And every Sunday from 16 o'clock it turns into a pedestrian, and a street fair unfolds along its entire length. Here you can buy everything in the world, including very rare items. Let me emphasize that this place does not work for tourists, so prices are based on locals. In general, this whole street embodies the inimitable and unique Thai flavor. Want to experience Thailand a little deeper than the fruit in the market and a visit to a snake farm? Come here.
Honestly, despite the fact that during the fair there is an atmosphere of celebration and general fun here, I love the street more on weekday evenings. It is so quiet, almost deserted, calm and good here that just a walk surrounded by all this beauty is priceless. This is a completely different Phuket, unlike itself.
4. Big Buddha Phuket
Of course, everyone has heard about the Big Buddha statue in Phuket, this is perhaps its main attraction. But please do not come here just for show, if you are not interested in the spiritual life of Thailand, you do not need to. First of all, it is an important Buddhist shrine, a huge, 45-meter statue, built with donations from parishioners. This is a Buddhist temple, monks serve here. If all of this doesn't resonate in your soul, just don't waste your time.
The Big Buddha can be seen from almost anywhere on the island, because he sits high and looks far from the very high mountain Phuket.
There is a functioning temple at the foot of the Buddha. Here you can tie a string on a monk's hand and make a wish. The procedure looks like this: you walk up to the monk on your knees, he sprinkles you with water and ties a string. It cannot be removed until it breaks itself, it is believed that then your wish will come true. After that, as a symbolic payment, you need to drop 20 baht into the decanter next to the monk. You may or may not believe me, but when you sit next to a monk and he looks you in the eye, it is simply indescribable. An incredible energy emanates from him, he has a clear and bright look. You experience very strong emotions and real cleansing. And if he says a few more words to you, this is really something special, your personal miracle.
In general, this place is incredibly beautiful, with excellent energy, gorgeous views of the entire island open up here. And just very good.
5. Photo Hotel
The best place to watch the legendary Phuket sunsets. Foto Hotel is located close to Kata Beach, and has a chic playground and a restaurant on its roof. Anyone can come here, order, for example, a cocktail, and then lie on soft pillows, swim in the pool and contemplate how the sun sets right into the endless sea. And as you already guessed from the name of the place, it is here that simply divine photographs are obtained 🙂 And what else can they be with such and such views?
With the onset of dusk, the lighting around the pool turns on, changing colors, and it illuminates the entire area with bright red, purple, blue and green shades. It looks ultra-fashionable and unusual.
Only this secret place! We don't tell anyone about him. And you, please, no, no! 🙂
6. BBQ buffet - traditional Thai cafe "make yourself"
One of my favorite Thai food. When I came here for the first time, the reaction was something like: “What ?! Should I cook for myself ?! " 🙂 Agree, a rarity for a cafe, and even a barbecue. It turned out that it is not only exciting, fun, but also very tasty!
There are a lot of similar cafes in Thailand, they set a kind of "brazier" on the coals on your table, and you yourself fry meat, fish or cook soup. The entourage at BBQ Buffet is something like this:
Thais just love these cafes, the cook-it-yourself cafes here are very, very popular and packed to overflowing. The cost of the buffet is 199 baht, this is a buffet, you can go for ingredients an unlimited number of times. What's in the assortment? Chicken, pork, crab meat, bacon, shrimp, squid, fish, fish balls and snacks, as well as strange Thai things in all their variety.
But the most delicious are the sauces! Without them, the barbecue wouldn't be so great. I’m ready to just sip these sauces with a spoon 🙂 The sauce is spicy, so be careful.
And this is how the cooking process looks like: on top - meat is fried, soup is cooked in boiling water around the edges.
Mmmmm, lick your fingers!
7. Monkey Hill
The name fully justifies itself - it really is a mountain, and monkeys really live on it. There are a lot of monkeys. The place is located in Phuket Town, very few people know about it, and there are almost no tourists here. At the foot of the mountain, bananas and apples are sold with which to feed the animals. Climbing the mountain, it is worth seeing one monkey and treating it with something tasty, as you are immediately surrounded by dozens of its relatives.
An amazing sight, as if you find yourself in a wild, primitive world. It is very interesting to observe the habits of these animals, how they communicate, how they behave when the leader of the pack appears in the arena. As small macaques scatter with a squeak, it is worth the elders just bark at them slightly. This is a real kind of society, a monkey society 🙂
When arriving yourself, first of all, remember that these are wild animals, yes, they are good-natured and come out to you to beg for some food, but you need to behave as respectfully and calmly as possible.
8. Fish Market Rawai
I am often asked: "Where in Phuket to eat fresh and delicious seafood?" There is a wonderful place for this in the south of the island - the fish market at the Rawai pier. You can get here on your own or by taxi. First of all, there is a beautiful pier where you can stroll and gaze at traditional Thai boats and fishermen.
Secondly, it is, of course, the market itself. In addition to seafood, you can buy pearl jewelry, souvenirs, various Thai crafts and cute trinkets.
And most importantly - the freshest seafood for every taste! Different types fish, squid, shrimps, lobsters, crabs and shells - all caught the night before. The choice is really huge.
What is this market so famous for? A series of cafes lined up right in front of the seafood stalls, where the products you bought will be cooked right there! They will be fried in spices, baked or steamed - as you wish, all this for a reasonable price, about 100 baht per kilogram.
9. Saphan Hin Park
Ideal for walks, family picnics or outdoor sports. Thais simply adore this park, they come here in huge companies, spread tents on the grass and spend cozy evenings here. There is a small market next to the park where you can buy any ready-made food. In the evenings, there is simply nowhere for an apple to fall, but today, in the daytime, the park is practically empty 🙂
The park is located in Phuket Town, and it is the only park in the whole of Thailand, built in memory of a foreigner - Thomas Miles, an Australian captain, who in 1909 brought a mechanical dredge to Phuket for the first time for tin mining.
People gather here in the evening, when the heat subsides. Like many best places Phuket, Sapan Hin Park is located right by the sea 🙂
10. Wat Koh Siray
This is my favorite Buddhist temple. It is located quite far to the east, beyond Phuket Town, on small island Sirey. The place is very authentic and completely non-touristy. The temple stands on the top of a mountain, the air here is completely different and there are almost no people. A maximum of 1-2 Thais will be with you in the temple.
Just look at how beautiful it is.
But this temple is active, at the foot of the mountain there are monks serving here. A guard usually sits in the hall and asks for a donation of 20 baht in exchange for flowers and candles, which can be placed at the foot of the Buddha statue.
Installed in the temple huge statue Lying Buddha, in this position he expects the attainment of nirvana. Very beautiful.
But the most beautiful thing here is the terrace. Perhaps the most peaceful place in the world. Especially when the monks are chanting mantras.
11. My rocking chair is Rawai Gym.
Talking about my favorite places, I cannot ignore my hall, because here I disappear three times a week and, of course, I love it very much! About a year ago I started working out in the gym, and after about half a year I began to like myself in the mirror, but most importantly, I get great pleasure from the process.
Now in Thailand low season, so you see rare footage - the hall is almost empty.
All sports!
12. Tony's restaurant
My favorite cafe. I just eat here all the time, and I also like to sit with a laptop, read LJ or write on a blog.
Cafe "Tony's" is located on Fighter Street, that is, on a street where the number of clubs and Muay Thai fighters per square meter is simply off scale. Why do I love this place? Firstly, they have a special "fighter" menu, that is, healthy dishes: meat, fish, vegetables, cooked without oil, fat and traditional Thai sauces. It is very important for me, because I exercise and get myself in shape. Tony's food is always delicious and cheap! Lunch costs me 120 baht. I like to sit at a large table, especially when a lot of people gather.
Secondly, there is always a friendly and sporty atmosphere, all this charges in the right way, you see enough of the fighters, you immediately want to urgently run to the gym and practice. Great motivation!
Thirdly, it is the staff. Tony is such a Thai over 50, and their whole huge family works in his cafe, very touching, sincerely and in a family way.
Note the family portrait on the wall. And over there, in the right corner, hangs a photo of little Teddy, we babysit this kid to all cafes))
And you can also order any services from Tony - rent a room, rent a motorbike, buy a trip for a visa, etc.)) It is very convenient for guys who come here to train Muay Thai or MMA (mixed martial arts).
13. Moving market Rawai
There is a cult of street food and street markets in Thailand. It all looks a little brutal, but there is absolutely no need to be afraid. If Thais themselves buy and eat something, then you can safely take it too. In general, I buy all products only on the market, firstly, it comes out cheaper, and secondly, everything here is always super-fresh, today's, unlike large supermarkets.
Why is the market mobile? Yes, because during the week he travels within our area, therefore, in order to remember where the market is today, you must first remember what day it is 🙂
The market usually starts around 3-4 pm and closes around 8 pm. What can you buy here? Yes, everything! Ready meals, vegetables, fruits, the freshest meat, fish, seafood, some knickknacks and even clothes.
I have my own live hack about the market: if I suddenly have a bad mood, I come here. While you are between the rows, you smile so much that not a trace of sadness remains. I don't know what anyone says about the insincere smiles of Thais, everyone smiles at me absolutely sincerely and disinterestedly, not the sellers, but in general everyone I meet with my eyes, an amazing people. Love them)
14. Rungaroon Massage - Thai massage parlor
Talking about Thailand, Thai massage cannot be ignored. This is part of Thai culture, its centuries-old heritage. Thai massage is completely different from the traditional one, firstly, it is done in special clothes - a shirt and pants made of natural fabrics. It is designed for the whole body, the technique is based on pressing, pulling and twisting. It's amazing what each master does differently. Taika moves silently along you or the edges of the bed, pressing on different parts of your body with their elbows, knees, feet or palms. Being with your eyes closed, the first time you don't even figure out what part of your body you are now kneading, and where exactly the masseuse is.
Thai massage is one of life's greatest pleasures! Coming out for the first time after the session, I asked myself: "How did I survive all these years without him ?!"
The technique of Thai massage is more than 1000 years old, the system is based on the teaching of invisible energy lines passing through the human body. The 10 most important of them are worked out during the massage by clicking on different points. After the session, you will feel a surge of energy, and your body will feel rejuvenated and vigorous!
It is extremely difficult to recommend a salon, someone likes a stronger massage, on the verge of pain, but for someone it will give you unpleasant sensations (in this case, you need to ask to do the light version for you). Therefore, I always recommend that you go around a few salons around your hotel and choose the one that you like. Thais everywhere do massage soundly and efficiently. As for me, my favorite salon is also in the south, near the Nai Harn beach and is called Rungaroon Massage. average price on the island - 250 baht per hour.
“The white elephant is born only in the jungle,” the Thais say, meaning that good things are hard to find. Yes, there are few unused places in Phuket, but we did a little research and present 8 unusual locations of the island. Shh, don't tell anyone about them!
We are ready to bet that there are no beaches, forests and natural parks left in Phuket where no human has ever set foot. But there are places where groups of tourists are not taken - cozy atmospheric corners "for their own". As you read, remember that each of them was torn from the heart by an experienced traveler!
Bon Island with an abandoned hotel
For whom: for robinsons and romantics
How to get there: From Rawai Beach by motor boat to Bon Island, take 25 minutes
Half an hour by motor boat or 50 minutes by boat from Phuket from the side of Rawai Beach - and you will find yourself on the most deserted island by the standards of the region. Another bonus awaits you on the side far from Phuket - this is an abandoned hotel. Those who have been there assure that you can relax in the building as in your own dacha. Of course, you won't find water and electricians, but there is a roof, floor and bamboo walls. And nearby - coconut trees and rocks. There is also a beach on the island, to find which is a whole test. Our blogger Sergey Soloviev writes in his article (18+): “This is my favorite beach, I found it on the Google map. It is closed on all sides, in the middle it has huge boulders, and in order to swim there from the sea, you need to manage to dance between the stones along the corridor. You really feel like Robinson there. You can get to the beach by renting a boat for ten for $ 30. I am glad to know that very close - crowds of tourists, cafes, markets, and you yourself are robinson!
Photo: indostan.guru Coordinates: 7.761979, 98.334599
Beach overlooking landing planes
For whom: for trainspotters, aviation enthusiasts and easily accessible extreme sports
How to get there:Public transport from the airport is poor. You need to get to the village by taxi in 20 minutes. By car you can get on the highway 402.
On the Mai Khao beach, planes fly so close that it becomes uncomfortable. Of course, there is no danger, although if you spend all the days like this, the risk increases ... as if you lived near the airport, were a pilot or a flight attendant. But you are not going to rest here for years! How do you feel at Mai Khao? The roar of aircraft engines, but not deafening, the same warmth and the smell of the sea. When you get used to it, you will enter the state of sabay! You can swim in the Andaman Sea and watch the liners right from the water.
Photo: Shutterstock Coordinates: 8.147001, 98.297848
Colonial street
For whom: for everyone who gets tired of lying on the beach and explorers
How to get there: Lard Yai fair is located near Thalang Street in the center of Phuket Town.
Every Sunday from 16:00 Lard Yai Street in old Phuket Town turns into a pedestrian street. The Portuguese-style houses on both sides of the roadway are painted in different colors, and a fair unfolds between them. They sell unusual homemade dishes, handicrafts, designer clothes. Music plays, artists perform - all the entertainment inherent in the old cities with its unique charm awaits you. Or maybe you will like Lard Yai better on weekdays: without music, merchants and lights? Hurry up, tourists are coming here more and more often!
Photo: Shutterstock Coordinates: 7.884756, 98.389241
Photohotel
For whom: for those who appreciate not so much food as a place in a restaurant, for gourmets in life, as well as instagram romantics
Address: 218/9 Kata-Saiyaun road, Kata Beach, Karon, Muang Phuket, Phuket, Thailand.
At Foto Hotel (namely “Foto”) you can take that perfect photo from Thailand. Or you can admire the sunset from a height while swimming in the pool. This is really a hotel, and there is a playground on its roof. But a person from the outside can freely come here. We advise you to order a cocktail and stay until dusk. At this time, a special lighting turns on, and the place begins to look like an elite night club... The hotel is next to Kata Beach. The place, of course, is not the most secret, but the location of the site so far scares off tourist crowds: they do not want to ask permission for the reception.
Photo: bookcdn.com Coordinates: 7.811226, 98.301195
Restaurant "cook it yourself"
For whom: for workaholics, lovers of pubs and places where food is entertainment
Address: Moo 1, Soi Saiyuan, Nai Harn, Rawai, Muang Phuket, Phuket, 83130, Thailand.
The best of Phuket's "cook it yourself" - Family Buffet BBQ. If you have never been to establishments of this format, know that you prepare food yourself and on a separate table. In front of you is a brazier, and around is a buffet of ingredients. You can cook yourself fish, shrimp, chicken - what your soul desires.
Pay about 150 baht - and do not deny yourself anything!
Photo: Shutterstock Coordinates: 7.785465, 98.317710
Phuket underground
For whom: for Botox apologists, Hawaiian partygoers, and those looking to chill out
Address: 26 Takua Pa road, Muang Phuket, Phuket, Thailand.
Ka Jok See is a very exotic cafe. On weekends, after dinner, it's show time. If you want to see the classics of ladyboy performances, this is the place for you. A man in 20cm heels and a sequin dress enters the stage to perform “I Will Survive”. Guests are given carnival accessories such as glasses shaped like guitars, whips and cowboy hats, and everyone has as much fun as they can imagine. The cafe is located in the old Phuket town.
Photo: zagranitsa.com Coordinates: 7.883127, 98.388538
Fish market
For whom: for lovers of the sea, seafood and fishing paraphernalia
Address: 22/9 4233 Rawai, Muang Phuket, Phuket, Thailand.
This is a fish row where you can buy all kinds of seafood, and then bring them to the restaurant opposite, where everything will be prepared for you. You can order special spices, fillings, combinations - if, of course, you understand. And if not, they will cook for you at your discretion and according to your recipes. The pleasure price is 100 baht per kilogram of food. Everything you find at Fish Market Rawai was fished the night before. And there is also a pier on which you can walk, looking into fishermen's boats and starting conversations with the owners - however, more with gestures, because the locals do not speak either Russian or English.
If you are interested in Thai markets, read about 6 of the best bazaars in Phuket.
Photo: Shutterstock Coordinates: 7.775651, 98.328882
Island Buddhist temple
For whom: for those who like to be in solitude
Address: 21/4 Moo 1, Rassada, Muang Phuket, Rassada, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.
The sanctuary is located far from civilization, on a hill. This is not quite Phuket, but nearby - on the island of Sire. The place is completely non-touristy. Here you will only meet one or two Thais and monks praying. There will be a security guard in the hall who will offer you to donate 10–20 baht in exchange for flowers and candles. “The temple stands on the top of a mountain. Up there, it is so calm and good that you completely forget about the existence of the rest of the world, ”writes our blogger Katerina Knusheva. And also a view of the village of sea gypsies opens up. Also impressive is the statue of the Reclining Buddha - he seems to comprehend Nirvana, which is what we advise you.
Photo: zagranitsa.com Coordinates: 7.872361, 98.429130
One afternoon we went for a walk and at the same time see the beaches that do not appear in guidebooks or on the websites of travel agencies. Still, the phrase “secret beach” sounds mysterious and tempting. There are several such hidden beaches in Phuket, the closest one turned out to be Hua Beach in the Kamala region.
The path to the beach was difficult. We did not have a bike, so we walked, then uphill, then down. Walking from Kamala to this beach took 40 minutes.
We have not met other pedestrians, unless there are such plump, sleek shiny lizards watching us, sitting on the stones. I don't know why, but this lizard reminded us, the same plump
And extraordinary blue caterpillars, which we have never seen before. The size of a sausage !!
Beach found on satellite map... We walked on GPS in case the path to the beach was not marked in any way. And finally we saw the pointer.
Promising sign
Hua beach on Phuket island
Hua Beach turned out to be the most common beach. There is nothing to catch the eye here, because there is nothing beautiful or unusual.
There is one unpretentious cafe for the locals. Which, apparently, is their home and place of work at the same time.
Hua beach on Phuket island
No tourists, no locals. Only a couple of lost souls, like us, who came to see a little-known beach in Phuket. This is probably why he is little known.
Glory, where did you take me?
Where can I book a transfer from the airport?
We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online, paid with a card. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name. Drove to the hotel in a comfortable car. We have already talked about their experience in this article
The sand is yellow and coarse; natural and artificial debris is lying on the shore. The water also leaves a lot to be desired.
There are almost no waves. But we wouldn't swim here
Even local children, who at first dared to swim, quickly rebuilt and began to run along the coastline.
You shouldn't go to Hua Beach on purpose. The beach you can see for yourself. No one word. Although in the last photo it is quite exotic and cute
Hua Beach Videos
How to get to Hua Beach in Phuket
You can walk from the beach in 30-40 minutes or take a bike in 5-10 minutes. To do this, from the left side of the beach, follow the road to the mountain, then turn right and follow all the time straight along the path, on both sides of which there will be hotels and villas. After the first hill there will be a small beach and a five-star Hyatt Regency hotel Phuket Resort, then another hill, on the descent from which there is a right turn onto the path to Hua Beach.
Hua Beach Phuket location
Coordinates: 7.947281, 98.264450
It is not at all necessary to look for a free place on Patong Beach together with the crowd of tourists. Phuket is full of little-known "sparsely populated" "secret" beaches. On these "wild" and little-known beaches of Phuket - our guide.
If you come to the tourism center of Thailand - Phuket island - we would recommend you visit (Patong beach) ... if you are much hated. This is the most famous and popular beach on the island. But far from the best. Every year, many tourists come to this two-kilometer expanse and see a dirty beach, ruthless advertisers, the sea is clogged with jet skis, dune-rovers are everywhere, and if you are not careful, a parasailor can knock you off your feet.
Yes, you can endure this dark nightmare. Or you can use our information of some little known beaches of Phuket to find the best beach for you.
Little known beaches in Phuket
This Phuket beach map will be useful to you.
Tri Trang beach
Despite the fact that it is a 5-minute drive from Patong, tourists and even locals rarely hear of this secluded place. Rent a motorbike or hike up the hill to the southern end of Patong Beach and look for small signs that will point you to Tri Trang Beach. This long winding road will eventually end at the well-known Paradise Beach.
Palm trees are planted along the beach, and there is not a single advertiser or merchant. There are several small bars on the beach where you can grab an espresso coffee, cocktail or other refreshing drinks. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and there are many sharp cliffs to explore underwater.
Freedom beach
Many people come to the free of garbage and annoying people to Freedom Beach (or also called Freedom Beach) by boat, but you can also get there by bike if you are ready to travel by bike on roads that are more suitable for traveling by ATV. and climb over a fence or two. It might be better to pay a few hundred baht and hire a boat from Patong. If you have a bicycle, observe the surrounding landscape, clean sea with high bank will give you a lot of impressions.
A beautiful view of the calm sea in a small bay is a good reason to make even a few circles around this wonderful place. Snorkeling is good a little further on the southern end of the beach. Sun loungers and only dining room high level are far away, but you can just stretch out on a blanket or towel without spending a dime.
Laem Singh beach
Walk down the path that runs right through the cliff and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, Laem Sing Beach. It is also known as "The Secret Beach", however, there are a lot of people on it lately, so, in fact, its secret has been revealed.
Despite this, the crowd is limited to sun loungers located close to the sea, which is clean, clear and full of marine life. A large mountain cuts the beach in two, but you can walk around or swim around it. Leave your motorcycle on the side of the road and pay 20 baht, or drive a little further around the corner and park it there for free.
It is a good idea to use the adjoining beach as a stopover on the way to the beach. from there it will remain a little drive to Banana beach. Slow down when you see a short stretch of barbed wire (makeshift fence) and you will find a small steep path down to the water.
On a clear day, you can watch the "banana mountain" that gave the beach its name from afar, and at any time you can swim in the crystal sea and enjoy the abundant greenery on the side of the mountain. Excellent sea for snorkeling and the rarity of a boat or water skier make this secluded spot ideal for amateurs and connoisseurs beach holiday and snorling.
Another little-known and practically wild beach in Phuket. Although not the most beautiful beach on the island, but very attractive because it is located very close to Patong.
Immediately at the northern end of Patong, you will see a thin strip of sand and water, with a rocky depression providing protection from the army of various vendors roaming Patong nearby. Several mobile food stalls on the small bridge beyond Kalim will feed you.
The huge wide Nai Thon Beach is a place where you can find plenty of freedom and space to relax. And if you have a bunch of kids with you, this is a great place for them to run at breakneck speed.
And at high tide it will be great to find a piece of shallow water and lie there. Local food is 30-50% more expensive than anywhere else on the island, so take a snack with you.
In fact, these are two small beaches, since the sandy coast is divided into two by a small mountain range... Many Thais go fishing and picnic there. A modest restaurant takes care of more financially secure tourists. A smaller part of the beach looks safe, but you can easily be washed away by waves and currents if you are not careful.
Large schools of various fish are perfectly visible, but be careful and avoid sharp rocks both above and below the water. Several rocky spots are also found in the first arch between the islands, so do some scouting before swimming there.
This is the wildest and most remote beach in Phuket. Moving north from Patong, there are a couple of ordinary huts on the way to this beach, so you can take a break, gain strength there, and then continue on your way.
