If you are visiting Phuket, these are five attractions that you will not want to miss. While Phuket has a famed night life and many other attractions, these are the five things that will appeal to all types of people and age groups.
Phang Nga Bay:
If you have seen the James Bond movie, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, you have had a glimpse of what the Phang Nga Bay has to offer you. Calm greenish waters from which small islands of limestone rocks jut out like fingers. If you want to really enjoy the scenery minus the crowds, take a relaxed boat trip rather than the beaten track of the bus-boat tours. Boat trips will allow you to take the route that you prefer and stop over at quiet beaches to soak in the view.
There are two main tourist hot spots in the bay. The first is the James Bond Island which got its name from the movie. The Koh Panyee, a fishing village made over the water on stilts is the second one. During lunch time, this village is the place to eat and shop for some handicrafts.Phuket City Tour
Old Phuket Town:
The personality of Phuket comes through in the old town where you will find many historical buildings and colonial mansions. The town is small enough to go round on feet, but do it when the sun is not hot. There are plenty of refreshment outlets in the town in case you need to top up your energy levels.
There are many interesting places in the old town. At the amulet market you can pick up amulets and images related to Buddhism which is the most popular religion here. If you want to have a look at how affluent Phuket families lived long ago, the colonial mansion of Baan Chinpracha is the place to go. As you stroll along the Thalang, Dibuk and Krabi roads, you will be treated to beautiful architecture which will show an undeniable European influence in this part of the world. The Thai Hua Museum is one of the most well maintained heritage buildings in the old town. These days it is used as a museum, exhibition center, and event hall.
Buddhist Temples (Wats)
There are more than 25 beautiful Buddhist temples in Phuket. Wat Chalong is the place for tourists to learn something about Buddhism. The temple houses many Buddhist statues, the most important being the Poh Than Jao Wat. A splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone is contained in the Grand Pagoda of the temple.
Don’t be surprised if you hear the sound of loud fire crackers in the temple. This is a way the locals show their gratitude when their prayers are answered.
Big Buddha:
This is one of the most visible and sacred landmarks of Phuket. The huge statue sits atop Nakkerd hills. The site offers an all-round view of the island. It is easily reachable by road and a must visit site for all visitors. When you go to the site, you will be amazed at the peace and quiet of the place with only the tinkling of bells and flapping of Buddhist flags the only audible noises. The statue at 45 meters height is itself an epitome of peace. Enjoy the beauty of the statue and the splendid view from this vantage point.
Viewpoints:
The viewpoints in Phuket are a landscape painter’s dream where you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery in all its moods at various times of the day. The best of these are Phromthep Cape, Radar Hill Viewpoint, Kata-Karon Viewpoint, Khao Rang and the Windmill Viewpoint.
There are many more places in Phuket that one should go and there are many more things to experience, but the above list should be on every tourist’s priority list.