This Picturesque Island In Thailand Is One Of The Best In The World With Unreal Scenery

Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is regularly considered one of the best in the world for tourists looking for the ultimate beach destination. But Phuket (pronounced poo-ket) is much more than its miles of sandy shores along brilliant blue waters. This island destination is home to history, towering cliffs, thriving nightlife, and intriguing markets. It is also a travel hub that offers easy boat connections to nearby islands offering memorable vacations along Thailand's southwestern coast, like Railay Beach, a famous rock climbing hot spot and one of the most underrated and affordable places in Thailand.

While the beautiful waters of the Andaman Sea get most of the attention, the inland areas of Phuket are full of incredible experiences as well. Multiple hiking trails explore the rainforests of the island and offer chances to encounter the unique wildlife of the region. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park sits within a protected rainforest on the island and is home to multiple, picturesque waterfalls cascading down cliffs. The park has multiple challenging hikes, however, some them are currently closed – so to make sure you know the way and don't accidentally wander off trail, it's recommended to hire a guide to access and explore the park. For those looking for animal interactions without the challenging trek through a jungle, the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket is another option. Here, multiple programs provide opportunities for visitors of all fitness levels to interact with and feed protected elephants in a safe environment.

Besides flora, fauna, and beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to explore in Phuket. The island is home to more than 40 Buddhist temples. Theravada Buddhism is the most popular religion here, and perhaps the most recognizable symbol of that religion on the island is the appropriately titled Big Buddha that sits upon Nakkerd Hill. This massive marble statue is nearly 150 feet tall and features a Buddha sitting in meditation as part of the temple complex called Wat Kitthi Sankaram. Constructed in 2002, the statue is surrounded by viewing platforms that allow for 360-degree views of the island, offering some of the best views of Phuket. It's important to note, however, that as of October 2025, the complex was closed to visitors as repairs continue following a landslide in August 2024.

If you are more interested in the island's history, make sure to explore the famous Phuket Old Town, which has a unique Sino-European feel as it was built by immigrants who traveled far and wide to the island during the time when Phuket's main draw was the tin mines. Today, the tin mines are closed and Phuket's Old Town is famous for its architecture and restaurant scene. One great way to learn more about the history of Phuket is by exploring with a local guide. Many different companies on the island offer a wide range of local tours. However, while hiring a guide is a great way to experience any destination, be aware of warning signs that a local guide is not trustworthy.

Visitors to Phuket are often lured by its extensive beaches and warm, blue waters. And, appropriately, many accommodations can be found near those locales. However, the island has many entertainment options available, and depending on your interests, an oceanfront location on a specific beach may not be the right place for you. A robust nightlife thrives on Phuket, with different districts offering different experiences. The most famous party spot on the island is Patong Beach and its surrounding area. Here, you will find lots of bars, clubs, late-night food, and full moon parties. 

If you are looking for something more family-friendly and low-key, you can opt to stay in a resort or in a quieter area, like Karon or Mai Khao. No matter where you stay on Phuket, traveling to other areas of the island is as simple as renting a scooter or using the local rideshare app, Grab. So, if you choose a quiet and peaceful resort on the far south side of the island, you can still always venture into town to explore and get food, or spend the day on Freedom Beach, one of Thailand's best-ranked beaches that requires a short but steep hike to reach.

Beach season in Phuket is between December and March, but this is also when the largest crowds appear. Between April and November, crowds are smaller and prices tend to be lower. However, this is also Thailand's rainy season. The region gets most of its annual rainfall (and monsoons) between June and October. Regardless of when you visit, the easiest way to access the island is through Phuket International Airport (HKT) located on the north end of the island.