Phuket packages offer everything that you would expect from an exquisite island getaway – gorgeous beaches, enthralling history, and superb facilities.
Thailand’s largest island is not just large in its size, but in its offerings too. Dubbed as the Jewel of Andaman Sea, Phuket is a tropical retr
... eat, fun and adventure – all bundled into one amazing destination. Nestled off the Southern Thailand’s west coast in the Indian Ocean and about 850 kilometers from Bangkok, Phuket is approximately the same size of Singapore, about 570 square kilometers. As an upmarket tourist destination, Phuket offers an abundance of sights and activities to suit everyone’s vacation needs. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil family vacation, a romantic honeymoon spot or an indulgent holiday, Phuket tour packages make an excellent choice.
Beyond the island’s massive developments involving an ultra-seductive nightlife and a burgeoning food scene is a strong culture, deep-rooted in history and traditions. In fact, the place keeps intact its distinctive charm and character, with an intriguing past that has left imprints on the island. For a peek into the region’s prosperity as a prominent tin and mining hub during the 19th century, visit Phuket Old Town. It boasts of a string of mansions and shops retained in its original form, reflecting Sino-colonial architecture style. There are also a variety of religious sites, museums, and monuments like Wat Phra Thong, Thalang National Museum, Phuket Seashell Museum etc, which you can explore to experience the rich culture and heritage of the island.
Picturesque views comprising lush forested hills, beautiful lagoons, cascading waterfalls, and stunning coves and bays await travelers in Phuket. People are especially drawn to its palm-strewn, white sandy beaches bounded by mind boggling scenery. Trekking, boating, snorkeling, rafting, swimming and scuba diving are just a few of things that water sport lovers can engage in. Boasting attractions like Ao Phang Nga National Park, Phuket Butterfly & Insectarium, and Splash Jungle Water Park, Phuket equally shines for off-the-beat and adventure pursuits. Add activities like golf, nature walking, elephant trekking and hiking in your Phuket holiday packages, and you’ll get enormous rewards on your vacation.
With an eclectic mix of restaurants, resorts, bars, shopping and leisure facilities, the west coast of the island is perhaps the most beautiful and well-known to tourists. From the sexy and lively Patong, Karon, Kata and Nakalay beaches to spellbindingly tranquil beaches like Kamala, Mai Khao and Nai Yang, this horizon is fringed by miles of beaches – most with a host of facilities and some blissfully secluded and untouched.
But, the east coast of Phuket is a complete contrast to the west coast, partly due to its location facing a narrow bay with quiet waters and partly due to the region being sparsely developed with only a few hotels offering superb facilities. But for spectacular limestone islands and coral gardens filled with exuberant marine life, the region is incomparable.
Best of all, Phuket serves as an ideal gateway to explore some of the Thailand’s most mesmeric and pristine spots, including Krabi, Coral Island, Racha Islands, Phi Phi Islands, and Phang Nga Bay with attractions like James Bond Island and Koh Panyee.
Don’t Miss
Big Buddha of Phuket: Built using elegant Burmese white marble, this imposing statue of Lord Buddha in sitting posture is perched atop the Mount Nagakerd, between Chalong and Kata. At a height of 45 meters, it’s easily visible from most regions in Southern Phuket. Come here for its tranquil ambience and of course to savor the island’s spectacular 360-degree views covering Chalong Bay, Phuket town and beaches like Kata and Karon.
Phuket Aquarium: Home to several exotic and exuberant marine species, Phuket Aquarium – a segment of the Phuket Marine Biological Center – is one of the most visited attractions in Phuket. Its focal point is a huge tunnel tank, through which you can take a walk to experience its many fascinating inhabitants up-close, such as snappers, groupers, sharks, and rays.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: Credited to be the only virgin rainforest on island, this national park – spanning over an area of about 20 square kilometers – meticulously conserves a vast array of flora and fauna. Explore the groves of bamboo and ferns and look out for birds and animals like Red-Billed Malkoha, barking bears, white-handed gibbons, and boars. It’s also one of the island’s main fresh water sources. To best enjoy the park’s verdant greenery, trek along its eight-kilometer trail, starting from Bang Pae waterfall to Ton Sai waterfall.
Thalang National Museum: Phuket’s National Museum houses an extensive assortment of arts and artifacts, collected even from pre-historic times. One of its key highlights is exhibits depicting the legendary Battle of Thalang, wherein two women (Chan and Mook) courageously fought and repelled the Burmese force from Thai territory during the 18th century.
Promthep Cape: Tourists make a beeline to Promthep Cape, nestled on the island’s southernmost point, particularly for its magnificent sunset views. A lighthouse and an elephant shrine can also be seen in the vicinity.
Wat Chalong Temple: Built in 1837, Wat Chalong is the largest as well as the most venerated Buddhist temple in Phuket. Spread over three levels, its main pagoda enshrines a splinter of Lord Budha’s bone. Gorgeous paintings portraying Buddha’s life adorn the temple walls.
Phuket Fantasea: This massive culture theme park showcases the authentic Thai culture and heritage in the most absorbing manner possible. Aside from several gaming, shopping and dining options, the prime attraction is an awe-inspiring theatrical show which adds to charm of Thai culture, myth and legends, with the use of latest technology and 4 D effects.
Know before visit
When to visit?
Phuket has three varied seasons: cool, rainy and hot. Featuring balmy days, clear skies, and salubrious breeze, the cooler months, from December through February, is the best time to travel to the island. The temperature will range between 23°C and 30°C during these months. With temperature soaring to over 40°C, March, April and May are the hottest months. The climate is relatively salubrious from June to August, offering a blend of rain and sun. But, September and October are the wettest months.
Language
Thai is the main language spoken in Phuket. Being a prominent tourist center, most people here can understand English.
Currency
Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. 1US$ is equivalent to THB 30.00.
Cultural Etiquettes
Make sure that you dress properly while visiting religious sites. Avoid sleeveless tops as well as shorts, and wear dresses that cover your arms and shoulders. Similarly, remove your shoes before entering a Buddhist shrine. No PDAs and refrain from touching or pointing at Buddhist monks as well as the revered images of Lord Buddha.
Transportation Facilities in Phuket
You can easily get around in Phuket, with many cheap options including local buses, tuk tuks, taxis and motorbikes. Read more