Phuket : Top 11 Things To Do & See

Phuket – due to the variety of things, activities and experiences it has on offer, could easily be your extended weekend getaway destination. It is a perfect family destination as it has so much to offer for kids, adults, men and women and those who are still young at heart.

My wife planned a surprise trip to celebrate my birthday and it was one of the most amazing trips I have ever had.

With beaches, temples, wildlife, safaris, island getaways, night life, adventure sports and much more – you will be spoilt for choices.
In fact, you can plan anywhere between three days to seven days and cover as much or as little as you want on this island itself.

There is no need to go to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand as that in itself calls for at least a one-week trip.

We stayed at the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket which is right in the center of the city & opposite to the Bangla road – the most happening road/area in Phuket.

Location was the main factor for us due to traveling with a 4 year old & also ensuring that we did not have to take taxis every now and then. Due to its central location, we were always on the main shopping strip the moment we stepped out of our hotel.

We went there in March 2019 and based on our experience here is the list of things to cover and experience with kids friendly places indicated by KF.

Places to see & experience in Phuket:

• Simon Cabaret
• Dolphin show (KF)
• Elephant Safari (KF)
• Biggest Buddha Temple (KF)
• Trickey museum (KF)
• The Upside Down  House (KF)
• Phi Phi Island (Half day trip) (KF)
• Patong Beach (KF)
• Bangla Road (adults only unless kids are under 4years old)
• Chaofa variety weekend market. Open from 4 PM (KF)
• Malin Plaza night market (KF)

Simon Cabaret

Thailand is renowned for its many attractions and experiences, and the high population of ladyboys, or transgenders, is one of the most distinctive features that puts it on top of the list. Compared to other countries, Thailand has a greater number of ladyboys.

The original term which is commonly used in the Thai society is KATHOEY.

In Thailand, the third gender is not stigmatized and they blend seamlessly into society. As a result, they can be found everywhere on the streets, working as cashiers, at shops and malls, and in many other positions. Unlike in some other parts of the world, particularly in Asia, they are accepted and not looked down upon.

That’s why Simon Cabaret is a must visit place as this is a show where majority of the performers are Lady boys or transgender.

Upon entering the venue, you’ll be amazed by the colorful decorations, and the beauty and style of the costumes. Before the show begins, you can take photos with the outside decorations while you wait.

Kids can be taken along as long as they are younger than four or five years so they don’t ask you the awkward questions.

The show lasts around 90 minutes, showcasing a diverse array of performances. The venue is vibrant, with eye-catching costumes, intricate choreography, and diverse themes.

At the end of the show, the performers will parade outside, where you can take plenty of photos with them. It’s recommended to bring some change for tipping, as this is what the performers generally expect in exchange for photos.

Getting There: Located just 2-3 kms from city center. Can be easily reached by taking a 5-10 mins tuk-tuk or taxi ride.

Big Buddha Temple

The Big Buddha of Phuket, also known as the Great Buddha of Phuket or Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, is one of the island’s most prominent landmarks. This massive statue of Lord Buddha stands at a height of 45 meters and is made of reinforced concrete with a layer of white Burmese jade marble.

The construction of the Big Buddha began in 2004 and took several years to complete. The site is located on top of a hill, Nakkerd Hill, between Chalong and Kata, offering stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Andaman Sea.

Visitors can approach the statue via a winding road that leads to the site, where they can park their vehicles and climb a staircase to the top of the hill. The statue itself is a striking sight, with its serene expression and the rays of the sun reflecting off its marble surface.

The Big Buddha of Phuket is not only a religious symbol but also a symbol of peace, unity, and love for all people. Visitors are welcome to visit the statue and pay their respects, and there is also a meditation area nearby for those seeking a quiet place to reflect.

In addition to the statue, the Big Buddha site also features a monastery, several smaller Buddha statues, and a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs to take home.

For more information visit Bangkok Tourism FB Page