Phuket, Thailand, The Most Amazing Places to Visit

Have you booked an accommodation at a hotel in Phuket, Thailand for your next holiday? If so, you're probably preparing your travel itinerary right now. But then you stop and think: which places should you visit to make the most of your Thailand vacation? To help you plan for a remarkable trip, here are some suggestions:

1. Phuket Old Town - Located within walking distance from the city center, this historically rich area features a group of buildings that boasts European colonial architecture that's well-preserved up until this day. The structures were built during Thailand's tin boom of the 19th century and are characterized by an architectural style described as "Sino-Portuguese," which has a strongly Mediterranean character. Some of the edifices in the area include stately mansions of tin barons from 100 years ago, as well as ornate shophouses, printing shops, cafes, museums, shrines, and temples.

2. Wat Chalong - Among the 29 Buddhist monasteries in Phuket, Wat Chalong is probably the largest, most important, and most elaborate of them all. It is visually dazzling, with the temple consisting 3 floors and containing interesting murals. But besides its impressive design, what draws travelers to Wat Chalong is the history behind it. The monastery was built in commemoration of 2 venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who were instrumental in ending the tin miners' rebellion of 1876. Both were also renowned for their knowledge in herbal medicine, which they applied as they treated the injured during the said revolt.

3. Phuket FantaSea - This 140-acre site is promoted as "the ultimate nighttime cultural theme park." Grandiose in every level, Phuket FantaSea is the island's biggest show, featuring a Las Vegas-style spectacle of Thailand's myths, legends, and history. Highlights of this attraction include pyrotechnics, aerial ballet performances, battle reenactments, magic shows, and song and dance numbers by a cast of hundreds. Other things to watch out here are The Palace of the Elephants, a 3,000-seat theater, plus its superb shopping and dining choices.

4. East of Eden - Located east of Koh Pa-Yu, it is considered one of the best dive sites in the country. Its reef slope ranges from 5 to 40 m, making it an ideal destination for both novice and professional divers. Its main attraction is the pinnacle called Ruan Gluay-Mai, which is covered in soft corals and sea fans. And aside from a sight of various kinds of fish and beautiful coral gardens, it also features interesting caverns, some of which divers can swim through.

5. Patong Beach - Originally a fishing village, this 3-km shoreline is currently Phuket's most developed beach. It boasts a vibrant nightlife, and myriad shopping, dining, and recreational options. A number of hotels have also sprouted in the area, from exclusive resorts like Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa to boutique hotels like Club Bamboo Boutique Resort & Spa. Despite the modern fixtures found in Patong Beach, its natural setting still exudes much beauty, and provides an excellent location for water sports like snorkeling, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and sailboarding.

These 5 places are not to be missed during your trip. So upon arriving at your hotel in Phuket, Thailand, leave your bags in your room and explore these fantastic sites.