Most visitors to Phuket book their vacation accommodations on the western side of the island. They want to enjoy a sunset over a tropical beach and sample the nightlife, shopping and attractions the West Coast is world-famous for
However, many repeat tourists have discovered the eastern coast of Phuket and have realized it has plenty of fascinating attractions too. They’ve found that they encounter less crowds and more of a local vibe.
Join us as we visit six of the must-see attractions on the eastern coast of Phuket.
1. Phuket Old Town
Phuket Town is the main city in Phuket. It was established during the 17th century when tin mining was the main industry on the island, and many nationalities made up Phuket’s population. One of the results of this cosmopolitan blend was the introduction of a unique type of Sino-Portuguese architecture style. While this style can be found across the Malay Peninsula, Phuket Town carefully preserved the town’s Sino-Portuguese buildings, and today, Phuket’s Old Town has become a major tourist attraction. With this striking architectural style everywhere you look, your cameras and phones should be fully charged for a walk through this beautiful neighborhood of carefully preserved and brightly-painted shophouses. The Old Town section is right in the center of Phuket Town between Dibuk Road and Krabi Roads.
2. Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong, officially Wat ChaiThararam, is the largest and most revered Buddhist temple on the island. This is a bustling, active area where the local townspeople come to make merit. It’s located on the west side of Phuket Town along Luang Pho Chaem Road. Several large, ornate, and mesmerizing structures surround it, including a 20-meter-tall colorful Stupa containing a bone fragment of the Lord Buddha. Stunning gardens and paths surround the buildings and structures.
3. The Upside-down House
A visit to Phuket’s upside-down house is a must for every family vacation to Phuket. If you head north from Phuket Town on Route 4024, you’ll see signs for it off to your right, soon after the Ikea store.
The attraction is just as described: a three-story home turned upside-down, which visitors can explore. It’s the perfect place for photo sessions with the kids as they “walk” on the ceiling or play Spiderman on the walls. There is also a garden maze, an escape room, and virtual reality simulators and games.
4. Sunset at Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape is the southernmost area of Phuket and provides the setting for one of the stunning sunsets. From Phuket Town, head south along Route 4024. It merges with Route 4030 and turns west. Follow it to the end, where you’ll see the cape jutting out into the Andaman Sea on your left. You can hike out to the edge of the cape, but it’s a long walk for families with small children. There is a large parking area that provides a good sunset viewpoint and a shrine surrounded by hundreds of elephant statues that will delight the kids. If the weather is clear, be prepared for crowds to join you as you wait for the sunset.
5. Phuket Aquarium & Aquaria Phuket Town
Phuket now has two aquariums. The original Phuket Aquarium is located on Cape Panwa at the end of Route 4023. It also houses the Phuket Marine Biological Center, which helps rescue dolphins and dugongs and features a turtle hatchery.
The new Aquaria Phuket is located in the basement floor of Central Floresta shopping mall, east of Phuket Town, just off Route 4024 near Surakul Stadium. It is the largest aquarium in Thailand and boasts over 25,000 river and sea animals. The knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer all your questions about the marine life on display.
6. Amorn Phuket Pearl Farm
For a unique vacation adventure, book a tour to see a floating pearl farm in Phuket. Amorn Phuket Pearl Farm is located off the east coast of Phuket. On the tour, you’ll travel out to the pearl farm aboard a traditional long-tail boat and learn about the more than fifty-year history of pearl farming in Thailand.
The pearl farmers of Phuket are experts at nurturing pearl oysters and mollusks to produce pearls. You’ll learn about the sustainable blend of traditional and innovative practices they use to produce pearls for jewelers worldwide.
After your tour, make an appointment at the Amorn Phuket Pearl showroom north of Phuket Town along Route 402 to view these exquisite pearls up close and buy a high-quality souvenir of your unforgettable vacation to Phuket.
Discover that Phuket offers much more than sunsets, beautiful beaches and nightlife. Plan a family vacation to explore the lesser-known side of Phuket and come home with stunning pearl jewelry from Amorn Phuket Pearl
