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FR Thailand is surrounded by numerous islands that offer countless adventures and exploring opportunities. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? Narrowing down what you want your experience to be while travelling Thailand will determine which islands you should check out while you’re there. Some offer an escape from crowds and stores while others have packed beaches and the best nightlife. For those who are looking for a happy mix of visiting historical sites and bomb beaches to lounge away the day, Phuket Island should be at the top of your list!
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
If you’re a lover of wildlife, then getting to interact with elephants will sound like a dream come true. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Pa Klok is a home for retired elephants (mainly from the logging and tourism industries) that’s open to the public. Trying to find words to explain how incredible it is to be so close to these creatures is nearly impossible, you have to experience it for yourself. You’ll have to chance to bathe elephants during a tour as well as feed and play with them!
Wat Chalong
This temple in Chalong, Mueang Phuket was built in the early 19th century. Out of the 29 buddist temples on the island, this is the most important one. Known for it’s golden statues, gardens and Buddha paintings, it’s a must-see in Phuket. It is a sacred place of worship so be aware of certain customs. Make sure to dress appropriately and remove your shoes when entering certain buildings.
Big Buddha Phuket
Placed at the top of a mountain, this iconic 45-meter tall marble statue is one-of-a-kind. When you climb to the top you’re able to take in a complete panoramic view of the surrounding area. You might need a minute or two to soak everything up! It’s one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Phuket FantaSea
When you think of exploring an island in Thailand you probably don’t have checking out a theme park in mind. Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park filled with shopping, authentic Thai cuisine, and plenty of entertainment for the entire family. It’s best to book in advance if you want to check this out!
Beaches
Like every other area in Southern Thailand, the beaches here are legendary. Some are quite a bit busier than others so it’s a good choice to look into what atmosphere the top beaches offer to find the one you’ll most enjoy! There are plenty of different activities at each beach from snorkeling to hopping on a long-tail boat.
If you’re still looking for more island fun, don’t worry, you have more than one island to choose from! After your adventures in Phuket you can head to Krabi for even more island hopping. Local cruises take you from one island to the next with stops in between to allow you to explore the waters and relax on the boat.
From elephant sanctuaries to giant Buddha statues and renowned beaches, Phuket offers adventures for every traveler. You’ll be able to experience the culture and history while seeing some of the best sights Thailand has to offer. The best part is you don’t have to limit yourself to this one island, take in as much of Thailand as you can while you’re there.
