Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. It is consists of Phuket and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. The quickest option to get to Phuket from Bangkok is to book a flight but it can be costly. If you like a cheaper option, you can take a train which will take about 10-13 hours and bus which will take 13-16 hours.

If you can remember, Phuket was hit by a tsunami caused by the Indian Ocean earthquake on December 26, 2004. The Thai government reported 4,812 confirmed deaths. It would be a good opportunity to see how it is now after a decade of the tsunami.

So, during Songkran Festival we decided to finally go on a holiday trip to Phuket. We have 5 days to explore the province and enjoy the sceneries.

What you can do and where to go in Phuket?

1. Night Market

In the downtown area, there is a night market you can visit. They sell all kinds of products like clothes, shoes, souvenirs, toys, etc at an affordable price. You can try bargaining with them to get a much lower price.

2. Cultural Night

The town has cultural night programs during festivals or special events in Thailand. They will have presentations of Thai dance and Thai songs. We got lucky on this Songkran night because we were able to watch one. Thai dancers were dancing gracefully on stage while we watch for free.

3. Picture taking with tigers

Phuket is known for its tigers. A long time ago, people believed that tigers were trained in this place by monks. Tiger Kingdom is a place where you can sit side by side with a tiger and take a picture with them. The prices vary from 1000 Baht- 2,000 Baht depending on the age or size of the tiger. Newborn tigers are more expensive to take photos with.

Don’t get scared because there is a trainer assigned for each tiger. You will see the Tigers just chilling and relaxing with no signs that they’re hunting for food. I think they are fed well which I am grateful about of course.

4. Temples

Thailand is a Buddhist country because the majority of the people follow Buddhism. Like in Bangkok, there are also a number of temples in Phuket. We went to the most visited temples called Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong. As expected, there were a lot of people because of the Songkran Festival.

5. Sunset Viewing

There was a place in Phuket where you can get a good view of the sunset. It is on a high mountain so there may be a need to walk for a little while. But, once you’ll be there, you can enjoy the view of the town and get a view of the sunset. It was really amazing. Watching the sun set will make you feel blessed. Just looking at it set inspires you that there is another sun rise coming.

6. Island Hopping

This is a must when visiting Phuket. I know tourists come to this place mainly to enjoy the beach and go on the islands. This is what you’ll enjoy the most.

You have to hire a boat service that will bring you to the different islands in Phuket. You can ask around or ask your hotel staff about it. What we joined was called “Happy Boat Travel”. They have free pick up from and to our hotel.

Islands we visited were:

– Phi Phi Don Island

– Monkey Beach

– Viking Cave

– Pileh Lagoon

– Phi Phi Ley Island

– Maya Bay (This is where Leonardo Dicaprio filmed his movie, “The Beach”)

7. Eat seafood

If you love seafood and you fancy it, there is no reason to deprive yourself while you’re in Phuket. Seafood in Phuket is assuring fresh from the sea. They’re delicious and cheaper compared to buying it in the city.

I enjoyed our trip to Phuket. I was impressed and in awe with the islands and beaches in it that I will surely return when I have another opportunity. For other beaches in Thailand, you can also read my post How to Spend a Weekend in Jomtien, Thailand and A Relaxing Weekend Spent in the Magical Khao Yai, Thailand.

Have you been to Phuket?

What beautiful beach have you been to?

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