Phuket, Thailand

Big Buddha

Big Buddha is a large statue of Buddha, a viewpoint, and an impressive temple complex conceived on a grand scale. The construction of the complex has been ongoing since 2002 and continues to this day. Today, on the first level, you can see a monument to King Rama V, a temple, and a remarkable gong which, according to beliefs, emits a resonant sound reminiscent of monks’ chanting when it is rubbed by a person with a pure heart. Higher up, on the second level, there are two Buddha statues. The large statue, standing 45 meters tall, is made of white marble and was erected in honor of the current King of Thailand. The second statue, 12 meters tall, is made of copper and was built in honor of the present Queen Sirikit. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of two Phuket coastlines-Chalong in the east and Kata in the west.

Wat Chalong

Chalong Temple is one of the most famous temples on the island of Phuket. Thai people come here for the monks’ blessing, who give them amulets-knitted ribbons worn on the wrist and believed to protect against illness and injury. Visitors also come to the temple to learn about their fate. This can be done using two tin boxes. You need to shake one of the boxes until a stick falls out. Remember the number and find the locker (they are around the corner) with that number. Take one of the prediction slips from inside. The second option is to find two red wooden blocks on the floor, made from bamboo root and shaped like two halves of a mango. Mentally ask a question that can be answered with “yes” or “no.” Toss these blocks upward, and if they land on the floor with the same side up, the answer is “no,” and if they land with different sides up, then the answer is “yes.”

Phra Nang Sang Temple

Phra Nang Sang Temple is the oldest temple in Phuket. It was built 250 years ago in Thalang, when this town was still the island’s capital. The temple also has a second name - “The White Blood Temple”. According to legend, during the battle of Thalang, one of the wounded women bled white. One of the halls is dedicated to this event - the ordination hall, where rituals of “white magic” are performed, such as the blessing of weapons. Inside, the temple is decorated with small gold foil leaves and tiny bells. At the temple, you can see three Buddha statues dating back a thousand years. The statues were made of tin, which was considered a precious metal at the time. Inside the bellies of the statues, there are smaller statues, which is why they are also called - “Monks in the Belly” or “The Three Kings”.

Beaches of Phuket

Bang Tao (Laguna Beach) - the most luxurious beach on the island. Surin - a cozy beach with the atmosphere of a traditional Thai village. Kamala Beach - a secluded beach, whose pristine beauty is ideal for unwinding and relaxation. Karon Beach is considered the most beautiful and cleanest on the island. A stay here is recommended for young travelers who value comfort and for family couples with children. Nai Harn - a small bay at the very southern tip of Phuket. This place will appeal to those who enjoy peace and quiet, as well as newlyweds. Nai Yang - a three-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, whose waters are protected by a reef ridge. In December 2003, the Hollywood film Bridget Jones’s Diary was filmed at Nai Yang Beach.

Similan Islands

Nine islands in open sea, 100 km from Phuket-this is the best place for diving in Thailand. The Similan Islands, or simply the Similans, are a strictly protected marine reserve included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The nature here is still completely untouched. Huge manta rays and whale sharks not only don’t swim away at the sight of scuba divers, but even let you pet them. A sea excursion to the Similans will be interesting not only for scuba divers: absolutely everyone will be able to get acquainted with marine life, swimming with a mask and snorkel, and “landlubbers” will feel like real Robinson Crusoes on deserted wild beaches.

Patong Beach

“A holiday every day” - three kilometers of sea, sand, bars and restaurants. Music on Patong doesn’t die down day or night, and the range of entertainment will surprise even a seasoned traveler. Water activities include waterskiing, catamarans, bananas, parasails and other delights. It’s best to sunbathe on Patong in the first half of the day, before the tourists arrive; by evening it gets too noisy and not very clean.

Phuket Fantasy Theme Park

If, in modern times, you were to move the royal palace from ancient Siam, add Las Vegas-style illumination, and staff it with animators from “Disneyland,” you’d get “Phuket Fantasy”-the most popular family attraction in Phuket. The most interesting part is the “Elephant Palace,” enormous theatrical halls reminiscent of the famous Cambodian Angkor, where evenings at 21:00 feature big light-and-music shows with circus performers, folk dances, and elephant concerts. It’s the star of the program-the reason you should go to “Fantasy.” Three-ton giants build figures, perform stunts, and waltz in pairs, as if trained like the clown’s cats from Kuklachev. Kids are delighted.

Butterfly Park

The blooming territory of the park with orchids, waterfalls and a piece of true jungle is home to 40 species of tropical butterflies. Here you can observe all stages of their life, from the chrysalis to the adult insect. The butterflies flutter under the dome, drink banana nectar and occasionally land on visitors’ heads. In addition, this is where predatory spiders and other arthropod inhabitants of the tropics live.

Snake Farm

The Snake Farm in the Chalong area is the most popular of three similar farms in Phuket. The farm’s pride is a show with dangerous snakes (pythons, vipers and cobras of various species), which lasts 45 minutes. After the show, you can take photos and have a coffee-the cost of which is included in the price of the admission ticket. At the farm there is a small shop with cosmetic and medicinal products made from snake venom, where you can also buy leather accessories made from snake skin (wallets, belts, bags). Opening hours: daily 8:30 - 18:00; the shows begin daily at 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00.

Excursion to James Bond Island

James Bond Island is the most famous of the islands in Phang Nga Bay, one of Thailand’s most beautiful National Parks. The island is famous thanks to the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). The island’s real name is Tapu, which in Thai means "a nail". On the way to James Bond Island, you will go kayaking, explore the amazing caves where friendly little monkeys and mysterious bats live, and see numerous small islands. After departing from James Bond Island, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and to top it all off, relax on a charming beach with swimming.

Coral Island

Coral Island is located just 9 km south of Phuket. The journey usually takes 15 minutes by speedboat. The Coral Island excursion is best suited for families with young children. Coral Island features a beautiful long beach, turquoise water, and no waves. Along the coastline there are cafés; you can go snorkeling (swim with a mask). There are lots of corals here, which is where the name “Coral” comes from. There’s also the option to fly on a parachute (parasailling) and ride a banana boat, as well as rent a jet ski.

Phuket City Tour

An Phuket sightseeing tour is a chance to see all the island’s main attractions. The excursion will begin with a visit to the Big Buddha temple on Nakaked Hill, from where you can enjoy incredible views of almost all of Phuket Island. Next, you will visit a cashew nut factory. You will learn how cashews are harvested and what you can prepare with them. Then you will go to the oldest temple in Phuket - Wat Chalong. The temple was indeed built even before the war with Burma, and today it delights visitors with its beauty and colorful building roofs. The Orchid Garden is another place you must visit when coming to Phuket. The next attraction on the island will be the Aquarium. You will see what unusual animals and fish lived and live in the Andaman Sea. All the underwater fauna living in the waters near Phuket is gathered here.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.