Phuket City is the capital of Phuket Province in Thailand and is located on the island of the same name. Meanwhile, this bustling city offers a range of historic mansions, museums, Chinese shrines and more sites to explore. Chalong and Thalang are the places to visit the major temples, while Thalang Road is beautifully lined with colorful, 19th-century Sino-Portuguese buildings and shophouses.

Head to the beach

Phuket offers a magnificent choice of golden beaches on its western and southern coasts. Each is different, with Surin and Ao Bang Thao boasting luxury resorts and beach clubs. On the other end of the scale, the quieter and mellow Rawai is set in the lush jungles of south Phuket.

Not everyone is happy with lazing on the sand, and Phuket offers a range of exciting water sports. The most popular dive sites can be found in Ko Phi-Phi, as well as the national park-protected Similan Islands. Meanwhile, Phuket offers everyone the chance to dive among the colorful and fascinating marine life, as there are several local dive schools available.

The gentler sport of snorkeling also offers amazing underwater scenes, while kayaking is an exciting option to explore the area. One place to paddle your kayak is Ao Phang-Nga and its semi-submerged island lagoons featuring towering limestone karsts. Meanwhile, the island is the perfect place for sailing and windsurfing.

Visit the museums of Phuket

Among the many must-see museums, Thai Hua Museum is set in a 1930s manor, featuring exhibits about the city’s history and unique culture. Moreover, heading to the hills behind Kata reveals the famous Big Buddha, one of the island’s most Instagrammable monuments.

On the subject of mansions, Baan Chinpracha makes for a fascinating visit. Built by a wealthy tine merchant in 1903, the mansion boasts antique furniture, Italian floor tiles and beautifully shuttered winds.

Visit the national parks of Phuket

In total, Phuket has nine national parks just waiting to be explored. Moreover, the parks feature an amazing array of exotic flora and fauna and many natural caves and waterfalls. As many of the national parks are located close to the coastline, visitors have the opportunity to relax on the sand, lapped by crystal clear water after viewing the wildlife.

Among the wildlife on display on Phuket Island is the fascinating Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Khao Phra Rhaeo National Park. Originally opened in 1992, the center rescues abandoned pet gibbons and prepares them to be released back into the wild.

Phuket Island also features several fascinating viewpoints, offering sweeping views over the island and to the sea. One of the best can be found on Khao Rang Hill, where visitors can enjoy the view while relaxing under shady, old-growth trees.

Sample the local cuisine

Phuket is renowned for its tasty, Thai cuisine, featuring its own distinct flavors and characters. Here, diners can enjoy salty and spicy southern Thai food with Malay and Chinese flavors and influences.

Among the dishes to sample are Thai-style roti or dim sum, dipped in curry, or pak miang – scrambled spinach leaves, nee pad hokkien – noodles in a broth. Moreover, you should taste test moo hong – pork braised with garlic and pepper, or mee gang poo – crab meat curry with noodles.

Meanwhile, the island also offers delicious fusion menus, international cuisine and freshly caught seafood making for a wide choice. For those who love Thai street food, the markets in Phuket City have a wonderful range to try out.

Experience a visit to Phuket City in Thailand this year, soaking in the history and culture, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach.