Must Visit Attractions in Phuket

It's hard to miss this 45 meter (148 feet) tall marble statue peering down at you as you journey through the south of Phuket. Big Buddha sits serenely atop the hill at the end of Soi Yot Sane 1, which runs off the West Chao Fa Highway in Chalong. Though the statue itself is big enough to be taken in from afar, it's worth heading up to its base to both enjoy the view and learn more about it. Find out just how much concrete and white jade marble did it take to construct the enormous statue, along with many other factoids about its upkeep. Donations to the project are welcomed and, as this is a holy site, conservative dress is strongly encouraged.

Phang Nga Bay straddles the three main districts of Krabi province, and is one of the busiest day-trip spots out of Phuket. There are two popular spots here - with its signature rocky pinnacle, James Bond Island is spectacular and was so named because 'The Man With The Golden Gun', one of the James Bond films, was shot at this island. Ko Panyi, a remarkably beautiful village, the whole of which is built over the water on stilts, is the other attraction that is perfect for a quick lunch and some souvenir shopping.

Located on the outskirts of Phuket Town, Wat Chalong is the largest and most visited Temple of the area. Featuring a gilt statue of Luang Por Chaem and Luang Por Chuang, the temple is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. Chaem and Chuang are monks known for their heroic effort in helping quell the Chinese Coolie rebellion of 1876. The temple has impressive architecture and gives great insight on Buddhism and its practices. For peace of mind and Thai history lesson, visit this sacred spot.

Just 38 kilometers (24 miles) to the southwest of Krabi, the picture-perfect Phi Phi Islands are the crowning glory of the Andaman Coast. Ko Phi-Phi Don and Ko Phi-Phi Leh are the two main islands, the former inhabited by beach resorts, cafes, nightclubs and souvenir shops of every stripe, while the latter is cut-off from civilization, its flawless beaches and luxuriant forests the envy of the coast. Ko Phi-Phi Don is really two islands linked by the umbilicus of a narrow isthmus, its dense forests and rugged cliffs offset by the crystal-clear waters teeming with a rich diversity of marine life. The island also boasts a star-studded nightlife offer with nightly beach parties and an exciting day-time array of thrilling watersports. Ko Phi-Phi Leh, on the other hand, is a more relaxed getaway, a tropical paradise of swaying palms, unspoiled beaches, dramatic rock formations and gently crashing waves. A few other isles form a part of Phi Phi, although they are little more than enormous rocky outcrops that jut from the sea.

This cluster of nine islands, 90 kilometers northwest of Phuket, is Thailand's premier dive destination. Diverse marine life and the colorful reef environment encourage repeat visits. The above-water marine scenery is also stunning with its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and secluded bays framed by rocky headlands. The beauty of the islands is preserved by the lack of accommodation and the law against overnight camping. Most people visit the Similan Islands as part of a live aboard dive trip, or rent a high-powered speedboat for a day trip from Phuket.

Inspired by Thailand's rich and exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea is a unique cultural complex. It showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, while enriching ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting-edge technology and special effects. The result is a stunning 56.65-hectare (140-acre) theme complex offering a multitude of activities. Highlights include the Festival Village, the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant (a 5,000-seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisines) and a breathtaking Las Vegas-style show.

If all the ruckus of Phuket's bustling towns is leaving you yearning for a little bit of peace and quiet, it might be the ideal time to venture off to the tranquility of Bang Pae Waterfall. Admission prices to the park containing this natural attraction vary depending on time of day, but should not set you back more than BHT200. The best time to see the waterfall itself is after the area has experienced some rain. However, even in the dry season you can spend some time learning about endangered monkeys at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center located on site. Jump or carefully lower yourself on in to the icy pool at the bottom of the waterfall to beat the tropical heat. - Martin English

Bangla Road or Thanon Bangla can be easily counted as one of the most popular sites of Phuket. While the main road is itself buzzing with activity around the clock, it also features a number of small streets dotted with bars, clubs and ping pong venues. These narrow roads known as Soi's are entertainment hubs in their own. As dusk sets in, Bangla shuts down for cars and transforms into a go-to fun destination for tourists. On many nights, the road also plays venue to street acts much to the revelers' delight.