In photos, Phuket’s most memorable experiences

Situated in the lap of nature, Phuket in Thailand is a gorgeous island destination visited by lakhs of tourists every year. The destination offers an incredibly vast range of activities and places to see as it is home to some of the best beaches in the world. From the Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi islands to the Big Buddha, Phuket makes for a must-visit Asian destination.

Here is our top pick for essential Phuket experiences.

Phang Nga will always be on top of every Phuket itinerary. This is an incredible place featuring caves and enclosed lagoons. The best way to explore the bay is by booking a full-day cruise around Phang Nga. James Bond Island (for its appearance in the classic James Bond movie) and Koh Panyee are two of the most famous spots here.

The Big Buddha is a 45 m tall Buddha statue, resting at the top of Nakkerd Hill near Chalong in the south of Phuket. The iconic Maravija Buddha statue was built in 2004, entirely from donations. It is also the third tallest statue in Thailand.

Phuket has several elephant sanctuaries and if you wish to relax and have fun, visit one of the elephant sanctuaries here. One can enjoy elephant rides, feed them fruits, bathe them or simply be with these cute animals all day.

Phuket Town Weekend Night Market is a paradise for shoppers! Locals call it Naka Market and it is just a few minutes walk from Phuket Town. Tourists’ and locals’ favorite, this market sells almost everything, from clothes to fruits to animals too!

Chalong Temple or Wat Chalong is a gorgeous 19th-century temple in Phuket. This is also the largest and the most-visited temple in Phuket. One of the iconic structures here is the 60 m tall stupa, sheltering a fragment of bone from Buddha. Remember to wear appropriate clothes as shorts, skirts above the knee, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

Bangla Road in Phuket becomes all the more alive after the sun goes down. The street is dotted with some awesome bars and one can keep moving from one bar to another, and has a very happy vibe. Beware of touts though.