Top 10. Main Attractions of Phuket, Thailand

1. Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill

One of Phuket’s most recognizable landmarks is Wat Phra Phuttamingmongkol Akenakkiri, commonly referred to as the Big Buddha Temple for simplicity. The marble statue stands 45 meters tall, making it the largest in all of Thailand. The Big Buddha can be seen from almost any point in the city as it sits on Nakkerd Hill, rising nearly half a kilometer above sea level.

Believers come here to ask Buddha for health, happiness, prosperity, and other blessings we all need. Legend has it that a mighty serpent named Naga once lived on the hill, making it a place of power, where perhaps even Buddha himself visited. The energy here is truly remarkable, and the view from the observation deck makes you pause to appreciate the beauty of the landscape, ponder the eternal, and take a step closer to enlightenment.

2. Phuket Old Town

Today, Phuket is a city, but 200 years ago it was a small settlement where residents worked in tin mines. Gradually, migrants from China began moving to the island, bringing with them their culture, traditions, and architecture. Looking at the houses in Phuket Old Town, one might think of its colonial past, but in reality, the island was never a colony.

It is likely that many settlers were from Macau, a Chinese city that belonged to Portugal for a long time, and whose architectural style is distinctly noticeable in Old Town. Most of the buildings consist of two-story shophouses, where the ground floor houses a shop or small restaurant, and the upper floor is the owner’s residence. Interestingly, many of these shophouses have been operating since the 19th century and are passed down from generation to generation. You can find almost anything here, from souvenir shops and stores to beauty salons and entertainment venues.

Each house in Old Phuket is a work of art, as the owners put in great effort to make their shophouse the most beautiful on the street. We recommend taking an evening stroll here to fully experience the charm and atmosphere of this Thai town.

Bangla Road

When the city sleeps, Bangla Road wakes up — the center of Phuket’s nightlife. Until 6 PM, there’s nothing much happening here, but after that, bars, restaurants, strip clubs, and more open up. In designated areas, Thai boxing matches are held, musicians, acrobats, jugglers, and magicians perform on the streets, and you can often see the famous Thai ladyboys offering intimate services.

In the nightclubs, among other things, the audience is entertained with popular Phuket cabaret shows and go-go dancers. Bangla Road is a place where everyone can find entertainment to their liking, from harmless bar gatherings to “exotic” forms of amusement. Phuket’s main nightlife street is very unique and sometimes crazy, which is precisely why people love it.

Night Market in Phuket Town (Naka Market)

While we are used to going to the market early in the morning, Thais prefer to do so late in the evening. Phuket has many night markets, and one of the most popular in the capital is Naka Market. The first stalls open at 4:00 PM and operate until almost midnight.

Although it’s a night market, the range of goods is quite standard: food, clothing, cosmetics, household appliances, souvenirs, and so on. Naka Market also has many stalls with local street food, including dishes that may seem unusual to Europeans, such as fried grasshoppers or scorpions.

In short, you can buy almost anything at the night market and at very low prices, which is why it is popular with both tourists and locals. If you plan to visit Naka Market, keep in mind that it only operates on weekends.