What are some things to do on Thailand's largest island? Housing some of Thailand's best natural wonders, Phuket has become a very popular spot for visitors in Southeast Asia. Natural scenery, activities, and attractions are abundant here. With so many people visiting the island, it may get quite crowded. Of course, this can be avoided if you go at the right time.
The best time to visit Phuket is not in the high season. The high season for tourists lasts from December to March, which drives up the prices for hotels and other amenities. Going to Phuket in the low season will make the trip so much more affordable. Phuket in the low season has the cheapest five-star hotels in the world. Also, Phuket's monsoon season lasts from September until October. So, try to avoid the high season and the monsoon season.
The first thing I saw when I visited Phuket was the beach. It was just miles of glistening blue coastline. Phuket and its smaller surrounding islands are renowned for their beaches. Other than going to the beaches itself, there are lookout points scattered across the island that give an astounding bird's-eye view of the beaches. Some activities to do off the beaches include diving, kayaking, jet-skiing, deep-sea fishing. Kayaking is one of the best activities to do in Phuket.
Near the main island of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is an excellent place for sea kayaking. There are frequent excursions to this bay, which is lined with limestone caves and cliffs. Phang Nga Bay sometimes has choppy water during the monsoon season. Otherwise, the water should be very calm. Snorkeling can be an alternative to diving if you don't have a scuba certification for diving or prefer not to take the diving course there. There are also tons of smaller islands nearby that can be visited on a day trip.
On land, the Big Buddha statue is an attraction worth checking out. This giant forty-five-meter tall monument on a hill offers a decent panoramic view of Phuket Town. Since Big Buddha is also a religious place, you should wear clothing that covers the knee and keep a silent voice. Along with the Big Buddha statue, temples are abundant in Phuket City. The food in Phuket is pretty much just standard Thai food with Andaman Sea influence. Massaman curry, which is a savory curry made with meat, coconut milk, peanuts, spices, potatoes, and tamarind paste, is a tasty dish to try.
Great beaches and limestone caves come to my mind when I think about Phuket. I believe these features set Phuket apart from its neighboring destinations. Going to Phuket at the right time of the year will make for a remarkable experience.