Phuket
The rain-forested, mountainous island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most spectacular beaches situated along the clear blue waters of its western shore. This idyllic high-end island resort contrasts nicely with the culturally-rich capital, Phuket Town, which offers busy markets and fabulous food.
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is connected to the southern tip of the country by a couple of short road bridges.[ReadMoreMob] The island has wonderful soft white beaches, fringed by shady palm trees and grass huts. Just offshore, many uninhabited outcrops of tall limestone crags rise straight out of the sea and cry out to be explored. Phuket is the ideal spot to truly relax and unwind with incredible views of the surrounding bays.
In Phuket Town, the Thalang National Museum has fascinating displays about the island’s indigenous culture. [ReadMoreDesk]There are a couple of Hindu Temples on the island, as well as a number of Buddhist shrines, including the Wat Chalong Temple, which is the centre for worship on Phuket. High in the Nakkerd Hills, northwest of Chalong Circle, the 45m-high Big Buddha sits in imposing fashion on the island's finest viewpoint.
Top Experiences
Phang Nga Bay
One of the most beautiful bays in Thailand, Phang Nga Bay is known for its sheer limestone karsts rising from the sea. The most famous is known as James Bond Island, affectionately named due to its prominence in The Man with the Golden Gun.
Longtail Boats
Traditional long tail boats are a common sight along the beaches of Thailand. Referred to by many as ‘the gondolas of the south’, their compact dimensions are perfect for exploring shallow bays, creeks, caves and passageways in the waters surrounding Phuket.
Buddhist Sites
No less than 29 Buddhist temples can be found on Phuket, the largest and most revered being Wat Chalong where you can see a fragment of Buddha’s bone. Elsewhere, the huge marble statue, Big Buddha, towers over the island, offering stunning views.
Cruises to Phuket
World Cruise • S2402
- Experience the thrill of an around the world voyage on Borealis
- Discover a mix of cultural, historical and natural wonders across the globe
- Find paradise at Pacific Islands; explore Sydney, Singapore and Mumbai; revel in the beauty of New Zealand; seek-out the lost city of Petra; and much more
World Cruise to and from Liverpool • S240107
- Experience the thrill of an around the world voyage on Borealis
- Discover a mix of cultural, historical and natural wonders across the globe
- Find paradise at Pacific Islands; explore Sydney, Singapore and Mumbai; revel in the beauty of New Zealand; seek-out the lost city of Petra; and much more
World cruise from Southampton to Liverpool • S240207
- Experience the thrill of an around the world voyage on Borealis
- Discover a mix of cultural, historical and natural wonders across the globe
- Find paradise at Pacific Islands; explore Sydney, Singapore and Mumbai; revel in the beauty of New Zealand; seek-out the lost city of Petra; and much more