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Things to do in Phuket

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Phuket Shopping

From open-air food markets, street stalls and local bazaars to departmental stores and upmarket brand stores, shopaholics will rejoice at the variety of shopping options offered in Phuket. Antiques, handicrafts, housewares, batik, jewellery, thai silk and pearls are just some examples of what you can take home from this shopper’s paradise.

Located just outside Phuket Town, Phuket Weekend Market is a spread of secondhand goods, DVDs, t-shirts, sporting goods and more. Take the chance to sample the wide selection of delicious roadside snacks, like spicy sausages, grilled chicken, succulent corn on the cob, fish cakes and even deep-fried insects! Another similar option is Karon Plaza in the central area of Karon Beach Road on the western coast of Phuket Island. Located by the beach, it is a great place for an evening stroll. If you’re in Phuket Old Town, you should also shop at Phuket Walking Street (Lardyai or “big market”), a weekly market in the historical Sino-Portuguese district along Thalang Road. Expect a variety of southern Thai food and local crafts for sale. There is even a trampoline to keep kids entertained.

If you prefer air-conditioned malls, Central Festival Phuket and Jungceylon Shopping Mall are both excellent options. Widely regarded as the islands main shopping hub, Central has more than 120 outlets selling cosmetics, luxury goods, apparels, furniture, kitchenware, mobile phones, gadgets and more. The same goes for Jungceylon. Both malls also have a host of entertainment outlets, like a cinema and bowling alley. If branded goods are on your list, the prices at Premium Outlet Phuket on Bypass Road will not disappoint, with discounts of up to 70 percent.

Bargaining is not applicable anywhere except at markets, small shops or street vendors. Shoppers should also be mindful of touting taxi drivers and guides who offer to bring you on shopping tours. Do be aware of your Value Added Tax entitlements as well, and prepare the relevant forms for customs checks.

Places to Visit In Phuket 

Phuket-Beach-HotelsPhuket is a stunning holiday destination that will extend your horizons. The famous Patong beach is 15 kilometres from Phuket Town and hosts many of Phuket’s hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and other tourist attractions. Hit the sands for watersports like surfing, sailing, diving and snorkling! Patong’s famed nightlife centered around Soi Bangla is not to be missed. A romantic sunset viewing spot is Kalim, at the northern end of Patong Bay. The tides there are perfect for surfing between April and September every year.

Karon beach, the second largest beach in Phuket, is home to large resort complexes and a coral reef stretching towards Kata and Bu Island from its southern point. The beach is expansive but undeveloped, unlike Patong. Ditto for Kamala Beach, with its coral reefs on the north side. This sleepy seaside Muslim village is abuzz with tourist activity during the surfing season. Catch the market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for great bargains too.

Journey down South to Laem Phromthep (Phromthep Cape) and be rewarded with stunning views of what has been described as Phuket’s most dramatic sunset. This spot gives you panoramic views of the surrounding islands from the southern tip of the island to Nai Harn Beach, the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands.

The Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most iconic images, resting on Naka Kerd Mountain near Phuket Town. Standing at an impressive 45 metres, the statue is covered in white Burmese marble. Two other landmarks for history buffs are Two Heroines Monument, Wat Chalong and Thalang National Museum. Two Heroines Monument was built to commemorate the national heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon, who rallied the islands against the Burmese invasion in 1785. In Wat Chalong stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Cham, another hero who helped cease the Chinese Coolie Rebellion during Rama V’s reign in 1876. Near Two Heroines Monument, Thaland National Museum showcases an exhibition of life in old Phuket, wartime and ancient artefacts.

Phuket’s lush forests and abundant biodiversity will appeal to every nature lover. In Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park, you will find a number of wild animals that would have otherwise done extinct in Phuket. The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre is a center for environmental studies that aims to promote and distribute wildlife within the Park. Many different species of exotic butterflies and moths can be found in Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World, one of the last few butterfly gardens left in Thailand.

The limestone outcrop of the twin Phi Phi Islands towers just a 45-minute speedboat ride or 90-minute ferry ride from Phuket. The larger, uninhabited island, Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds who come to seek respite amidst its lovely beaches, beautiful rock formations and clear blue waters filled with colourful tropical marine life.

Water Activities, Snorkeling & Diving in Phuket

The clear, calm waters of the Andaman Sea are ideal for water sports like swimming, yachting, jet skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, fishing parasailing, snorkeling and diving. Nai Yang and Chalong Bay are popular kite surfing locations. The Phang Nga Bay is a good place for sea canoeing; many of its numerous grottoes are only accessible that way.

Ao Sane, Laem Singh, Kata Noi, Paradise Beach and Ya Nui have been cited as great snorkeling locations. Ao Sane is located next to Nai Harn Beach in the South, characterised by huge granite boulders and two very different snorkeling areas; a sharp drop out into deeper waters ride with parrot fish, clown fish and eels, and a stretch of coral just along the beach. Like Laem Singh, it is located in a touristy area with massage parlours, restaurants and the like. Kata Noi’s beautiful turquoise waters have earned it the status of one of Phuket’s loveliest beaches. Kata Noi, Ya Nui and Paradise Beach boast vivid corals of different configurations that beckon for exploration. Most beaches provide gear for rent.

The Phi Phi Islands – the smaller Phi Phi Leh, in particular – are outstanding snorkel destinations. Daily boat trips can take visitors who want a closer look at the sheer limestone walls and their caves and passages, as well as the islands’ shallow lagoons and coral formations. The Coral, Racha, Khai Nok and Similan islands are other offshore accessible the same way. The Similans are a pristine marine wonderland, world-famous for diving.

Rated amongst the top 10 diving destinations in the world, Phuket is a good place to achieve your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate if you want to learn to dive or improve on your technique. Phuket diving day trips leave from the main island to the offshore islands, including the Phi Phi and Racha Islands daily throughout the year. The underwater scenery and the King Cruiser wreck close to Anemone Reef at Phi Phi are truly sights to divers to behold.

Those up for some excitement can dive at Phuket’s Shark Point to spot the leopard sharks living on the sandy seabed. Dive cruises to the Similan and Surin Islands will take you on a world-class scuba diving adventure, deeper into Andaman waters.

People & Culture

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People in Phuket

Phuket’s extensive history has resulted in its diverse mix of ethnicities. Centuries ago, it was an important trading hub for Dutch, English, and French ships. Thousands of Chinese labourers were drawn to the tin mines on the island and their descendants remain, resulting in Phuket having the highest percentage of ethnic Chinese in Thailand now. Peranakans (“Phuket Babas“), or straits-born Chinese, are part of this community too. Malays also make up a large portion of the currently population as their ancestors thrived on the southern and coastal areas of the island as fishermen.
Other minority groups include the northern hill tribes, as well as Cambodian (Khmer) and Vietnamese refugees in the east. Sea gypsies, also known as Chao Leh, are a nomadic tribe living in Ban Sangka-Ou, in the southeast of Lanta Yai. Supposedly the very first dwellers of the Andaman coast, they still live close to the sea in their independent, tight-knit villages.

Just like most of Thailand, Buddhism is the dominant religion in Phuket. Many also practice Daoism and Islam. There are numerous shrines, temples and mosques around the island. The Chao Leh believe in their own form of animism, which is the worship of spirits believed to inhabit natural objects and phenomena. There is also small numbers of Christians and Hindus.

In addition to their hospitality and generosity, Thais are also known for their strong attention to social hierarchy. Seniority is a core concept in Thai culture and elders are always revered.

Languages in Phuket

Thai is the chief language in Phuket, with four regional dialects in use. Other languages include Lao, Chinese, Malay and Mon-Khmer. English is taught in schools and used frequently in government and commerce. Basic English is also widely spoken in areas with high tourist traffic. The Chao Leh retain their own language from the Malay-Indonesian family; this has no written form.

Design & Architecture

Although Phuket’s beaches are well-known, the busy Phuket city with its old architectural quarter, is often overlooked. Many resort hotels bear a structural resemblance to Penang, a former British Straits Settlement in Malaysia. Walk down the streets to appreciate the beauty of the Sino-Portuguese buildings (the Chinese row houses), the Sino-Colonial mansions, the ornate Chinese and Thai temples, and the public markets in old Phuket Town.

A five-footway, a sheltered walkway formed by joined front verandahs and framed by a series of arcades, is a common characteristic in Chinese row houses in Phuket. The facades are reminiscent of European neo-classical and Renaissance-style stucco designs. Their interiors and carved wooden furniture are a combination of Chinese, European and Straits Chinese motifs and fixtures. A long stretch of well-maintained Chinese row houses can be found along Thalang Road, formerly the most important trading street in the province. Some belong to coffee shops and diners, like China Inn Cafe and Restaurant. The same elaborate motifs can also be observed in the numerous Chinese shrines around the island.

By the late 1930s, the architecture in Phuket had evolved into a Sino-Colonial style that still incorporated decor from the earlier years. Early Chinese settlers, including Kor-Sim-Bi Na Ranong, Governor of Phuket and Sino-Thai businessman, were responsible for building intricately decorated hybrid mansions with their exquisite latticework at the entrance, narrow structures, arched windows and doors supported by Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns. You can see several examples of these along Dibuk Road, like Phuket Philatelic Museum, Phuket Provincial Hall and Nakorn Luang Thai Bank.

Many of the mansions and shophouses have been lovingly restored. Some still serve as residences for local families.

Cultural & Legal Restrictions

Like many people in Asian countries, Thais are extremely mindful of the concept of ‘face’; being able to maintain their own dignity and reputation is crucial, while ensuring the same for others. Losing your temper in public is considered a loss of face and should be avoided. Staying polite and lighthearted helps to diffuse social tension.

In Thailand, the head is considered the most spiritual body part, while the feet are considered the dirtiest. Locals make every effort to ensure that unclean feet are never cleaned in places where they wash other parts of their bodies, except in the shower. Do be mindful not to rinse your feet in washbasins meant for hands. Thais consider the bottoms of the feet to be offensive, so bear in mind not to point the bottom of your foot at someone when sitting on the floor or lying down. Stepping over people, food and books is also frowned upon; in fact, books are one of the most revered secular objects in Thai culture.

Patting a child’s head is a common act of friendliness and does not cause any offence, but this is different for adults, who will see it as a sign of disrespect and a violation of personal space. It is customary to remove all footwear before entering a house or temple. This applies to some shops and offices too; just look out for a collection of shoes at the entrance and add yours to the pile.

All statues and images of Buddha are considered sacred, so do refrain from posing with them or engaging in any behaviour that will deface or disrespect them in any way. Taking images of Buddha, deities and some antique artefacts from the country is prohibited by law, unless approval from the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok is given.

In general, visitors should be mindful of their conduct at places of worship. Revealing clothing at a temple or mosque is unacceptable. Legs, shoulders and cleavage should be covered at all times. If you are going to a mosque, long sleeves and headscarves are expected for women; men should wear hats. Pay attention to signs at the entrance that will show you what appropriate and inappropriate clothing is.

Buddhist monks are a common sight around Phuket and the rest of Thailand. As part of their vows, contact with women is strictly forbidden. Females are expected to make way for passing monks so that accidental contact does not happen; when passing an object or making a donation, a woman has to first give it to a man, who will in turn give it to a monk. Alternatively, you can place the objects at his feet or on a special cloth laid out for this purpose.

Thais are very patriotic and show tremendous respect for their beloved King and the Royal Family. Any show of disrespect. whether verbal or written, is a violation of the Lese Majeste laws and provides grounds for arrest – this includes vandalism of Thai currency. Do stand up whenever you hear the national anthem, for instance, in movie theatres of during a public event with a member of the Royal Family present.

Activities in Aitutaki

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Whale watching is a common sport most tourists partake in while here. If you visit Aitutaki between July and October, there is a good chance that you can spot them from the shorelines. Else, try going snorkeling or fishing, if you want to spot humpback whales. Kayaking is the perfect pick of activity for lazy afternoons. If you have some more energy, try going diving in the crystal clear waters of Aitutaki. You will get a good view of turtles, eagle rays, tropical fish, reef sharks and more. Snorkeling is a good way to go about exploring the diverse marine life in Aitutaki as well.

A popular activity that tourists participate in is island hopping, where they go around the lagoon and the small islands that lie along Aitutaki’s periphery in boats. This should give you some swimming and snorkeling opportunities as well. If you find some time to go shop after all the watersport activities, make sure you carry some water along, as it gets extremely hot here. You should be able to find shops selling interesting arts and crafts.

cook islands aitutaki resturants

Aitutaki’s Cuisine

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Taro, bananas, coconuts and tropical fruits are abundant in Aitutaki, and in the local cuisine as well. Dairy products like milk are almost non-existent in the traditional food, but you will find vegetables, fruits and seafood in surplus. The food is often served on plantain leaves, in outdoor settings. Traditional food at Aitutaki includes coconut-fed pork, beef, lamb and chicken that is served with vegetables.

Maniota or arrowroot, kumara or sweet potato and taro are some vegetables that are commonly feature in the traditional food menu. These foods are slow-cooked in earthen ovens for hours together so they emanate smoky flavors. You will also get to try out a range of sea food from sea urchins to crab, remu or sea grapes, and more. Locals throw in a word of warning saying you should stay off from eating sea urchins right out of the sea, as you may not be able to tell if it is edible or not.

Exploring Aitutaki

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One-foot Island in Aitutaki is speckled with lagoons and sandy beaches. It has the perfect setting for snorkeling, especially around the reef, away from the rocky ledges. You will also find the most secluded post-office here in One-foot Island. For one of the best swimming experiences in Aitutaki, you would want to stop by O’otu beach. Be sure to carry a pair of reef shoes and keep your eyes peeled, for you might just spot a hermit crab.

Moturaku is a tiny remote island where you can spot some amazing seabird species. Go on a guided jungle walk and you are sure to hear some interesting folklores such as the one where an island inhabitant lives in a cave with his daughter. Experience the local culture at Vaipae village. You can watch the locals engage in high-spirited performances as they tap their toes and swing their hips to the drumbeat. There are even fire dancers performing their art with techniques that take ages to perfect.

cook islands rarotonga lagoon breeze villas canoe

Activities in Rarotonga

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The popular activities that you can indulge in on the Rarotonga Island include snorkeling, bike riding, scuba diving, horse-back riding, deep-sea fishing, hiking, boat tours, visiting restaurants, scenic flights, dancing, tennis, squash, watching island shows, exploring the island on mopeds, and definitely, relaxing at the beachside.

On Sunday, you can find several churches that have service along with a choral singing. The island life is completely relaxed and by the time its night, the locals and tourists gather near the sea fence which borders the airport runway’s end and get “jetblasted” by the incoming airplanes.

Music is an integral element of the lifestyle on Rarotonga Island. You can hear the hymns and the chants from the churches and the bands playing a combination of traditional and electronic ukuleles made using coconut shells. The activities on the island ensure that there is never a dull moment while you’re staying on Rarotonga Island.

Rarotonga’s Cuisine

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Polynesian cuisine is primarily characterized by seafood dishes and the restaurants on Rarotonga Island offer both kinds of dishes – traditional and also those in cooked in the island style.

A must-try delicacy on the Rarotonga island is the grilled ‘mai-mai’ or dolphin fish. It is especially popular at Trader Jack’s located in Avarua.

For those in the search of some gourmet dining on the Rarotonga Island, Muri’s Flame Tree is a good option. Gourmet dishes can also be savored at Tumunu and Portofino in Arorangi and Tupapa respectively.

The hotels on the island also boast of wide-ranging menus and typically offer a traditional buffet feast called ‘umu kai’ which is accompanied by some drumming and dancing. A traditional earth oven is used to cook the ‘umu kai’ with the help of radiant heat supplied by hot stones. In Avarua, travelers can also find cafe and lunch establishments which offer Polynesian and European meals.

cook islands rarotonga club raro swimming pool

Exploring Rarotonga

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Rarotonga has a circumference of about 32km with a brilliant blue lagoon surrounding it from all sides. You will see colorful tropical fish beautifying this blanket of blue water and tall palms lining the pearl white sand of the island. The island also has a coral reef that has waves crashing against it inviting the fishermen to toss their lines.

A major part of the island is covered with beautiful palms and you will find a famous cross-island path which connects the south of the Rarotonga Island to Avatiu valley. It goes through the Te Rua Manga, a prominent rock shaped in the form of a needle. You can also hike to a flat-top mountain or the Raemaru. Other attractive stops could include Arai te Tonga and Wigmore Falls (Papua Falls).

Rarotonga has 3 harbors, namely Avarua, Avatiu and Avana. Out of these, the Avatiu harbor is the only one which has some commercial significance.

cook islands rarotonga nautilus resort restaurant

Cook Island’s Cuisine

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Food in The Cook Islands

Many Cook Islands restaurants offer international and local cuisine all over the islands. Cultural attractions at Te Vara Nui and the Highland Paradise also serve up sumptuous buffet fare, alongside traditional cultural dancing.

Ask the friendly locals for their recommendations of the best local diners for goods like eke (marinated octopus), ika mata (fish in coconut sauce) and grilled sweet potato, some of which can be found daily at the Avarua marketplace. Travellers who fancy the local equivalent of a farmers’ market where fresh produce and homemade products by the islanders are on sale should go there for a “Go Local” spread which happens every two weeks.

Nightlife in The Cook Islands

On Friday evenings, join the Night Life Tours that showcase the hottest nightspots in the Cook Islands, where you can enjoy live entertainment. Major hotels often feature an Island Night Show with performances and an umukai or traditional Polynesian feast. Alternatively, head down to Matutu and Cook Islands Breweries for a unique-tasting, locally-made pint or two.

cook islands rarotonga rumours luxury villas and spa view of the sea

Culture of Cook Islands

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Shopping in The Cook Islands

A variety of traditional handicrafts, like rito hats (similar to Panama hats), carvings, shell trinkets and musical instruments, may be purchased. Avarua is the largest shopping district. On Saturday mornings, Punanga, the popular local marketplace offers a selection of craft items and tropical delicacies. Quality souvenirs include ukuleles, island CD music, sarongs, local quilts and the infamous Cook Islands Black Pearl. Downtown, Mana Court has ample diving and snorkeling gear for those who need it.

Specialty shops line the coast of Ara Tapu Road, where more black pearl jewellery and local attire are found. Stamp collectors will be delighted with the special, colourful stamp designs at the Philatelic Bureau next to the Post Office.

Places to Visit In The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands’ landscape varies across different regions – from Rarotonga’s towering volcanic peaks, Mangaia’s and Atiu’s raised coral makatea and the North’s coral atolls.

Rarotonga is vibrant and lively, with verdant greenery that blends into its palm-fringed shores. Its main town is Avarua, where shopping and dining options are aplenty.

You can visit the “Sister Islands” from Rarotonga, like Aitutaki, which is renowned for its sugary beaches and turquoise lagoons. Atiu is another option, with pristine beaches and cave-riddled reefs. Mangaia’s formidable raised coral cliffs, Mauke’s mersmerising coral reef caves and Mitiaro’s subterranean pools and freshwater lakes full of freshwater eels – considered a delicacy by the locals, are also worth a visit.

Away from the wild side of Cook Islands sightseeing, lose yourself in the manicured gardens of the National Cultural Centre, or get another dose of culture at the Beachcomber Pearl and Art Gallery.

Water Activities, Diving & Snorkelling in The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands boast a plethora of water activities for your enjoyment. Cruise languidly along Muri Lagoon and Aitutaki Lagoon, touted as the most beautiful lagoons in the world for windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Boats are also available for hire if you want to go deep-sea or game fishing.

History buffs can catch a glimpse of the SS Maitai wreckage remnants in the Avarua harbour. Sunk in 1916, its main engine can be seen protruding from a reef.

As for scuba diving in the Cook Islands, the northern reefs are easy to navigate and the five-metre depth also makes the area suitable for snorkelling and safety stops. The Cook Islands’ southern reefs are a burst of colourful, soft corals – a dream come true for photographers with an amazing array of marine life. The East, with its crevices, caves and swim-throughs, is perfect for adventure dive.

Divers at these Cook Island dive spots can feast their eyes on temperate, subtropical and tropical species of fish, rays and eels, as well as octopus, parrotfish, clownfish and other exotic varieties during their diving tours, evaen with a chance of sighting green and loggerhead turtles .