Travel guide Thailand
Yanui Beach
Yanui beach occupies about 100 meters of the shore, located between two rocky hills not far from famous Naiharn beach.
Opposite the beach, there is a small island. It is a good idea to rent a kayak right here and paddle out. It is also a good spot for snorkeling so bring your mask and a snorkel.
There is small but stunning windmill viewpoint to the north and famous but a bit crowdy Promthem viewpoint to the south from here.
Rawai beach
Rawai is famous for its seafood restaurants. In the southern part of the beach, there are tables set up right on the beach, kitchens are on the other side of the road. In the Northern part, restaurants are only across the road from the sea. Regardless of where you choose to dine all restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere typical to Thailand, delicious, cheap food and a large selection of fresh seafood.
For those who like cooking at home, there is a market where in the evening you can find a lot of delicacies. It is located in the southernmost part of the beach behind the pier.
There are many long-tail boats as well as speedboats lining up the shore. Here you can hire a boat to take you to the nearest island.
Here are approximate costs to rent a boat for 3-5 hrs from Rawai to nearby islands
Bon island: boat - 800฿, speed boat - 2000฿.
Coral island: boat - 1200฿, speed boat - 2500฿.
Racha island: speed boat - 7000฿.
Bon Island has one clean sandy beach and plenty of beautiful coral reefs. You will also find a few coves around the island where you can go snorkeling.
Coral Island is worth a visit if you are interested in water sports and activities such as parasailing, jet ski, banana boat rides, underwater walk in a diving helmet.
Racha Island is the farthest of them all but it’s worth the ride. It boasts crystal clear water, wonderful corals and plenty of colorful fishes. There a few restaurants on the island and a viewpoint.
A private fishing trip by a wooden boat will cost about 2000 baht.
Directions: this is the southernmost beach on Phuket.
It is best to come in the afternoon.
Karon Viewpoint
It offers an excellent view of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches. There is a guy on the motorcycle just before the viewpoint that offers to get your picture taken with eagles. It costs 100 baht if using your camera or 200 baht using his Polaroid.
Directions: it is located between Kata and Naiharn beach.
Cape Promthep
WORKING HOURS
Круглосуточно
COORDINATES
GPS
7°45'32.9"N 98°18'13.2"E
Decimal
7.759139, 98.303655
This place can be called the landmark of Phuket. Whether you come here to enjoy a sunset or to take a few pictures you won’t be disappointed.
There is a working lighthouse on the Cape with a small historical Museum inside. On the way to the lighthouse, you will find a shrine. Thai people believe that such a beautiful place is certainly inhabited by strong spirits. To gain spirits favor or pay respect Thais often bring offerings or gifts to the shrine. You can buy a gift for yourself or your loved ones at a souvenir market located in front of the parking lot.
Most people don’t go beyond the concrete barrier wall. But there is a dirt path leading down that will take you directly to flat stones, gently sloping into the sea.
Directions: from Chalong roundabout head to Rawai Beach then turn right and follow the signs.
The place gets crowded so in order to find parking it is best to come one hour before sunset. Sunrise and sunset times can be found here…
Phuket bungy jumping
WORKING HOURS
09:00 — 18:00
FEE
Adult
2200 THB
CONTACTS
+66 76 321 351
COORDINATES
GPS
7°54'31.2"N 98°20'12.5"E
Decimal
7.908671, 98.336811
If you are a thrill seeker then this is a place for you. The complex is called Jungle Bungy Jump and was open in 1992. It operates in compliance with New Zealand safety standards. There used to be a tin mining operation at this location but the mines were flooded to create a picturesque lake.
They offer standard, tandem jumps as well as catapult and water touch jumps from a crane that is 50m high.
Jungle Bungy Jump is located in Kathu not far from Patong Beach. Prices start from 2200 baht and in addition to the jump, every package includes a t-shirt, a certificate, and insurance. A 3000 bath package also includes a DVD with a video of your jump or one additional jump free of charge. The place is open every day.
Directions:
Kathu: from Patong head to Central Festival Shopping mall, once you get down from the hill at the first traffic light, at a Caltex gas station turn right and follow the road for about 500m, keep your eyes open for the sign “Bungy Jump”.
Patong: on the 3d beach road behind Jung Ceylon shopping center close to J. J. Plaza.
Wat Chalong
WORKING HOURS
09:00 — 18:00
COORDINATES
GPS
7°50'49.3"N 98°20'11.7"E
Decimal
7.847029, 98.336586
It is said that the Temple or Wat in Thai was established during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1842). Now it is one of the most revered temples. There have been some major historical events connected with the Temple. One of such events was a rebellion of Chinese coolies in 1876. Local Thai people were inspired by the Abbot of Wat Chalong to fight the rebels and the rebellion was put down. In addition to his wisdom, the Abbot Luang Pho Chaem (1827-1908) was believed to heal people with the help of his walking stick.
If you want to see how Thai people perform their religious rituals make sure you visit all of the buildings. You can even join them but please be very polite. According to a legend Chedi, the tallest building at the complex holds Buddha’ relics.
Directions: from Central Festival Shopping mall head toward Chalong, The temple is located on highway 4021 East. From the road, you will be able to see a white archway to the temple complex.
! Please, note that women should have their knees and shoulders covered while visiting temples in Thailand, men should wear a t-shirt or a shirt and pants or shorts that are not very short. Also, women should not touch monks.
Big Buddha
WORKING HOURS
09:00 — 18:00
COORDINATES
GPS
7°49'39.3"N 98°18'46.2"E
Decimal
7.827582, 98.312842
This place is two attractions in one. It is a viewpoint and also a grand temple complex.
Construction has been ongoing for more than 10 years and is funded by donations. It all started with the ambitious idea of a few friends who once found this place in the mountains. From the observation deck you can see the two coasts of Phuket. Chalong is to the East and Kata, Karon is to the West.
There is a small temple at the base of the statue where you can get blessed by a Buddhist monk.
And if you come across people rubbing the Gong with their hands - get in line. It is believed that if it “sings” it means you have a pure soul.
The passage to the observation deck is to the left immediately after you climb to the statue.
Directions: from Phuket Town head toward Chalong on highway 4021 West, once you pass Wat Chalong and a Ptt gas station you will see the sign “Big Buddha”.
!Please, note that women should have their knees and shoulders covered while visiting temples in Thailand, men should wear a t-shirt or a shirt and pants or shorts that are not very short. Also, women should not touch monks.
Night Naka market
WORKING HOURS
17:00 - 22:00
COORDINATES
GPS
7°52'52.8"N 98°22'03.9"E
Decimal
7.881345, 98.367740
Markets in Thailand offer an interesting experience. This one for sure will impress you as Naka Market is the largest in Phuket.
This is probably the best way to sample the exotic cuisine of Thailand. Food is prepared in front of you: anything from coconut pancakes, fruits with unusual sauces to fried insects. Different delicacies, Thai sweets, and other exotic dishes for every taste are available here.
We have noticed that goods sold at this type of markets are often priced at one price, either at 99 baht, 199 baht or 299 baht. These are favorite numbers for Thai vendors. Sometimes you can purchase a pair of thong sandals or a jacket for the same price.
There are plenty of trinkets that are handmade right at the market. Some can be personalized with your name.
The market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 16:00.
Do not miss it. You will have an unforgettable experience.
Directions: the market is located on highway 4021 West. From Central Festival Shopping mall head toward Chalong. At the first traffic light turn left. You will not miss it.
! Please, note that it is difficult to find a parking space at the market.
Patong Go-Kart Speedway
WORKING HOURS
10:00 — 19:00
FEE
Adult
800 THB
CONTACTS
076 321 949
COORDINATES
GPS
7°54'30.2"N 98°19'46.2"E
Decimal
7.908381, 98.329486
Do you feel the need for speed and an adrenaline rush then go a racetrack.
There are 2 go-kart racetracks in Phuket located across the street from each other.
Phuket Wake Park in Kathu
WORKING HOURS
9:00 - 18:30
FEE
Adult
750 THB
Kid
450 THB
CONTACTS
089 873 0187
COORDINATES
GPS
7°55'35.9"N 98°19'47.2"E
Decimal
7.926641, 98.329763
Do you miss snowboarding? Try cable wakeboarding. The Park offers a range of different obstacles installed on a manmade lake. The lake is 400 x 100 meters in size and water is clean. Their cable system works without a hitch. A basic set of equipment is provided free of charge with the purchase of a ticket. Professional equipment is also available for rent for more experienced riders.
If you have never tried wakeboarding before there are instructors are on hand to give you your first lesson. Even first-timers after a couple of hours of riding can do simple tricks.
There are showers and a restaurant on site.
See video Phuket Wake Park in Kathu
