Old Phuket Town is a historical town forming part of Phuket City. Known for its beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture, it's a place where you can walk and enjoy the rich history of Phuket.

Old Phuket Town is a historic area that offers a unique blend of cultural and architectural insights. The town is known for its beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture, with many of the buildings dating back to the 19th century. /n Walking through the streets of Old Phuket Town, you can see a mix of Chinese and European influences in the architecture, with colourful buildings and intricate details. The town also offers a variety of cultural experiences, with numerous temples, museums, and local markets to explore.

Historic town with Sino-Portuguese architecture, offering cultural and architectural insights.

Big Buddha is one of the most revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills and looks down over Phuket. The site offers the best 360-degree views of the island.

The Big Buddha of Phuket, also known as Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, is one of the island's most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills and is easily seen from far away. The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island, with sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay and more. /n The Buddha statue is made of concrete and covered with Burmese white jade marble that shines in the sun. The grandeur of the statue is further enhanced by its height, which stands at a staggering 45 meters. The site also offers a smaller brass Buddha statue that is 12 meters tall. The road leading up to the Big Buddha is lined with shops and restaurants, offering a pleasant journey to those who wish to visit this magnificent monument. The atmosphere at the top is very peaceful and the site also features a museum and a hall of fame.

The Big Buddha is a prominent landmark in Phuket, standing at 45 meters tall.

The largest and most revered temple in Phuket, known formally as Wat Chaitararam.

Wat Chalong, also known as Wat Chaiyathararam, is the largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket. It's located in the Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. The temple is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who led the citizens of Chalong Subdistrict fighting against the Chinese rebellion in 1876 and with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured. /n The Grand Pagoda dominating the temple contains a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone and is officially named Phramahathatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat. The pagoda is decorated with wall paintings depicting the Buddha's life story and also features various statues of Buddha and a beautiful view over the surrounding area. Wat Chalong has an extensive collection of Buddhist iconography and its architecture is a fine example of southern Thai-style temple design.

Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket.

Explore the tropical paradise of Phuket, Thailand's largest island, known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Dive into the clear waters of Patong Beach, or explore the quieter shores of Kata. Visit the iconic Big Buddha, a 45-meter tall statue offering panoramic views of the island. Discover Phuket Old Town, a historical area with Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and local markets. Enjoy a boat tour to the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands or experience the unique nightlife on Bangla Road. Indulge in authentic Thai cuisine, from street food to high-end restaurants. Phuket offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences for every traveler.

Old Phuket Town

Big Buddha

Wat Chalong

Start your day with a visit to the Old Phuket Town, a historical town forming part of Phuket City. Here, you can explore the beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and quaint streets. Don't forget to visit the local markets for some souvenir shopping.

Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of Old Phuket Town. Try out the famous Pad Thai, Green Curry, or Tom Yum Soup.

Post lunch, head to the Big Buddha, a 45-meter tall white marble statue offering panoramic views of Phuket. Later, visit the Wat Chalong, the largest and most revered temple in Phuket.

For dinner, head to a beachside restaurant in Patong. Enjoy a variety of seafood dishes while watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea.

End your day with a stroll along the vibrant streets of Patong. Experience the nightlife, visit the night markets, and try out local street food.

Exploring the Historical and Cultural Sights of Phuket

UTC+7

Taxis are a common way to get around in Phuket. They are available 24/7 and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance. They are metered, but drivers often negotiate fares, especially for longer distances.

Tuk-Tuks are a traditional Thai mode of transport. They are three-wheeled, open-air vehicles that are perfect for short trips around town. They are not metered, so be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Motorbike taxis are a quick and cheap way to get around Phuket. They are easily identifiable by their colorful vests. They are ideal for single travelers and short distances.

Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore Phuket extensively. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. International driving license is required.

Renting a motorbike is a popular option for getting around Phuket. It's cheap, convenient, and allows you to explore the island at your own pace. However, you should be comfortable with driving a motorbike and aware of the local traffic rules.

Public buses, also known as 'Songthaews', are a cheap way to travel around Phuket. They operate on fixed routes and have set fares. They are slower than other modes of transport but offer a more local experience.

Private car hire services are available in Phuket. They come with a driver, making it a convenient option if you're not comfortable driving in a foreign country. They can be booked for a half-day, full-day, or even longer periods.

Ridesharing services like Grab are available in Phuket. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone.

Ferries are a great way to travel between the islands around Phuket. They operate on a regular schedule and offer stunning views of the Andaman Sea.

Longtail boats are traditional wooden boats used for short trips around the islands. They can be hired privately or shared with other passengers. They offer a unique and scenic way to travel around Phuket.

A popular Thai dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish often served with shrimp or chicken. It's a must-try when visiting Phuket.

Pad Thai

This is a classic Thai soup with shrimp, lemongrass, and chili. It's a perfect blend of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors, typical of Thai cuisine.

Tom Yum Goong

Som Tam is a spicy green papaya salad. It's a common street food in Phuket and a great way to experience the local flavors.

Som Tam

A rich and flavorful curry dish, Massaman Curry is made with coconut milk, potatoes, and meat. It's a popular choice among locals and tourists in Phuket.

Massaman Curry

Khao Pad is Thai fried rice, often served with chicken, shrimp, or crab. It's a staple dish in Phuket and a must-try for any food lover.

Khao Pad

This is a traditional Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk. It's a sweet treat that's popular in Phuket.

Mango Sticky Rice

Chai Yen is Thai iced tea, a sweet and creamy drink made with tea, milk, and sugar. It's a refreshing choice for a hot day in Phuket.

Chai Yen

Singha is a popular Thai beer. It's a great way to cool down after a day of exploring Phuket.

Singha Beer

Tom Kha Gai is a coconut chicken soup with a rich and creamy flavor. It's a popular dish in Phuket and a great introduction to Thai cuisine.

Tom Kha Gai

Kanom Jeen is a dish of rice noodles served with curry sauces. It's a popular breakfast dish in Phuket and a unique culinary experience.

Kanom Jeen

Roti is a type of flatbread often served with sweet or savory fillings. It's a common street food in Phuket and a delicious snack any time of day.

Roti

Mekhong is a Thai whiskey often enjoyed with a mixer. It's a popular choice for a night out in Phuket.

Mekhong Whiskey

New Year's Day

Day off for New Year's Day

Makha Bucha

Chakri Day

Songkran

Labor Day

Coronation Day

Bridge Public Holiday

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day

Visakha Bucha

Queen Suthida's Birthday

Day off for Queen Suthida's Birthday

Day off for Visakha Bucha

King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday

Buddhist Lent Day

The Queen's Birthday

Day off for The Queen's Birthday

Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol

Chulalongkorn Day

King Bhumibol's Birthday/Father's Day

Constitution Day

Substitute Holiday for Constitution Day

New Year's Eve

Day off for Makha Bucha

Chakri Day observed

Songkran Observed

Coronation Day observed

Day off for Buddhist Lent Day

King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday observed

Anniversary of the Death of King Bhumibol observed

A group of islands with stunning beaches and clear water. Perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Phi Phi Islands

Famous for its limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as the emerald-green waters.

Phang Nga Bay

A group of islands that are part of a national park. Known for their diverse marine life and clear waters.

Similan Islands

One of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand. It features dense jungle, limestone karst formations, and a large man-made lake.

Khao Sok National Park

A relaxed town that serves as a gateway to the nearby islands. Known for its night market and riverside walk.

Krabi Town

A less crowded island with long, beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Koh Lanta

Thailand's second largest island, known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest.

Koh Samui

A city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches, water sports, and nightlife scene.

Pattaya

The capital of Thailand, known for its ornate shrines, vibrant street life, and the grand palace.

Bangkok

Ayutthaya

Chiang Mai

Krabi

Laem Sing viewpoint and secret peaceful beach

Thai traditional wooden longtail boat and beautiful beach

Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea and is Thailand's largest island.

The local currency is the Thai Baht. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors.

The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. The average temperature ranges from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C).

The rainy season is from May to October. It's best to check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.

Phuket is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

Tipping is not customary in Thailand, but it is appreciated, especially in the service industry.

Street food is a must-try in Phuket. It's delicious, cheap, and gives you a real taste of Thai cuisine.

Phuket has a vibrant nightlife, especially in areas like Patong Beach.

Bargaining is common in markets. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices.

Respect the local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly when visiting temples and not touching people's heads, which is considered disrespectful.

Phuket has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Public transportation is available, but renting a scooter or hiring a taxi is a common way to get around.

Be cautious of scams, especially those involving gem shops or extremely cheap tours.

Avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Phuket has many beautiful beaches, but be aware of the red flag warnings for dangerous swimming conditions.

Phuket is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).

Phuket has a 220 Volt electricity supply with a frequency of 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type A, B, C, F and O.

Phuket has a good healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics, but travel insurance is highly recommended.

Respect the Thai Royal Family. It's illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent.

January is a great time to visit Phuket, with warm temperatures and low rainfall. It's the peak of the tourist season, so expect crowds.

February continues the dry season with warm temperatures and clear skies. It's a popular time for beach activities and water sports.

March sees the start of the hot season in Phuket, with high temperatures and increasing humidity. It's a good time for sunbathing and exploring the island.

April is the hottest month in Phuket, with high humidity. It's also the time of the Thai New Year, Songkran, a fun and wet celebration.

May marks the start of the rainy season, with frequent showers. However, the rain often comes in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for sunshine.

June experiences regular rainfall, but it's often interspersed with periods of sunshine. The island is less crowded, making it a good time for a quieter vacation.

July is similar to June, with a mix of rain and sunshine. It's a good time to explore Phuket's indoor attractions and vibrant nightlife.

August is one of the wettest months in Phuket, but there are still plenty of sunny intervals. It's a good time for indoor activities and spa treatments.

September is the peak of the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent showers. However, the rain brings lush greenery and fewer crowds.

October sees the end of the rainy season, with improving weather towards the end of the month. It's a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

November marks the start of the dry season, with less rainfall and cooler temperatures. It's a great time to explore the island and enjoy the beach.

December is a popular time to visit Phuket, with pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. It's a busy time, so book your accommodation and activities in advance.

Phuket, Thailand is a tropical paradise that experiences warm weather throughout the year. However, it's important to note that the region has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit Phuket. During this period, the weather is generally sunny with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C). This is the perfect time for beach activities, snorkeling, and exploring the islands.

The rainy season, from May to October, sees more rainfall and occasional storms. Temperatures during this season range from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C). Despite the rain, there are still plenty of sunny days and the island is less crowded. If you're a fan of surfing, this is the best time to catch some waves.

Regardless of when you visit, it's advisable to always check the local weather forecast before planning outdoor activities. Also, remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the tropical sun can be quite intense.

Lastly, be aware that Phuket can occasionally experience severe weather conditions such as tropical storms and monsoons, especially during the rainy season. Always heed local weather warnings and stay safe.

Cookie consent

1-Day Solo Culinary & Sightseeing Adventure in Phuket

About Phuket, Thailand