Unlike many Thai provincial capitals, Phuket Town fairly shines with personality and nowhere more so than its Old Town. In this historically rich part of town you will find shrines, temples (Buddhist and Chinese), ornate and beautifully preserved ‘shophouses’, quaint cafés, tiny printing shops, impromptu private and public museums and even a mini ex-red light district.

Phuket Old Town was built on riches reaped from Phuket’s tin boom of last century, when the metal was an extremely valuable commodity. In this quarter of the town you will see grandiose Sino-colonial mansions, once occupied by Phuket’s tin barons of 100 years’ ago. Phuket Old Town is compact enough to stroll around in. The best time to do this is early in the morning or after the day has lost its heat. There are enough restaurants and cafés to provide you with refreshments so don’t bother taking a picnic along!

Though only open a couple of years, Phuket Walking Street – aka Laad Yai – has already gained attention from world travellers who fall in love with its unique charms. Every Sunday shops ans stall open on Thalang Road to sell local and international food and crafts to visitors. Only on Sunday from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs.

Patong Beach is possibly the most famous beach on Phuket, with its wide variety of activities and nightlife. By night the town has a bustling nightlife, which includes hundreds of restaurants.

Phromthep cape, set an top of a hill on the Southernmost tip of the island, is a beautiful viewpoint to watch the sunset. The orange sun falling from blue skies into blue seas is undoubtedly mesmerizing.

Kata and Karon Beaches are known as the warmest, clearest, and most family friendly locations on Phuket. These beaches are popular amongst families, who choose to enjoy their activities on the long expansive sands, under the warm island sun. Between May and October, surfers will flock to catch waves, while during November and April the beaches are alive with sun seekers.

Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and at 45 metres high it is easily seen from far away.

The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island (think sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon beaches, Chalong Bay and more.) Easily reachable via a six-kilometre road leading from Phuket’s main artery, it’s a must-visit island destination.

Close up to the image itself it is very peaceful and the only noises you will hear are the tinkling of small bells and the yellow Buddhist flags in the compound flapping in the wind plus soft background dharma music.

Known among Thais as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha in full, it is 25 meters across at the base. The whole body is layered with beautiful white Burmese marble that shines in the sun, making it a natural symbol of hope. The views, and the actual image itself are all breathtaking.