Phuket is much more than its beautiful beaches and Patong’s reputation. Phuket is a big island and has many things to offer and if you dare to step away from the most touristy places you can still feel the real taste of Thailand like in Phuket old Town for instance. Phuket’s markets are also a good idea.
But, there are more things that can be done in Phuket town:
Khao Rang Phuket viewpoint
Another place that I decided to visit was Khao Rang viewpoint
It is not such a long walk from the old town, so I decided to head there and see what this Phuket viewpoint looks like. I wasn’t lucky because the weather was very cloudy and a bit rainy, so the sea view was not impressive. At the top of the hill, you will be able to see the sea and some islands in the distance as well as Phuket town down there. Besides the view, there is nothing else to do up there. It is a pleasant place with lots of trees and great for a weekend picnic as it was very quiet. I’m sure the place is more exciting on a sunny day, but as per my experience, I wouldn’t say it is worth a visit.
Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham
On my way to Khao Rang viewpoint I came across a beautiful temple. The temple stands on high grounds but it doesn’t offer any view. It has a big golden Buddha and a typically very golden Thai temple. It is very quiet and that’s why I like to visit temples. I love to sit there and listen to the birds and the wind chimes sound which is so relaxing to me. I can sit somewhere in the temple and be there with myself for hours.
Monkey Hill
There is this other place with supposedly a beautiful Phuket viewpoint that as per the name has many monkeys. Not only, but also for that reason, I didn’t visit it. It is a bit further from the old town and the idea of having dozens of monkeys around me with no one else nearby didn’t sound pleasant. And, as I was not amazed by the previous viewpoint, this one didn’t attract me that much. But I met a girl that has been there and said the views are beautiful. Might be worth a check.
To get from Patong to Phuket town I was using the local bus aka “Songthaew”- Thai word for that bus- that departs from the south part of Patong beach, costs 30bh and takes about 45 min to get to Phuket town.
Big Buddha statue
The Big Buddha statue, as the name suggests, is a huge Buddha statue made of marble, I would say, due to its white appearance. Actually, if you pay attention, you can see that the statue is made of squared shapes pieces of marble stone. This is an icon in Phuket and almost a must-visit. It stands on the highest hill and you can see it from a very far distance. I went there by car with friends, but I think it is possible to go by bus to Karon beach and then follow a trek to reach the top of the hill. If you do so, prepare for it cause it will be a big hike!! I could see how steep it is to get there in the car haha
Basically, the statue is the biggest one on the island and offers the best views. From here you will have a 360º view of Phuket and how the jungle fulfills most parts of the land. This will be the highest Phuket viewpoint you can visit. You will have gorgeous views of the ocean and nearby islands. The place has such a wide view that you can see the sunrise and sunset from here. Strolling around the compound to get the best views in Phuket is all you need to do up here. I went for sunset and it was so beautiful!!! Phuket, in general, offers really beautiful sunsets almost on a daily basis.
The Big Buddha statue would be another great spot in Phuket to watch the sunset.
Buy your bus ticket to Phuket HERE!
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