Thai Airways International uses cookies on its website. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to its use. To disable or learn more, please click on cookies. The obvious draw, however, remains the same. Life here revolves around the coastline and its stunning beaches, which are scattered with stylish resorts and excellent diving spots. Songthaews converted pick-up trucks that function as buses serve the island, running between Phuket Town and the various beach resorts. Tuk-tuks and taxis can be hired in Phuket Town and most resort areas.
The biggest and busiest beach area on the island is Patong on the west coast. This is where holidaymakers go to get their fill of sun and post-dark fun in the nearby bars. Here, giant karst spires spike out of the water, their jagged tips reaching up into the clear skies above. The turquoise waters below conceal caves that reveal themselves at low tide.
For more laid-back beach scenes, try Kata or Karon further south. Up in the north, the crowds dissipate at the blissfully empty Sirinat National Park, home to the 11km-long protected stretch of Mai Khao Beach. Also on the north coast is the Khao Phra Thaeo rainforest reserve where animals including monkeys, pythons and wild boar still roam.
The Big Buddha β and all who hike up to him β enjoys glorious views down over the shimmering sea. While the rest of the crowds ascend to the Big Buddha, those searching for a less-frequented trekking path should climb up Khao Rang Hill.
The views from the top of the hill are even better come evening when the lights of Phuket Town start to sparkle below. Up in the northeastern reaches of the island is the often-overlooked Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, which takes care of orphaned and formerly captive gibbons, helping to rehabilitate them before they are released back into the wild.
