht, photos on a flash drive are 1500 baht.

Opening hours: 08:00-17:00

GPS coordinates - 7.925014, 98.323068

13. Night markets

Night markets in Phuket are the most... quick way immerse yourself in the gastronomic atmosphere of the island and taste local cuisine at budget prices. These markets have long been a meeting place and while away evenings for tourists and locals. If you come on vacation on a “breakfast only” package, you have a direct route to the Night Market. Based on the name itself, it is clear that these markets unfold after sunset. The scale of such markets amazes even the most experienced tourist; these are endless rows of seafood, meat, side dishes, sushi, famous punk cakes, and so on. There are tables next to the counters where you can comfortably place an order or just grab some goodies and have dinner right there. They sell not only food - rice, kebabs, chicken, sweets, shakes and fruits - but also clothes, souvenirs, and cosmetics.

In Phuket, each 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, “Naka market” in Patong, and the Lard Yai Sunday market in Phuket Town.

14. Restaurants, cafes with sea views

Have you come to Phuket with your significant other, or do you just want to have a romantic evening, take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy not only delicious food, but also be in the most beautiful place on Earth? Then you should definitely visit the restaurants in Phuket, located in the most beautiful places islands!

Heaven Restaurant

The name of the restaurant speaks for itself and translates as “heaven,” and indeed Heaven seems to float above the earth. Its location is chosen extremely well, this place is next to the Phuket landmark Karon viewpoint, which offers the same stunning panoramic view as from the main observation point on the island, views of the beaches of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. The restaurant's menu includes Thai, Japanese and European cuisine. There is also a spacious dance floor on site, and on weekends Thai DJs come here to play sets and spend the sunset listening to lounge-style music with visitors.

Free admission

The cost of dishes from the menu is from 250-350 baht, the average bill 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 king prawns and lobster dishes, prepared 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 on the entire coast.

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

Location: On the territory of the Marina Phuket Resort hotel complex, GPS coordinates: 7.8291919, 98.293689

Baan Chom View Restaurant

The restaurant's outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the mountain on which it is located. The restaurant's menu includes seafood dishes, seafood delicacies, Thai and European cuisines. At sunset, it offers stunning views as you watch the huge sun disk set into the Andaman Sea.

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

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 04.00

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

15. Historical 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 attractions that show the island from a completely different side.

Sarasin Bridge

Until 1967, local residents managed without a bridge, since there was a narrow cape where the sea used to be, but many years have passed since then and water has flooded this area of ​​land, so the government built a beautiful snow-white bridge, which by our time has become overgrown with legends and traditions. 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 from the Sarasin Bridge there are stunning views of the cape, here you can watch sunsets, and from the figured turrets you can beautiful photos. At night, the bridge is illuminated with lanterns, and there is a market where you can buy fresh fruit and Thai cuisine for pennies.

The construction of the bridge is the starting point for the establishment of the island as a popular tourist destination. Now it’s hard to imagine, but Phuket was previously called Jang 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, mining for pearls and seashells. Another reason to take a ride across the Sarasin Bridge is to see the settlements of sea gypsies, who build their homes right on the water, on large wooden stilts.

Free admission

GPS coordinates: 8.201954, 98.298239

Monument to Soldiers Liberators

There are also sad pages in the history of Phuket - the invasion of the resort town by Burmese troops. Then, back in 1785, two women, sisters Chan and Muk, instead of fleeing from the enemy army, began to gather an army to repel 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 high titles.

To this day, Thais honor the memory of Grandmothers Chan and Muk, as they affectionately call them) Visiting Thais also treat the monument with special respect and are sure to be the first to visit this place on the day of their arrival in Phuket. Since the locals are very religious, they ask at the foot of the statues for help in business, students believe that the 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 wrote themselves into the history of the island of Jang 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 get acquainted with the history of the formation of Phuket, the life of the locals, their culture, way of life and customs. If you only know about the island as a popular tourist destination, then you will find it interesting and surprising to see a different side of Phuket. Namely, learn about such peoples as sea gypsies, Muslims, Chinese, who, along with the locals, are also residents of Phuket. You will 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 the canopy in the open air you can see what the elements have turned things into modern world- these are mangled cars, broken boats, fragments of things.

Ticket price: 100 baht for adults, 50 baht for children

Opening hours: from 09:00 to 16:00. Closed: Monday, Tuesday.

Location: Thalang district, GPS coordinates: 7.98097; 98.36658

16. Places for making wishes

Thais firmly believe in spirits, which can be seen from the number of miniature houses on the beaches and near local homes. They make offerings to such places every day, leaving food and drinks. 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 outside forces, then you definitely need to go to such places. Believe my experience, everything I wished for in Phuket came true a long time ago without my help)

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

The entrance is free. There is free parking

GPS coordinates - 7.828117, 98.313901

2. Cast iron pots lined up in a row. In order to perform the ritual, you need to take a handful of coins and go through one by one placing a coin in each of the cast iron pots. By doing this you are, as it were, giving 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 Big Buddha Mountain.

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 make 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 sound from a gong by running your hands through the center and 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 enjoy beautiful view to Chalong Pier, Phuket Town, Kata district and the Golden Buddha statue, you will not be alone, but in the company of wild monkeys, who are full-fledged residents of the mountain. You can only get to the mountain on your own by climbing a steep asphalt road almost four kilometers long. For the monkeys, you can bring their favorite treats: bananas, mangoes, nuts or corn. When feeding animals, do not forget that there is a risk of contracting 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 homes 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, unencumbered by the worries of the modern world and the benefits of civilization, such as a telephone or decent clothing, and content with the gifts of the sea and nature.

There are two Roma villages in Phuket, both of which are accessible for self-guided exploration. One is located right on the island on Rawai beach, where there is also a famous fish market run by these same people of the seas. Keep in mind that the village of sea gypsies 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 the shaman who communicates with spirits. The second settlement is located on the island of Sirae, which is connected to Phuket by a narrow isthmus with a road. Goes there public bus from the center of Phuket with the 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 type of entertainment he has the most passion for, you will see an unusual picture there - cockfighting. Such fights began to be organized in Thailand for the amusement of the public since the last century, the Thais embraced this type of activity with a bang, and even got excited by placing bets and ending the performances with a mass fight among people. By the way, in such fights it is not domestic birds that enter the ring, but fighting roosters, which are raised on special food; they have been instilled with training since childhood that gives them endurance, a fighting spirit 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 reigns not only in the arena, but also in the spectators. 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 cockfighting. Typically, the venue for the event is a yard fenced with a palisade.

20. Shopping malls

As in any other country, shopping in Thailand has its own narrow focus, and what exactly you can bring from the land of smiles to please your friends and family, I told you in more detail. Now we will look at 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. In the vastness of the shopping center there are more than two hundred stores that offer customers clothes, cashmere carpets, cosmetics and perfumes, shoes, computer games, mobile phones and accessories and the most modern electronic gadgets. You can also find BigC inside - this is a supermarket that has everything from Thai cuisine to household electrical appliances. Also in the shopping center, performances by musical groups or dancers, as well as fountain shows, have become a pleasant tradition for all visitors.

Opening hours are from 11:00 to 22:00. Fountain shows 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; in Thailand there are also 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 belongs to the largest representative in the fashion industry in Thailand, which has won the trust of customers over decades of work in this business.

Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00

GPS coordinates - 7.945675, 98.385147

Central Festival

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

Opening hours: 10:30 to 22:00

GPS coordinates - 7.891753, 98.367485

What to see in Phuket excursions

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

When we travel, 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 around and queues. We like the search engine from Sputnik8, you can book a place in it and be sure of a return, it also has reviews from tourists, based on which we always choose the best guide for ourselves.

Pavel: “Courteous attitude of the staff, nothing superfluous! Approach the sun loungers, they will immediately lay out a towel for you and bring you cold water with ice. There are no vacationers scurrying around you with a beer in their hand). The contingent corresponds to the hotel, there are no random people here. The beach is gorgeous, entry into the water is three meters deep.”

Although this beach is not suitable for beginners, independent tourists Those who prefer an upscale holiday rate Mai Khao beach 10 points and consider it the best in Phuket! Therefore, we recommend that beginners remember this beach for their next trip.

2. Nai Yang Beach Rating: 3


In the photo: Nai Yang beach in Phuket is quite wild, but beautiful

Another beach closest to Phuket airport. Not very suitable for beginners - there is little normal tourist infrastructure. There are several comfortable hotels here, but mostly there are rare and small guesthouses and bungalows.

Nai Yang Beach is quite a long (about 5 km) beach. Its shores are memorable for the groves of coniferous trees approaching the sand. The water is clean, but swimming on Nai Yang Beach is not easy - the entrance to the water is steep. In spring, the beach gets windy, so surfers gather here. Nai Yang Beach is great for kiting and surfing.

Nai Yang smoothly transitions to the more comfortable Bang Tao beach:

3. Bang Tao Beach. Rating: 6


In the photo: vacationers on Bang Tao beach

Bang Tao beach is well equipped, with many cafes. Tourists go to Bang Tao willingly, as there are quite a lot of hotels in this place: from budget to luxury. Swimming is very comfortable: clean water, good sand, but in general there is a slightly chaotic atmosphere on the beach.

7. Karon Beach. Rating: 10


In the photo: Karon Beach - the most optimal beach for your first holiday in Thailand

Karon Beach most optimal for a novice tourist. Firstly, both the sea and the beach itself are simply excellent, and secondly, Karon is the easiest place to start getting acquainted with beach Thailand. After all, here you may not even know the language - many cafes, shops and services for tourists are in Russian! At the same time, there are hotels and excursions for every budget.

Pay attention to the sand on Karon Beach: it creaks so pleasantly under your feet - you will never forget this feeling!

The pearl of Karon Beach is a hotel with private beach– Le Meridien Phuket Beach. There are rooms for the most demanding tastes. For families with children, rooms with two bedrooms and a large terrace are available. And also: Russian-speaking staff, meeting at the airport with a sign, and everything is at the highest level!


Life hack: if you book Le Meridien Phuket Beach more than 90 days before check-in, the discount will be up to 30%.

There are also budget hotels on Karon. The best budget hotel in Karon– Baan Sailom – located right next to the sea. Cozy rooms with balconies, you wake up to the singing of birds. You can eat inexpensively and deliciously in the hotel restaurant, and hotel guests receive a -15% discount. Nice bonus! :)

Despite the increasing cost, on Karon you can still find quite pleasant options for not only budget accommodation, but also a large selection inexpensive excursions, for example, on .

8. Kata Beach. Rating: 9


In the photo: morning on Kata beach

The most “Russian” Phuket beach. The beach itself is excellent, with clean sand and a convenient promenade. However, all the life around the beach is concentrated on the streets of the second line of Kata, behind the territory of the large Club Med hotel.
There are no hotels with their own beach; the beach area is separated by a road. Only at the end of the beach there are two hotels - the budget hotel Villa Elisabeth and a very expensive hotel with modern villas - Kata Rocks - with beautiful views from all rooms and a private pool:


Here you can have a private dinner by the sea:


9. Kata Noi Beach. Rating: 8


12. Rawai Beach. Rating: 2


In the photo: Rawai beach is not very pleasant for swimming

In fact, it’s not a beach, but a large parking lot for all kinds of boats. You can forget about swimming. Bonuses include numerous inexpensive cafes with sea views and the most inexpensive tourist accommodation in Phuket. Rawai has the best houses for rent and the best seafood restaurants. Those who rent a car and drive around the island stop here.


Ya Nui Beach – villas in Phuket Nice beach, beautiful hotels and landscapes, but Cape Panwa is too far from everything Phuket. Newbie tourists essentially become hostages of local taxi drivers. Any outings on excursions become a test for your communication skills :) The sea is not the best.

In addition to the main beaches in Phuket, there are also many small, beautiful and secluded beaches. For example, Pansea Beach, Freedom Beach and. However, these beaches were not included in the review, since in essence they are just places for a one-day vacation. There is no normal choice of accommodation, and getting to such “secret” beaches is problematic.

Where to stay in Phuket

Which beach did you like in Phuket?

Beaches and areas of Phuket: the most popular holiday destinations on the island. Which area to choose, where to stay and where to swim - reviews from tourists and expert advice from “Subtleties of Tourism”.

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The island, on the west coast, has a large number of beaches and bays with white sand, washed by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.

Bang Tao (aka Laguna Beach) is the most luxurious beach on the island, where wealthy people from all over the world spend their holidays. It is here that the famous Laguna Phuket hotel complex and five-star hotels of world famous “chains” are located. In hotels there are numerous restaurants with cuisine from different countries, SPA salons, GYM's. The level of service is impeccable. It is worth noting for fans that there are golf courses nearby.

Surin - cozy beach with the atmosphere of a traditional Thai village - has recently become increasingly popular among tourists. New hotel complexes have been built here, infrastructure has been developed, and the beach is becoming more and more crowded from season to season.

A secluded beach whose pristine beauty is suitable for relaxation and relaxation. There are cozy 3-4* hotels here. The infrastructure is practically undeveloped, but the hotels have all the necessary services for a holiday. It is on this coast that the famous attraction throughout Thailand is located - Phuket FantaSea.

In December 2003, the Hollywood film Bridget Jones's Diary, starring Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger, was filmed on Nai Yang Beach.

The most popular and crowded beach of the island with numerous 3-4* hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and bars, massage parlors and discos. The entire nightlife of the island is concentrated on Bangla Road (thanks to this street, Patong was even nicknamed “little Pattaya”). We recommend a holiday here for young and active travelers.

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This beach is divided into two parts by a cape. It is considered the most beautiful and cleanest on the island. The wide promenade of Karon, where there are quiet restaurants, bars and shops, and a night market, has been recently reconstructed. Hotels are presented for every taste: from 3 to 5*. It is worth noting that they are all located across the road from the beach. Which is not at all a drawback - the sand strip is wide and the cleanliness is constantly monitored by the relevant services. We recommend holidays on Karon Beach to young travelers who value comfort, and to married couples with children.

This beach consists of two parts. The infrastructure here is a little less developed, and vacation is ideal for lovers of peace and tranquility. The center has shops and restaurants. Hotels of various levels - from 3 to 5 *, many are located directly on the beach and are famous for their stunning views.

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Nai Harn is a small bay in the very south of Phuket. There is only one hotel and several restaurants, so lovers of peace and tranquility, as well as newlyweds, should like it.

Cape Panwa is the only beach that is located on the eastern part of the island. The distance from nightlife and entertainment makes it attractive for lovers of a relaxing holiday. There are only a few hotels here, the infrastructure is practically undeveloped. The cape offers a magnificent panorama of the islands located near Phuket.

Nai Yang is a 3-kilometer strip of sandy beach, the water area of ​​which is protected by a ridge of coral reefs. In December 2003, the Hollywood film Bridget Jones's Diary, starring Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger, was filmed on Nai Yang Beach. Old-timers say that 25 years ago, huge 2-meter turtles laid eggs on Nai Yang beach, and children played with pearls found in the sand. Since 1986, the beach has been included in the marine zone national park, a cozy promenade stretches along the beach. Motorized aquatic species Sports such as scooters or parachutes are prohibited.

Phuket opened by Russian tourists for more than 10 years. It is now the second most popular place in Thailand after Pattaya. But the difference between these two resorts is huge. We will tell you about the best places to relax in Phuket with children. Where is it noisier and cheaper, and where is it the other way around?

Phuket differences

The better and Why is Phuket worse compared to other resorts in Thailand?

  1. It is located much further south than most of the country. It is washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea of ​​the Indian Ocean. The climate here is more even than in the north. Rain falls evenly throughout the year.
  2. Due to its "openness to all waves" Phuket is more often exposed to various natural disasters. In addition, there is a huge underwater volcano nearby - a source of seismic activity. Resorts of the Gulf of Thailand much more protected in this regard.
  3. Phkuhet is an island that is located a few hundred meters from the coast. It is connected to the mainland by three bridges. The island location is a special status, and the climate is fresher than on "mainland".
  4. Everything is more expensive in Phuket 20-30% than in Pattaya. The flight is also 3500 more expensive (as of November 2016).
  5. Phuket is an island with developed infrastructure, but at the same time, here you can find places untouched by tourism.
  6. There are many interesting places near Phuket, such as Phi Phi, Krabi, Similan. You will not find such beauty in Siam.

Best beaches

The Russians have had it for many years "in high esteem" three beaches – , and . They are always noisy, fun and full of entertainment, especially in the evening. Majority good hotels are standing right here. Let's take a closer look at them.

Karon

Wide strip of beach, lots of people, water activities. The neighboring streets are filled with hotels for every taste and budget, restaurants and shops. Everything here is for tourists, but not as noisy as in Patong.

The beach is huge, stretching for several kilometers, the water is clean, but there are often waves and jellyfish . Even here you can jump on the waves much more often than in other places. IN "short" season, it is even better not to swim if you are not confident in yourself as a good swimmer. There are underwater currents here that can easily drag you to the bottom of the ocean. That's why, Karon is not very suitable for a holiday with children . You will have to keep an eye on your baby.

Majority "batch" tourists are brought here, so the beach is crowded with people. If you don't like crowds, look elsewhere. But prices here are slightly lower than on the island as a whole.

There is little cheap Thai food on Karon. Preference is given to small restaurants where dishes start at $5. You can go to the supermarket and buy ready-made food, which will be warmed up for you right away. You can also buy an inexpensive beach umbrella at the supermarket so as not to pay daily rent. There are few sunbeds on the beach, rental costs from 200 baht for 2 mats and an umbrella per day.

Patong

The name comes from the fact that there was once a banana forest. The most party place in Phuket. During the day it is just a beach, but in the evening it turns into a fun beach. This place is suitable for young people who dream of the sea and nightlife. Close to the beach Bangla Road is analogous to Walking Street in Pattaya. Clubs, discos, bars and restaurants of various cuisines invite guests everywhere.

Young parents with children would be fine here, but only if there is someone to leave the child with overnight. Also, the young at heart, cheerful and positive will like it here. But for those who do not like crowds of people, night noise and drunken comrades of different nationalities, it is better to choose quieter places.

Myself the beach is large, about 4 km long, quite wide , That's why great amount tourists even in "high season" There's not much pressure here. There are many merchants who will intrusively sell you unnecessary things, especially if you show even the slightest interest. The beach has water activities to suit every taste. You won't be bored!

Unlike Karon, there are practically no waves in Patong. There are a few in the northern part. Therefore, you can come here with children. There is a lot of conflicting information about this beach on the Internet. Some talk about terrible dirt, others, on the contrary, praise Patong. The truth is somewhere in the middle. If something doesn't suit you, don't be afraid to go to another part of the beach.

Surely you will find a convenient place for yourself.

If you are tired of the sun, you can hide in the shade of palm trees. Patong has a promenade . There are stalls with inexpensive street food on it. There is no problem eating tasty and cheap food on this beach. Do you like something more serious? Welcome to cafes and restaurants. For fans of shopping, there are many shops here, as well as large shopping centers.

Kata Beach

Very popular among Russian tourists. He is not much different from Karon. Here, too, there are big waves, a lot of people and it’s noisy. The left side is very crowded with tourists, and there are also large hotels. The right side is not popular because it leaks "stinky river" and the water in the sea also has a characteristic sewage smell.

As a minus, we can say that it drowns the most people in Phuket. Available here too rip currents , which can drag you into the ocean. Children need to be especially closely monitored.

Kata has all the same entertainment – boats, parachutes, bananas, scooters and much more. Mats, 2 pieces and an umbrella will cost you 200 baht. There are makashnits near the beach, prices there start from 70 baht per dish. In the evening you can stroll along the sea along the embankment. Apart from the odorous river, Kata is quite clean.

Still, it is better to choose other beaches, for example, neighboring Kata Noi.

Kata-Noi

A nicer namesake of the popular beach. It is smaller, with clean water, without inflowing rivers with an unpleasant odor. There are also waves here, but mainly in the central part of the beach. There are none around the edges. There are much fewer tourists on the beach than on Kata. The bottom is sandy, the depth gradually increases, but it doesn’t take long to walk.

There is no choice of food here like in Kata or Patong, but you can walk 10 minutes to the supermarket "Family" or to a small restaurant on the left edge of the beach.
The best time to visit Katya Noi is in the mornings; the tide begins to ebb in the afternoon. But overall the beach is good suitable for a holiday in Phuket with a child . And also to all those who do not like noise and fuss.

Bangtao

One of the calmest beaches in Phuket. Minimum people, maximum sea, sun and beautiful scenery. The feeling that it is simply endless. It is surrounded not so much by palm trees as by coniferous trees, and this creates a special flavor here. The air smells pleasant, especially in the morning and at sunset. The only disadvantage of Bangtao is the muddy bottom . But it doesn't spoil general impression. The sand on the shore is light, clean, and there is no debris.

The beach is surrounded by small, but mostly expensive hotels and local villages. You can eat right on the shore in cafes. There is no fun or entertainment here; for that, go somewhere else. And further. There are sun loungers here.

Surin

This beach is considered elite in Phuket. Prices for hotels on its shores are among the highest. What's good about it? Yes, in fact, nothing except rich infrastructure, cleanliness and the absence of a vibrant entertainment life. The beach is about a kilometer long, the water is very clean, but sometimes there are big waves. Even in "high season".

Get used to it Indian Ocean. If you are afraid of waves or are vacationing with a small child, then choose the Gulf of Thailand.

This is where we will probably finish our review. In Phuket you can find a holiday for every taste - quiet, stormy, secluded, and close to hundreds of people. Only you can decide what you want.

Have a nice trip!

 

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