1. Big Buddha

The seated lotus-position statue of the Big Buddha is visible from almost anywhere on the island. It sits atop a hill roughly 400 m high, and the figure itself is no small thing – at 49 m tall, it's about the height of an 18-storey building. At the base of the statue is a temple built on donations from visitors. To contribute yourself, you can buy a few souvenirs or write your wishes on ceramic tiles.

2. FantaSEA Show

FantaSEA is a spectacular show featuring performers and animals. Over 90 minutes, the audience gets a taste of Thai history and culture, watches more than 30 elephants take the stage, and leaves genuinely dazzled by the scale and spectacle. A must-see if you're visiting Thailand for the first time!

3. Phi Phi Islands

These strikingly beautiful islands lie in the Andaman Sea about an hour's speedboat ride from Phuket. As you approach, you'll notice the archipelago splits into two parts: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The latter, incidentally, is where the film «The Beach» with Leonardo DiCaprio was shot. Those idyllic, deserted scenes are largely gone today – thousands of tourists visit the Phi Phi Islands every day – but they are still very much worth the trip!

4. Bangla Road

A very… particular place – often described as «Pattaya's outpost on Phuket». Sadly, this is what many people associate with Thailand. Nightclubs, bars, discos, strip shows, working girls, ladyboys, pushy vendors – you name it, it's here. Perfect for singles and groups looking for a big night out; less so for couples or families.

5. Karon Beach

If you follow world beach rankings, Karon should ring a bell – in 2008 it claimed 8th place, winning over the judges with its clean, near-white sand, well-kept promenade, and excellent service. Many visitors describe the local sand as «singing» – its high quartz content gives it a pleasing squeak underfoot.

6. Kata-Karon Viewpoint

The view from the Kata-Karon Viewpoint is simply stunning. Better still, you can see three of Phuket's beaches at once from here: Karon, Kata, and Kata Noi. Incidentally, the name of the hill on which the viewpoint sits translates as «hill of three beaches». So even if the local authorities rename the spot again, the landmark itself remains – Khao Saam Haad.

7. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

The real stars of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park are its waterfalls – there are three: Bang Pae, Ton Sai, and Kathu. All are beautifully picturesque, and few visitors can resist a dip in their cool waters. Even the Thais themselves come here for weekend picnics and wade in for photos in front of the cascades. But the true highlight of the park is its wildlife: you can spot flying lemurs, giant squirrels, countless tropical birds, and dozens of other rare animals.

8. Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape is not only a viewpoint – it's also one of the most romantic spots on Phuket. The sunsets here are breathtaking, which is why this small headland earned the nickname «Cape of God». Nearby, by the way, is one of Phuket's finest beaches, Nai Harn – just in case you needed another reason to visit ;)

9. Old Phuket Town

If you've had your fill of tourist crowds and beach activities, take a stroll through the quiet streets of Old Phuket Town. The atmosphere here feels like the early 20th century – charming, peaceful, with old Sino-Portuguese shophouses and cosy little restaurants around every corner…

10. Central Festival Shopping Mall

Phuket is not just beaches, jungle, and resorts. The island has plenty of shopping, and the largest mall is Central Festival. It has everything a city-dweller would expect: branded clothing and footwear boutiques, the latest electronics, a food supermarket, cafés, restaurants, and even a 7-screen cinema.