Destination

There’s more going on in Phuket than sun, sea and sand – and fortunately, Kamala Beach is in the centre of it all. Built on the riches from the glory days of the island’s tin boom, this quarter of town glows with personality and history, from the Chinese-colonial mansions to the shrines, temples, cafés and museums – and it’s compact enough to stroll around and take it all in on foot.

Laem Phromthep is a headland forming the extreme south end of Phuket. Local villagers used to refer to the cape as Laem Chao, or the God’s Cape, and it was an easily recognizable landmark for the early seafarers travelling up the Malay Peninsula from the sub-continent. Phromthep also has a lighthouse that houses interesting historical maritime artifacts and commands spectacular views over the east and southeast of the island and its environs.

Built at the beginning of the 19th century, Wat Chalong is the largest, most revered and most visited temple in Phuket and, along with the nearby Big Buddha, is at the top of the island’s must-see list. The tallest building on the grounds is the 60-meter-tall stupa that holds a bone fragment of Lord Buddha, and the paintings on the walls retrace the steps of the Buddha’s life.

Patong is the most famous beach in Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party, play and shop. By night, the town has a bustling nightlife that includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beach clubs and shops.

One of the most unique and attractive clusters of islands in the world, Koh Phi Phi is an idyllic island retreat that features a number of beaches that offer a variety of outdoor activities.

Phuket Walking Street is the latest attraction featured in Phuket Old Town. Also known as Lardyai (talaad yai), which means "big market" in southern Thai dialect, this weekly market started in October 2013 and is hosted on the beautifully renovated Thalang Road, right in the middle of the historical Sino-Portuguese district of Phuket Town. Phuket Walking Street allows visitors to discover some typical southern Thai culinary specialties as well as local handicraft and gift stalls.

The Sea Gypsies Fish Market in Rawai Beach offers the freshest of seafood and the guarantee that your purchase is going to benefit the local community and family-run businesses. Featuring a broad selection of often live fish and shellfish, you need only carry your still-wriggling purchases across the road, where you will find a choice of restaurants to cook them for you there and then.