Phuket – Things to do
Things that you will read about in this article:
- Where to stay in Phuket
- Where to find the best currency exchange rates
- Which brands to look for in Phuket
- Which attractions to see in Phuket
- Malls and markets in Phuket
- Hotel in Phuket
- Temple in Phuket
- Weather(The Best Time to Visit Phuket) and Time in Phuket
- Where to go from Phuket
Best areas to stay in Phuket
– Pa Tong
Attractions in Phuket
Bangla Road
Thailand is famous for a rocking night life and places like Bangla Road are the main reason behind it. This road is just close to Patong beach, full of clubs, go go bars, and amazing crowd who is high on life. Whether you go for any tour or not, don’t miss this experience.
There are many clubs on this road, Illusion is one of the most famous out of the all as it is ranked #33 all across the world!, and number #1 in Thailand.
Phi-Phi islands
- Speedboat: It takes only 50 mins to reach Phi-Phi islands.
- Big boat: This boat is by “Sea Angel Beyond”, it takes 2 hours to reach Phi-Phi Don but you can roam around the entire ship, enjoy the sea, take a lot of pictures plus you can access the top deck which provides a 360 degrees view of the sea in front of you.
It is all sea till the sight goes, looking at the water waves acted as a good source of alpha waves to me. Do not take any such tours during monsoon season because the boat rolls a lot and can be a source of nausea for you. You will not be able to enjoy snorkelling or even sea.
This is the Gold class with fewer seats and bigger windows.
Access to top deck is most important, I feel this because it gives access to a mesmerizing view. One the boat reaches Phi-Phi Don, people who want snorkel are transferred to another boat and they snorkel for 1 hour and the rest of the passengers are dropped at the beach to relax.
Snorkeling is floating on water with your face downwards to look at the sea life. You get to see amazing fishes like Nemo. It is an amazing experience, it is not a problem if you don’t know how to swim.
Phang Nga Bay (James bond island)
Karon viewpoint
This place allows you to look at 3 beaches at once, nice isn’t it? If you have some extra time you can visit this place.
Malls and Markets in Phuket
Jungceylon Mall
(must visit, if shopping is your thing)
It is near Patong and the Bangla road, you will find many food joints like pizza hut, Swensen’s (yum!) here along with budget and luxury brands.
There is a supermarket called BIG C here, you can find all kind of things inside, from dog food to cosmetics to trolley bags and more.
There is a fountain show that takes place in the evening in the center of the mall, it is similar to the Wings of time show (Singapore), but a shorter version.
There are 2 street markets nearby this mall, Chillva and Banzaan market. Chillva market is better. A lot of Indian and other cuisine restaurants are also available within and nearby the mall. Finding Tuk-tuks is also very easy near the mall.
Central festival
If you are looking for brands like H n M, Mac, Mango etc. you will find it in this mall and not in the above-mentioned one.
You will also find techy stuff here. If you want to look at different kind of technologies available in Thailand, go for it.
Here is a Chocolate stall as well, I forgot the name but I’ll find out soon. It offered a teddy bear shaped chocolate and it was yum! It is on the 2nd floor nearby currency exchange shops. I do have a photograph for you!
Yes, the Second floor offers 3 to 4 different bank options to exchange currency.
This mall also has Movenpick stall, so does the above-mentioned mall, I love this company’s ice-cream. If you want to have ice-cream, you can buy it either from Movenpick or Swensen’s (chewy chocolate flavor). (this brand is not available in India.)
This mall runs different offers from time to time so do check it out from the information desk, you might fetch some extra discounts. Tourist definitely gets an extra discount on showing their passports, after shopping above the specified amount, usually, it is 2000 Baht.
There are no luxury brands in this mall. Finding Tuk-tuk back to your hotel is difficult from here, you will have to book a cab, which is available outside the mall every time. They will charge approx 350 Baht to Bangla road.
Chillva market
Both images are of Chillva market, here you can find many accessories, clothes, and food. Do visit, it is a lively place with some cute and funky things.
Brands to look for in Phuket:
(all the brands mentioned above costs better here as compared to many states )
You will find a lot of useful and quality products at nominal prices in Moshi Moshi, it is equivalent to Mini so, Beijing (now also in Delhi). It is a huge store and you should visit it.
– HnM is costly in Phuket
Don’t forget to take FORM PP10 from shops after shopping, to get a VAT refund at the airport. Usually, shops have set a minimum amount that one must spend to get a VAT refund.
You will need your passport number to complete the above-mentioned form. So carry the passport or its copy along with you.
Best place to exchange currency
Hotels in Phuket
I stayed at “Sea Sun Sand Resort & Spa” in Patong. I booked a pool access room. I was happy with the hotel and the room. Just the service was a little slow but I loved the room and the private pool.
Temples in Phuket
In Thailand, people call it WAT and they place their respective temples outside their houses like in this image.
Visitors can visit this place and click as many pictures as they want, a temple for localities to worship is just near Pagoda. Both the places are separated to avoid any interruptions during prayers.
This temple reminds me of a beautiful temple in Busan, Korea – Haedong Yonggungsa. Know more about it here
Weather and Time in Phuket
- Rainy season – June to October
- Dry and peak tourist season – December to March
One month before and after the dry season is less crowded and comparatively dry. So if you don’t like much crowd then prefer November or April or May for your trip. This will the best time for your Phuket trip.
Phuket is GMT+7, that means Phuket is 1:30 hrs ahead of India(GMT+5.5).
Places to go from Phuket
There are many places to choose in Thailand for your trip and as I always say visit atleast two cities on a trip. You can check the following posts before you make your decision.
And, before I say bye I would like to help you further through the following blog. You are welcome!
Informative post on Phuket. I have been to Thailand many times now but have not made it to Phuket yet. But your article has made me decide to check it out on my next trip in 2019. Thanks for info on where to go and see.
I am glad Doug.. such comments really make my efforts worth it.?