Top 3 Free Attractions to Visit in Phuket

Phuket shopping

Phuket is a center of tourist activity in Thailand. This jewel in the Andaman Sea is not only a beach and shopping paradise but also offers a historical and cultural view of the island. For those who are working on a tight travel budget and have done their best to save on their flights to Phuket, it is possible to enjoy the uniqueness of Phuket without shelling a lot of money. Here are some free attractions for visitors of this amazing island.

Phuket Beaches

Phuket Beaches

The beaches and coastline of Phuket tops the list. There are no entrance fees to the beaches of Phuket. Patong and Karon are two of the most popular options in the island. There are several resort and shopping complexes, bars, and restaurants catering to visitors. Loma Park in Patong is a nice relaxing spot at the northern end of the beach. The lookout in Kata offers a scenic view of the coastline and nearby Ko Pu Island.

For those who are looking for a perfect place with fewer crowds but still within proximity of Patong or Karon, the best option is Kamala Beach and Bang Tao Beach. For a more secluded option, Ao Sane offers a relaxing and quiet time surrounded by spectacular views of the western coast. The waters of Ao Sane are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Phuket Temples and Shrines

Chalong temple

There is no entrance fee to the temples and shrines dotting Phuket. When visiting these sacred structures, guests are requested to follow a strict dress code appropriate for a holy place of worship. The Kathu and Jui Tui in Soi Puthorn and other neighboring shrines bustle with activity during Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival.  Another impressive shrine is the Phuket Big Buddha, a massive landmark on top of a hill that offers unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery.

Phuket’s impressive temples or Wats offer a glimpse of traditional Buddhist architecture. One of the most visited Wat in Phuket is the Chalong temple, a complex with a Grand Pagoda and an exhibition center. Other impressive Wats in the area include the sitting Buddha at Wat Khao Rang, and the protruding Buddha of Wat Phra Thong.

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket town

A stroll along the old historical district of Phuket offers a sampling of the city’s unique cultural past that melds eastern and western influences. Chinese and Portuguese inspired villas and shophouses, together with temples, museums, and shrines, line the streets of Old Phuket town. Most of the century old shophouses and villas, remnants of Phuket’s colonial past, have been restored and used as homes, stores, bars, and charming cafes.

Several of these shophouses and villas are concentrated along Soi Rommanee, Krabi, Dibuk, and Thalang Road. An interesting feature of these structures is the intricate exterior latticework and covered pathways that extend to the street and provide ample shading from the heat of the sun. Notable examples of Old Phuket Town’s impressive Sino colonial villas are the House of the Beautiful Image in Soi Rommanee, the Baan Chinprancha and the Thai Hua Museum, both located along Krabi Road.

* Written by guest Writer Nic,  (nic@searchfactory.com.au)