Phuket: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Phuket

Phuket is the largest and one of the most picturesque islands in Thailand. This exotic resort is globally renowned for its paradise beaches, abundance of tropical fruits and seafood, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and a variety of entertainment options to suit all tastes. On Phuket, lively youth groups, families with children, and romantic couples can all enjoy a fantastic vacation. The key is to choose the right location.

Everything in Phuket revolves around beach activities. For example, the Patong Beach area is the perfect spot for young people looking for hotter entertainment and ready to party all night long. Kamala Beach is a paradise corner for those who dream of bonding with nature. Surfing enthusiasts should check out the Karon Beach area.

As for Phuket's attractions, the island has plenty of interesting sites, so don’t count on spending your entire vacation lounging in a beach chair. First and foremost, climb Monkey Hill and take photos with the monkeys, visit the Big Buddha Temple, and watch airplanes land on Mai Khao Beach. And don’t forget to take a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands, where the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed.

When to go?

The climate characteristics of the region that includes Phuket result in the year on the island being divided into two distinct seasons – dry and rainy. Evidently, the tourist season at the resort falls during the dry period, which lasts from November to March. During this time, the island is sunny, however, the temperature does not rise above +36°C.

The rainy season occurs in the second half of the year from May to October. This period is characterized by frequent cyclones, heavy rains, and hurricane winds. Due to the weather conditions, prices for tourist services significantly drop.

What to buy?

It's unlikely that many travelers plan to go shopping on exotic Phuket. Nevertheless, the tourism industry here is so well developed that you definitely won't leave empty-handed. The shops in Phuket offer a wide selection of souvenirs: Buddha statues, wooden and leather items, traditional clothing, and much more. Spices and herbs are available to help bring a taste of Thai cuisine home with you. You can purchase them at open markets and supermarkets.

Shopping in Phuket is not only interesting but also very useful. In local pharmacies and markets, you can buy valuable coconut oil, perfect for taking care of your hair, nails, and skin. Pharmacies also sell healing ointments and balms made from natural ingredients, as well as aromatherapy oils.

For discounts and good prices on clothing, shoes, and accessories, head to shopping centers like Phuket Central Festival and Jungceylon Phuket. For authentic jewelry made from sea pearls and shells, you should visit the Ko Panyi gypsy village.

What to try?

The island's main culinary pride is its exotic sweets. You can try traditional desserts at the weekly market in Phuket Town. The other local delicacies are familiar and well-known throughout Thailand. The staple of the islanders' diet is fried or boiled noodles with various additions (chicken, pork, vegetables, shrimp, herbs).

For breakfast, many restaurants in Phuket offer their customers spicy noodles with spices and fresh vegetables. It is impossible to imagine the menu of local cafes without seafood. Here, shrimp is typically served with spicy sauces and a large amount of aromatic herbs and vegetables. If you want to experience the pure taste of the ingredients, order grilled fish and shrimp with lemon.

As for street food, fast food vendors spoil their customers with chicken skewers, pancakes with bananas, and mango. International cuisine is also common in Phuket. In the tourist areas, you can easily find cafes offering Russian, Italian, Indian, or European cuisine.

Where to stay?

If you plan to visit the island during the peak tourist season, it's worth booking a hotel in Phuket in advance. Despite the wide range of options, finding rooms in good hotels upon arrival is not that easy. Nevertheless, booking a room in a decent hotel at a fairly reasonable price a few days before the trip is quite feasible.

As with any other exotic resort, the best hotels are located on the first line and have private beaches. Additionally, the island offers budget hostels and guest houses for the most economical travelers.