Phuket, Thailand, is popular with tourists who are looking for a casual, laid-back vacation that is filled with days lounging on the beach. Azure blue ocean with waves lapping on white sand beaches – it doesn’t get much better or prettier than this.
But Phuket has a lot more to offer than just miles of beaches. The island in southern Thailand faces the Andaman Sea to the west, but is connected by a bridge to the mainland at the northern end of the island.
Phuket has a rich history, and while activities center around tourism today, a few centuries ago, it was an important trading center. Because one side was protected from ocean storms, ships would wait for monsoons to pass by, and trade between several countries, such as China, India, Persia and Arabia soon developed.
Travelers can explore this history by visiting several landmarks, including Wat Phranang Sang, an old temple that was used as a Burmese military camp in 1785. The temple also is important to the Buddhist religion as it contains three of the oldest and largest images of Buddha. The temple is located 20 kilometers from the town of Phuket.
Travelers who want to soak up Thai culture as well as the sun’s rays will enjoy a visit to a village three kilometers from the city where entertainment includes traditional Thai dancing and boxing, demonstrations of Thai handicrafts and elephant shows. Flower lovers can ooh and aah over blooms at the orchid farm located in the village. The Phuket Zoo also features elephant and crocodile shows every day.
Or visitors can spend time exploring Sirinat National Park with its hiking paths, swimming beaches, mangrove forest and wide variety of tropical insects and birds. A more in-depth look at local sea life can be found at the Phuket Aquarium at the southern end of the island, or visit the Phuket Butterfly Farm for a look at these delicate creatures.
Phuket accommodation come in all price ranges and styles, so many in fact that Phuket veterans recommend picking out which beach or attraction you want to visit, and then looking for accommodations close by. Phuket accommodation; options include luxury and budget hotels, secluded villas and family-friendly resorts with plenty of activities for the kids to take in.