subject: Things to See in Phuket, Thailand [print this page] Phuket Island is world-renown for its pristine beaches and crystal clear water. It was virtually unknown some 20 years ago until a group (or groups) of backpackers decided to gallivant in Thailand and explore its many islands off the Andaman Sea. There are a dozen or so islands that are nestled in the Andaman Sea but Phuket is the most popular (or is it notorious?) of them all.
It is a given that tourists from all over the world gravitate to Phuket all year long. For the surfer dudes, the months of May to October are the best months to hang ten. The months of November until April are excellent months to hang loose and do a lot of water sports in the generally calm seas of Andaman.
When you have had enough of sand, sun and surf, there are other things to see in Phuket for your enjoyment.
A must see (once is enough, thank you!) is the Phuket FantaSea. It is a cultural theme park of some sort where you can ride elephants, play at a sea-themed arcade, go souvenir shopping at the village or head over to the Similan Adventure Center. The Palace of Elephants is a theater made to look like a century-old palace, some say that looks even grander than Angkor Wat. As the clock nears 9:00 P.M., tourists head to the main theater to watch the Phuket FantaSea Show a modern and innovative interpretation of Thai culture at its best.
There are plenty of breathtakingly beautiful viewpoints in Phuket. The most familiar and popular one is the Phromthep Cape located in Nai Harn. From this high vantage point you can view the sea as one big eternity pool. At night, the twinkling lights of Nai Harn beach and the Royal Phuket Yacht Club are akin to a multitude of fireflies.
Another fantastic viewpoint is the Kho Saam Haad located in Kata. The name translates to "Hill of the Three Beaches" as this vantage point literally looks down on the three beaches of Kata, Kata Noi and Karon.
Big Buddha cannot be missed as the 45-meter tall statue can be seen from almost all locations south of Phuket. To get there, just follow the red signs displayed prominently in Chao Fa West Road then turn down the road where a red arrow and Buddha sign is evident.
This fantastic viewpoint is well signed and the 45-metre tall image can easily be seen from most locations in South Phuket. Follow the red signs along Chao Fa West Road and turn down the road with the red arrow and a Buddha sign. Be ready for a rather steep climb. Once you reach the top enter the shrine and walk up the steps leading to Big Buddha. From that high viewpoint, you can see the northern and eastern side of Phuket Island. Beautiful!
