Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea, is the jewel among Thailand's tourist destinations: a sprawling island with a year-round tropical climate, stunning beaches, a huge selection of restaurants, bars, and activities, and a vibrant nightlife. The island is equally popular with foreign tourists and locals, and each region has its own unique charm. Whether you want to party the night away, relax on a quiet beach, or stay in a luxury resort, Phuket has something for everyone. With the exception of Phuket Town, most of the island is heavily touristed, and prices for most goods and services are significantly higher in Phuket than in other parts of the country. While you'll undoubtedly spend a lot of time on the island's beautiful beaches, here are five highlights you absolutely shouldn't miss during your trip.

Take a day trip around the island.

Besides Phuket itself, with its many breathtaking white sand beaches, the surrounding area boasts numerous other interesting islands and attractions. These include the stunning Phang Nga Bay, made famous by the film "The Man with the Golden Gun," as well as many other enchanting islands such as the Phi Phi Islands, Coral Island, and Racha Island. The tours offered vary but can easily be tailored to your needs and generally include the main sights, breaks for food and drinks, swimming or snorkeling, and one or two stops at secluded beaches. A day trip is convenient and affordable; most full-day tours cost around 3,300 baht (US$110) per person. Beware of significantly cheaper offers: you could find yourself crammed onto a small boat with dozens of other tourists like sardines in a can. If desired, you can also incorporate other activities into your trip, such as kayaking, parasailing, fishing, or even kitesurfing.

Visit Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is Phuket's largest and most important temple complex, consisting of several richly decorated and intricately designed Thai temple buildings with elaborate carvings and lavish decorations. Located about 8 km from Phuket Town, the temple is breathtakingly beautiful and nestled amidst meticulously maintained gardens, reminiscent of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Locals believe the temple brings good fortune and can work miracles. Therefore, many residents can be seen going to the temple to "Tam Boon" to earn merit and secure future happiness. A genuine bone fragment of Buddha is said to be housed in the complex's large pagoda, and the interior features numerous murals depicting his life story. A visit to the temple is a fascinating experience for any visitor to Phuket. Please remember to dress appropriately and remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.

Visit the night markets

No matter where you stay on the island, a night market is likely nearby. Thai night markets are bustling, chaotic, colorful, and sometimes a bit pungent, but above all, they're great fun and a fantastic place to find real bargains – for tourists and locals alike. Here you can sample all kinds of Thai food and drinks at incredibly low prices and buy clothes, shoes, souvenirs, local crafts, jewelry, and many other quirky and wonderful items. At some markets, you can even enjoy live music or Thai dances while savoring delicious, fresh Thai food with an ice-cold beer. They're a great place to observe the hustle and bustle of Thai life and get a glimpse into the daily routines of the Thai people. The Sunday market in Phuket Town is very popular, as is the trendy Chillva Night Market. But you'll also find sprawling, lively markets in Patong, Karon, Kata, and Kathu. They are perfect for passing the time on a balmy evening during your stay on the island and for picking up some gifts for family and friends back home.

Visit Phuket Town

Phuket Town is often overlooked by visitors because it's inland and therefore doesn't have a beach. However, the town and its immediate surroundings offer countless sights and activities. Here you'll find Central Phuket, a sprawling, upscale shopping center with an aquarium, a small amusement park for children, and a fantastic food court. Kids will love Monkey Hill, home to hundreds of wild but friendly monkeys that can be fed bananas by a vendor and even climbed onto your shoulders for great photos. Phuket Town also boasts dozens of interesting temples, several museums, including the fantastic Phuket 3D Museum, the Botanic Garden, art galleries, a tiger park, an aquarium, Phuket Bird Paradise, and many more attractions. As Phuket Town is a vibrant town with many local residents, you'll also find small, authentic family restaurants that are significantly cheaper than the touristy beachfront establishments. It's definitely worth a visit!

Scuba diving

Thailand is a diver's paradise. The warm, clear waters teeming with an incredible variety of marine life, combined with very affordable diving excursions, make it a wonderful place to dive – whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver. The Andaman Sea, in particular, offers an unforgettable diving experience. Here you'll find beautiful coral reefs, schools of colorful tropical fish, manta rays, whale sharks, triggerfish, barracudas, turtles, and octopuses – the list is practically endless. The island boasts numerous professional dive centers offering a range of packages: from introductory dives to complete certification courses including PADI Open Water and Master Diver. The cost of a dive package typically includes hotel pick-up, equipment, a simple meal, and/or drinks. Dive packages start from around 3,300 baht (US$110) – an unbeatable deal! Many visitors to Thailand take the opportunity to earn their PADI diving certification. This course lasts about three days and costs 14,000 baht (approximately US$461). Since some dive schools include accommodation and meals, this is an unbeatable offer. Anyone who has always wanted to try diving will likely find no better opportunity here.

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