Explore amazing night markets in Phuket, Thailand

Whether you are looking for delicious delicacies, local handicrafts, clothes, unique souvenir, or simply get a taste of island life after night falls, these interesting markets offer something for everyone traveling to Phuket.

Chillva Market

Chillva Market in Phuket is a trendy night market with a somewhat bohemian vibe and an impressive selection of food, fashion and souvenir stalls. Located by the side of Yaowarat Road, it has colourful shipping containers as shopfronts. The night market also has an overwhelmingly local feel, with attractively low prices to match.

OTOP Night Market

Photo @WillyThuan

OTOP, which serves as an acronym for ‘One Province, One Product’ once translated, was initially designed as a local market to promote the handicrafts of each province of Thailand. This idea did not last very long, and today the Patong OTOP market mostly sells a lot of copies, fake stuff and souvenirs you do not even need. What is more interesting is the food street and the small beer bars in the back.

Phuket Weekend Night Market Na Ka

The Phuket Weekend Market, otherwise known as the Na Ka market, is a comprehensive bazaar which is located in Central Festival in Phuket. Also known as the Chatuchak of Phuket, the locals call this market ‘Talad Tairod.’ This market is perpetually crowded and sometimes overwhelming. Feel like a child spoilt for choice at the market with the wide array of goods and services offered here.

The market can be divided into two major sections - food and shopping. Many famous brands are offered at this market. Their low costs will obviously give one a hint of the authenticity of these apparel. There are also DVD copy shops here which will sometimes sell movies even before the movies are released. Food is sold in abundance, allowing a newbie to try a whole range of things like fried, boiled, steamed, rolled food and many more. There is ample parking space at the back of the market.

Phuket Indy Market

As its name suggests, the Indy Market is home to independent traders rather than professional peddlers and, being locally known as “a market to let go of your goods”, is the closest thing Phuket has to a ‘bring-and-buy’ sale.

One of Phuket’s quieter night markets, it is popular with young Thais for its entertainment and great homemade snacks. Despite its small size, it is one of the most cool and comfortable markets, where you are sure to find something special to buy at a great price.

Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza Patong is particularly popular for its food stands, but you can also find an impressive range of souvenirs. The night market is fairly small, with its main part protected from the elements under a high metal roof.

If you are here for dinner, must-tries include fried chicken and chips, crepes, ice cream, sushi, 90-baht cocktails, and fresh fruit. Prices are low, making Malin Plaza Patong a popular dining spot for budget travellers in Patong.

Fun Friday Avenue Market

Fun Friday Avenue Market is a small weekend market popping up every Friday evening at the Boat Avenue on the way to Phuket Laguna. It is modest in size but fun to visit if you are staying in the Bangtao Beach area. Night markets are part of Thailand life, and wherever there is a market, there is a crowd and lots of food!

See more: Best Phuket beaches in Thailand

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7 day trip to Southern Thailand

The southern part of Thailand is a beautiful place, full of splendid beaches, bays, and temples. These fab places to visit in South Thailand have transformed in the last two decades into a hub for tourism and nightlife.

If you are looking for a great vacation spot for your next tropical holiday, there are several popular as well as remote places for you to consider. Ranging from resort towns to remote islands, these places represent the best that Thailand has to offer.

Krabi

Krabi has plenty going for it, the stunning coastline of Ao Nang that most visitors see, plus beautifully secluded beaches on the Railay peninsular, which includes Railay East, Railay West and, most hidden away of all, Ao Tonsai. There are also countless smaller islands offshore with jaw-dropping beauty that makes them perfect for memorable day trips.

And back in Krabi town, a destination much overlooked by tourists keen to feel the sand between their toes, there is a killer food scene influenced by southern Thai cuisine’s reliance on spices of Malaysian and Indian origin, as well as a general easy-going vibe that makes it a more than pleasant place to spend a few days relaxing.

Phuket

Phuket is a tiny province in the southern part of Thailand and one of the busiest tourist places to visit in South Thailand. You can find the liveliest nightlife here on the stretch along the Patong beach, and also elsewhere in Phuket.

This is the place to come if you are looking for wild parties, the most amazingly beautiful South Thailand beaches as well as great diving spots where you can go snorkeling as well as scuba diving. There are also some amazing temples at Wat Chalong and Wat Luang Pu Supha for a more diverse experience of Thailand.

Mu Ko Ang Thong

In the Gulf of Thailand close to Koh Samui is the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. This archipelago is made up of 42 islands, most of which are located close to one another. That makes it a breathtaking place to tour by boat, because the close proximity of these lush green islands makes for amazing photographs. One island you cannot miss is Ko Wua Talap where you can dine at a seafront restaurant, explore the Buaboke Cave, relax on one of two amazing beaches or walk across the island in 30 minutes through a jungle trail.

Koh Tao

The island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a favorite of divers who come here for the exotic marine life and coral formations. The island is only accessible from a ferry from the town of Chumphon. If you are not a diver, you will be able to find PADI certification courses at various places on the island. The Chumphon Pinnacle on the island is where most people go to see the famous bull sharks, but the evolutionary sculptures in the Val Tong Tao Bay are also popular with tourists.

Railay

Whether you are searching for the next adrenaline rush or unparalleled scenic beauty, Railay may be the answer. Railay is a peninsula surrounded by oceans and mountains, which means that it is primarily accessible by boat. On stunning white-sand beaches, tall limestone formations tower over the water.

At Phra Nang Beach on Railay, you can swim underneath incredible limestone structures. At Rai Leh West Beach, the vibe is a little quieter but the scenic beauty is just as appealing. You will have the chance to explore caves in Railay, and the truly adventurous can also try out some of the ample rock climbing available.

Trang

Though arguably still better known for its pristine islands like Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Koh Muk, Trang is home to a ridiculously photogenic provincial capital that is well worth visiting all by itself. If you are a fan of strong coffee and fried pork, you will fit right in here, throw fiery southern Thai food into the mix along with some dim sum and plenty of beautiful colonial-style Sino-Portuguese architecture, and you have got a combination to rave about.

Trang city is largely walkable, or else its one-of-a-kind green frog-like tuk tuks make getting around easy and, if you have got wheels or fancy a minivan ride, Pak Meng Beach is a pretty stretch of sand that makes for a pleasant day trip.

See more: How to have breakfast like a local in Thailand

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What to do and see in Phuket, Thailand

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of Thailand’s top island getaways. Covered in lush rainforests and stunning beaches, Phuket is a relaxing haven for travelers. So, whether it’s lounging under palm trees or exploring cultural sites, Phuket has something for everyone.

Hit the beach

Thailand is legendary for its stunning beaches, and so a trip to Phuket isn’t complete without hitting up one of the island’s patches of sand. Whether it’s a nightclub with thumping bass, or a romantic drink with a sunset, the island’s many beaches have it covered. Patong is Phuket’s most popular party beach, and with beer bars, neon-lit nightclubs, and even discos, it’s easy to see why. For something more family friendly, check out Karon, the island’s third longest beach with access to night markets and snorkeling. On Phuket’s west coast lies Layan beach, an out-of-the-way option that is less developed and is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Get a Thai massage

After a long day of shopping and snorkeling, unwind with a classic Thai massage. Travelers can have their pick of massage parlors found all over the island, from high-end spas and hairdressing salons to shopping malls and simple on-the-beach setups. While Thai foot massages are common, adventurous travelers can opt for a traditional massage, which involves energetic masseuses contorting their patients into a variety of pretzel shapes. Though a Thai massage can make for a memorable experience, it can also result in positive health benefits, such as lowered stress levels and improved blood circulation.

Phuket Trickeye Museum

Art-lovers can check out the Phuket Trickeye Museum, which is known for being the first of its kind in Southern Thailand. The museum features a broad collection of modern 3D artwork. As they tour the museum, travelers can enjoy a variety of optical illusions, such as dinosaurs and tigers that seem ready to burst through the walls. Many of the art pieces are also interactive, so visitors can actually become part of the artwork.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is internationally renowned for its high-quality white rum, which is distilled from sugar-cane. Tucked away in a peaceful area of Southern Phuket, the company takes pride in its sustainable practices, as well as for using indigenous, pesticide-free sugar-cane. Interested travelers can take a 30-minute tour through the distillery and learn the step-by-step process that goes into making rum. As a bonus, guests are rewarded after the tour with a tasty mojito made with Chalong Bay Rum.

Visit Big Buddha

Towering nearly 150 feet over the island, Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most admired landmarks. This enormous statue is perched atop the Nakkerd Hill overlooking southern Phuket and is easily visible from below. The statue is crafted from white marble, and its construction was mostly funded by donations. Visitors who make the trek to the statue can enjoy not only the cultural site, but also the stunning 360-degree view of the bays below. Positioned near Wat Chalong, Big Buddha can be reached by following the clearly-marked road signs leading the way.

Take a dive

The clear, blue waters of Phuket’s beaches are perfect for catching a glimpse of the island’s colorful marine life. Ocean-loving travelers can learn to scuba dive from one of the island’s many diving establishments. Most companies offer a variety of diving packages with day trips to a variety of sites near the island, including Anemone Reef, Phi Phi Island, and even an old ship wreck. More experienced divers can also earn their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate while on Phuket. With its azure waters and accessibility to quality dive companies, Phuket is an excellent hot spot for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Watch a Thai boxing match

Muay Thai, also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs,’ is Thailand’s most famous and beloved sport. This boxing style dates back to the 16th century and is a form of hand-to-hand combat with various parts of the body mimicking different weapons. For instance, the hands are used like knives, and the shins are toughened to mimic armor. Muay Thai has gained international popularity in recent years, with travelers coming to Thailand to train in the sport. There are several Muay Thai training camps in Phuket where visitors can live on-site and attend rigorous training classes. Travelers who would rather sit back and watch the action can attend a match at the Patong Boxing Stadium instead.

See more: 7 amazing islands around Phuket, Thailand

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3 cities that you should visit in Thailand

Three cities in Thailand, three different travel experiences. From Bangkok, to Chiang Mai and Phuket, find out what each region has to offer and the activities to definitely check out when traveling.

Bangkok

Being one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, and well-known for its beautiful people, Thailand’s culturally giving and kind nature is probably why people love visiting and even making this land their new home. For city-lovers, Bangkok is a must-hit destination. Bangkok lives up to its name as the capital of Thailand. Skyscrapers, public transit, cars exhaust fuming its way down the streets; this is a city that thrives as the heart of Thailand. The diversity of people extrapolates the assorted culture. With Bangkok’s efficient MRT and BTS system, you can explore the whole city.

Terminal 21 is an astonishing and worldly designed shopping center made for all consumers. With each floor serving different regions of the world, one can be shopping for handbags in Paris and then go to the Caribbean for some beachwear in a matter of steps. Not only is this the place to go to for your new wardrobe, but it’s a place to satisfy your cravings for any food. Diverse selection of Thai food and well-known international franchises awaits your growling stomach in their amazing food court.

Alternatively, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a place to spend less of your money. This outdoor marketplace has vendors lining the street selling items from T-shirts to keychains. Souvenir and gift shopping is highly recommended to be done here if you stay for the weekend and remember to keeping small change. This place is overflowing with people, both locals and tourists and is a great place to put your bargaining skills to the test.

Khao San Road is the place to be if you’re a backpacker and fancy some night time fun with snack and booze. Live music ring from bars and pubs aligning with street vendors and people offering some happy times, but also pay attention to your belongings in the crowd. I’d recommend trying crunchy snacks such as fried scorpion or other delectable fried insects. The limbs are probably the best part though, so stay away from the gut. There is an amazing lady that can whip up an instantaneous crepe, her quick toss of the batter and slicing bananas was one of the best performances I watched.

Even with Thailand’s impressive transportation services, your bodies might ache after heavy exploration. The Wat Pho Temple is the original Thai medical and massage school and has trained the best practitioners of massage you can find. Go ahead and indulge yourself. Remember to pay some respects to the Reclining Buddha as well, undoubtedly the largest and most relaxed statue I have ever prayed and bowed to.

A strong influence of Buddhism evidently exists in Thai culture. Wat Pho is just one of many temples that exist. Lay people revere monks and put their palms together and bow their heads when in sight of a monk (known as “wai”). Monks follow the principles of something known as “dhutanga,” a set of 13 ascetic practices.

Chiang Mai

Now we leave the city life to venture into a natural reservation where you can actually see clear skies. Chiang Mai is for nature-lovers and those who prefer the calm and slow lifestyle. Here are a few wild attractions that really lets you connect to nature:

Chiang Mai Night Safari is not your typical zoo with observation of caged wildlife. It occurs well after sundown. Exotic animals such as white porcupines and raccoons are like pets you can have sit on your lap. An open bus tour takes you around the whole park to have a close encounter with the animals. For an even closer encounter, lure them in with food. The giraffes will crane those long necks down to you to yank those treats from your hand and the baby hogs will chase after the tour bus squealing for more treats. You can pet and embrace the animals, so long as they let you. It’s as if you are an attraction in the park yourself.

A place where you probably wouldn’t want to be an attraction though, is the Tiger Kingdom. Here we make our way straight to the wild beast of the jungle. As fierce as they are known to be, the tigers spend about an average 16 hours of sleep per day in order to save their energy for hunting. More like beauty rest because they are breathtakingly gorgeous.

Tigers are pretty cool, but if you want something even more thrilling and unbelievable, you have to see real elephants in Thailand. Elephants are everywhere—tops, pants, bags, coin purses, key chains, on the streets carrying a family, or in an open and free area of land. Elephants are the symbol of Thailand. I visited an elephant sanctuary and this is probably the highlight of my trip. We got to spend the day with elephants, unbound by bars or fences, and learn about the rescue efforts in order to help these majestic creatures escape the awful life of serving humans as entertainment for a money-making franchise. Spend time feeding and interacting with them, and even bathing with them in their muddy bath water. My heart was stolen by their unknowingly amazing spirits and beauty. I highly suggest and recommend travellers spending time with some of Thailand’s grand and magnificent elephants in a more supportive way.

Phuket

Phuket is the island for the beach bums and party people, well-known for its high life, party scenes, and relaxation and here are a few places to have some fun:

Take a stroll around Patong Beach and be enlightened by the tranquil of the ocean and the serenity of the lifestyle. Walk some more until the sun sets and find yourself on Bangla Road. The calm level of ambiance from the beach shifts to the flash of neon lights and banging music from clubs and people bombarding you with activities. This stretch of road is where night-clubbers come alive and booze is the staple drink. Take a seat in any bar and, male or female, you will be amazed at the talented pole dancer’s moves. Phuket night-life is vibrant, and this is one of the hippest place to catch all the action.

Ko Phi Phi Island is a beach paradise in Phuket, an alternative destination for those who prefer nature. The water is a brilliant clear color, filled with colorful fish, sea plants and starfishes laying in the ocean sand. From snorkelling to jet skiing or banana boating, a variety of aquatic adventure awaits. For a more relaxed time, simply sunbathing on the white sandy shore of the beach is enough to enjoy how luxurious it is. This is the ideal vacation destination, filled with a happy and surreal energy of paradise.

See more: The great destinations in Northern Thailand

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Phuket on rainy days: what to do and where to go

There is a bit of rain in Phuket. Do not worries. It is rainy season here and the island looks a lot better when it is all green and the dams are filling. Try something on our instant list of the 6 things you can do when it is wet and rainy in Phuket.

Shop, Eat and Play at Jungceylon Shopping Mall

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Melt those rainy day worries away and go shopping. Antiques, clothing, fabrics, homeware, souvenirs and more are all to be found at Jungceylon in Patong Beach as well as cinema, bowling, indoor shooting range, shell museum, laser gun, game arcade and even fish spas.

Have a go at Thai Boxing

If you have already taken a stroll down Bangla Road by Patong Beach, you will realise just how popular Thai boxing is. Exciting enough on TV, if you are not going to attend a live show, you can take a class. There are many training camps all over Phuket and all cater for different skill levels from beginners to professionals.

Visit Phuket Trickeye Museum

Phuket Trickeye Museum is a fun attraction in Phuket Town and a perfect escape for a couple of hours on a rainy day. Located not far from the old Phuket Town, it is easy to reach and can be combined with some nearby museums visits. The price is a bit high, but if you have kids you will not regret all the fun poses and funny photos you will be taking back home.

Have a Thai massage or Spa treatment

You deserve it. There is plenty of alternatives and style of massage all over the island, well, all over Thailand. A traditional Thai massage, firm, medium or light, will be an experience you will always remember. Do not ask for firm unless you are prepared for some PAIN! Despite the publicity, most massages do not include a happy ending. Unless you are in Patong, you are probably not going to get that ‘optional extra’.

There are also plenty of spas for all sorts of additional indulgences. Many of the bigger international hotels have excellent spas for ‘walk-in’ customers. Leave the rain and wet outside and enjoy.

Join Thai Cooking Classes

Learn how to cook Thai food and impress your friends and family. Thai cuisine is a unique blend of tastes and textures that has developed over hundreds of years. The beautiful part of is that you can learn to prepare it in a single class! Go shopping with the chef, prepare the ingredients under his supervision, enjoy your own cooked meal and get a certificate. It is that simple. A number of resorts offer indoor programs for adults and kids as well as fruit-carving classes. It is truly a great rainy day activity.

Scare yourself at Game Space

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Open for a few years on Bangla Road in Patong Beach, Game Space has a lot of great games and virtual reality rides to enjoy for an hour or two. And just watching those who dare climbing in those spinning contraptions is fun too! It is very popular at night but it is also a fun way to spend an occasional rainy day. Kids will love it too.

See more: Discover interesting spots from Phuket, Thailand

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Ideal destinations to go partying in Asia

A lot of people travel so they can enjoy the incredible nightlife that’s happening around the world. Bookmark this page, as we reveal Asia’s best islands for party lovers.

Phuket, Thailand

We have to open with a classic. Phuket is well established as a party paradise and isn’t known for being classy in any way – to set your expectations correctly. If you’re simply just looking to get drunk, dance and have a good time…this is it. No questions asked, no judgements made, just straightforward, cheap, unadulterated fun (just be responsible, obviously, we don’t accept any responsibility for misjudged drunken antics).

The epicentre is Patong Beach, which is wild with colours and drinks flowing. More inland, the party continues at Rock City and more. Live long and prosper here folks.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Famous for its Full Moon Party (there is also the Half Moon Party, and it doesn’t have to be half as crazy if you don’t want it to be), Koh Phangan is firmly on the backpacker trail for those who love a good beach party. By the end of the night, if that even exists, you’ll be covered in neon paint, have consumed bucket after bucket of alcohol and have sand in places you didn’t think possible.

This is the place where you could easily wake up somewhere other than your hostel dorm with an item of clothing missing but having somehow acquired a sombrero. It’s all fun and games here, but now for some adult advice: keep an eye on your drinks and always make sure a friend knows where you are.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Just an hour from Kuala Lumpur by plane, the point of Langkawi is simple: enjoy island life. With umbrellas dressing up your cheap drinks, great access to the beach and a nightlife that just won’t quit, Malaysia has created the perfect place for party lovers. Pentai Cenang beach is where it’s at until late, and then hop on over Sunba Retro Bar, where you’ll party into the early hours.

Boracay, The Philippines

While it might be the most touristy place in the Philippines, Boracay sure is fun. There’s a reason people swarm here, with the paradisiacal White Beach, good weather and plenty of bars. Relative to some areas of Southeast Asia, Boracay can be on the pricier side, but you don’t have to break the bank if you know where to look.

Most of the action will take place at Station 2 (Boracay is split into three areas, based on the old boat terminals) but the real party starts at 10:30 pm, but there are happy hours on the beach until it begins, for example at Wave Bar and Lounge and Coco Bar.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

The largest of the Gili Island archipelago and definitely ‘The Party Island’ of the three, Gili T is where you want to go for a good time. The bars here are so committed to nightlife that they coordinate one huge party a night and that lasts until 4am, multiple times a week. It’s likely that you’ll end up partying until sunrise, however. Check out Blue Marlin rave party and the Drunken Monkeyz yacht party.

Bali, Indonesia

Another of the classics, the city of Kuta in Bali is party central. Surf or build up that tan during the day and let loose at night at the multitude of bars and clubs where you’ll meet backpackers and travellers all over the world. If you want a slightly more sophisticated setting for lively after-dark antics, check out Seminyak.

See more: Best Asia destinations for Yoga lovers

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How to pronounce Phuket correctly

Often mispronounced, Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Phuket is made up of the large Island of Phuket plus 32 other small islands and is a very popular destination for beach-goers.

The Right Way to Say Phuket

It may sound like profanity, but many people mistakingly pronounce Phuket as "Fuket." Although this makes sense since in English the letters "p" and "h" next to each other make an "f" sound, this is not the case in the language of Thai. In Thai, when a "p" is followed by an "h" the "h" is silent, so you simply pronounce the "p." Therefore, Phuket is read as "Poo-ket."

Pronouncing Other Thai Words

This same rule applies across the board, so Koh Phi Phi (another island in Thailand) is pronounced "pee pee," not "fee fee." Koh Pha Ngan (the Thai island known for its full moon party) is pronounced "pang gan," not "fang gan."

Other Thai pronunciations are not intuitive for Americans. When you pronounce the letter “r” in the Thai language, you should slightly roll your tongue. The “ng” sound is pronounced the same way in Thai as it is in English, but the difference is that in Thai, it can be used at the beginning of words.

What to Do in Phuket

Now that you know how to say it, you may want to take a trip to Phuket. And it is well worth it. There is a lot more to do on Phuket Island (and those surrounding) than just relax on the sand. The top things to do in Phuket include exploring the greenery of Phuket via the zip line tours the Flying Hanuman company offers and strolling around the Portuguese colonial-style Phuket Town's museums, boutiques, and coffee shops.

Phuket is lush and green. Your list of things to do will include visiting the dense, jungle interior's amazing waterfalls. Phuket is home to too many waterfalls to count, but its most famous include Bang Pae, Ton Sai, and Kathu. You could combine these waterfalls with the Flying Hanuman zip line adventure, or hire a taxi driver for the day in order to try and see as many as possible.

You can't miss "Big Buddha Phuket," seated high atop a hill in the southwestern corner of the island. In addition to the 150-foot tall marble statue itself, the viewpoint offers one of the island's most astounding panoramas, whether you come during the day or stay until sunset.

See more: Discover interesting spots from Phuket, Thailand

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Best destinations to visit in Thailand

From beaches and mountains to wildlife-rich national parks, energetic cities, and cute towns, Thailand offers something for everyone. Here are some of the best places around the Land of Smiles to add to your Thailand bucket list.

Bangkok

The frenetic Thai capital is a must-see destination, with a dazzling array of things to see and do to suit almost any taste. There are cultural and historic sights aplenty, combined with soaring skyscrapers and modern architecture, fabulous art galleries, and fascinating museums. The shopping scene offers bustling markets, unusual floating markets, and mega malls, and the dining scene is equally diverse with everything from fancy gourmet restaurants to abundant street food. Nighttimes offer just as much fun as the day, with pulsating nightclubs, live music, swanky cocktail bars, incredible rooftop bars, exciting shows, and thrilling Muay Thai fights. Getting around the city is easy, thanks to the BTS sky train, MRT subway, numerous buses, taxis, and tuk tuks, and there is accommodation to suit any preference and budget.

Chiang Mai

Often referred to as the northern capital, Chiang Mai offers an intoxicating blend of culture and nature. With over 500 temples to choose from, it’s impossible for culture vultures to feel bored! Chiang Mai Night Zoo enchants children and adults alike, and activities range from hiking in lush jungles to rafting along raging rivers. Head to Thailand’s highest point at Doi Inthanon, meet ethnic hill tribes, tour numerous stunning waterfalls, and interact with magnificent elephants at an ethical sanctuary. Nightlife is low key, especially when compared with Bangkok, but that certainly doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors as soon as it goes dark. There are plenty of bars to unwind in, and the night bazaar is a top place for shopaholics to browse and buy an array of traditional Thai wares.

Phuket

Thailand’s largest island and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Phuket has many faces. Many first-timers head to the thronging sands of Patong, an area known for its hedonistic nightlife and many water sports, but there are beaches to suit everyone. Catch a boat to the scenic Freedom Beach, chill on Karon Beach, enjoy the views from Kathu Beach, and more. Promthep Cape provides amazing sunset vistas. Entertainment-wise, Phuket promises world-class shows, exhilarating Muay Thai fights, global cuisine in a range of eateries, and bars and clubs of every type. Hiking, go karting, ethical elephant interactions, fishing, snorkelling, and jet skiing are just a few activities to try, and Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha are two of the island’s most popular cultural sites. Don’t bypass Phuket Town — the old buildings are beautiful. For fun and giggles, Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) and Phuket Trickeye Museum are tough to beat.

Ayutthaya

One of Thailand’s ancient cities, the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya is a must for fans of history. Easy to reach from Bangkok, the evocative ruins take you on a journey back in time to Siam’s golden age. Wat Yai Chai Mongkorn is particularly photogenic, with tall stupas that you can climb, surrounded by rows of saffron-clad Buddha statues. Other highlights include Wat Mahatat, with the famous stone head encased in a tree, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Si Samphet. The old Dutch and Portuguese areas are well worth a visit and the floating market is a great place to pick up souvenirs. Renting a bicycle or, if you’re an experienced rider, a scooter is the ideal way to appreciate Ayutthaya, though there are also plentiful tuk tuks around each corner.

Krabi

One of Southern Thailand’s most popular provinces, Krabi offers a wealth of terrific experiences both on the mainland and on its islands. Koh Phi Phi is often said to be one of Thailand’s most picturesque islands; check out Maya Bay and Phi Phi Viewpoint to see why. Koh Lanta is a more laid-back island, with long, sandy beaches, chilled-out beach bars, mangroves, and a Moken (sea gypsy) community. Animal lovers can spend time volunteering at Lanta Animal Welfare for a feel-good factor and to help make a difference. Koh Jum and Koh Rok are just a couple of the province’s smaller and lesser-visited island gems. On the mainland, Railay is a rock climber’s paradise, Ao Nang is a bustling beach resort, and Krabi Town has a local vibe.

Koh Phangan

Known for its wild parties and hedonistic nightlife, especially around the time of the full moon, many visitors are surprised to find that Koh Phangan is also a nature lover’s dream. For fun and partying, Haad Rin is the place to be. Escape the crowds and discover relatively calm beaches, pristine waterfalls, and lush forests, and you’ll see that there’s much more to the infamous party island than just cocktail buckets and neon body paint. The night market is a great place to fill up on tasty Thai food for cheap and there are many cooking schools where you can learn how to replicate your favourite dishes. Uncover Koh Phangan’s spiritual heart and you’ll find meditation and yoga centres, new-age communities, retreats, workshops, and other ways to find inner balance and peace.

Koh Samui

A popular island in the Thai Gulf, Koh Samui appeals to everyone from families and honeymooners to backpackers and solo adventurers. Beautiful beaches, like Chaweng, Lamai, and Mae Nam, surround the island, and you can visit the old fishing village at Bophut. There are several places to shop, as well as plentiful places to eat, drink, and sleep. One of the island’s more unusual spots include a temple with a mummified monk and neighbouring rock formations that look like male and female genitalia! Koh Samui boasts many high-class spas and excellent golf courses too.

Chiang Rai

Often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is in North Thailand and it shares borders with Myanmar and Laos. Indeed, you can visit the Golden Triangle, the point where the three countries meet. The province offers excellent hiking and trekking plus what some would say more authentic encounters with local hill tribe ethnic groups. Waterfalls and hot springs are other natural features to enjoy. Brave the stretching suspension bridge at Mae Fah Luang Garden before enjoying the lush gardens. Chiang Rai is home to one of Thailand’s most distinctive temples too — the gleaming White Temple, officially called Wat Rong Khun. Visit the nation’s largest statue of Guan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy for sweeping views, and wander through a collection of traditional Thai buildings at Baan Dam, or the Black House.

See more: A day trip in Chiang Rai, Thailand

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