Phuket Travel Guide: Beyond the Beach - 5 Awesome Experiences to Have in Phuket - Top 5 Things to Do in Phuket

Phuket is tipped to be one of Thailand's top beach holiday destinations, and the main reason that most travellers head to the island is for its stunning coastlines. While the beaches may be its most promoted attribute, there's more to Phuket than its seaside hideaways. From exploring the natural wonders and waterfalls in Phuket to discovering the culture of this part of the country, here are 5 amazing experiences Phuket holidaymakers can enjoy. 

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Uncover Phuket's Past 

While most beachgoers are unaware of this highlight in Phuket, it is one of the most engaging hotspots for culture buffs and amateur historians. Dubbed Soi Romanee, this historic corner of Phuket Old Town allows visitors to step back in time to the British, French and Portuguese colonial eras of Thailand, and more specifically, Phuket. Blending architectural styles, the Sino-Colonial mansions lining Soi Romanee are not the only reason to enjoy a stroll down this area as the street is also home to charming boutiques and cafes that have replaced the opium dens, brothels and gambling venues that once lined this street. The unique buildings that have been beautifully restored hark back to a resplendent but also tumultuous era in Phuket's history when locals faced oppression but also assimilated with European culture to such a degree that the after effects are still visible today.

Tour the Thai Hua Museum

Housed in one of Phuket's most imposing Sino-Portuguese buildings with its own interior courtyard, the Thai Hua Museum is no ordinary cultural institution in the beach capital. In addition to witnessing the ancient relics dating back to the years when tin was produced in Phuket littering the garden, the museum also showcases tools and machinery used in this now-defunct enterprise. The galleries within the complex are not only for exhibiting clothing, accessories and food items that were part of the era but also for screening documentaries based on this interesting period in Thai history.

Check out the Local Art Scene 

Tourists with a passion for modern art will also find that Thailand's most popular beach holiday destination is also home to some of the country's finest art galleries. Showcasing the works of Thai legends as well as internationally renowned artists, there's something for everyone at these creative epicentres where art that is geared towards tourists is displayed alongside truly eclectic works of expression. Mr. Zen, who's somewhat of a local celebrity in Phuket, is the brainchild behind Wua Art Gallery and Studio where some of Phuket's most humorous and quirkiest artwork is on show. 

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

 Whether one is based at the NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort or any other 4-star hotel in Phuket, a trip to the beach Mecca would not be complete without paying a visit to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project headquarters. Established back in 1992 to safeguard gibbons from being used for entertaining tourists, the conservation centre has rehabilitated many mistreated gibbons that were injured or otherwise harmed due to Phuket's tourism industry. The centre primarily focuses on rehabilitating white-handed gibbons and releasing these majestic creatures back into Phuket's wilderness after they are healed. Educating the travelling masses about the negative impact of using animals for tourist activities, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project centre is free to tour although travellers must pay the entry fee for Khao Phra Thaeo National Park where this venue is situated.

Chase Waterfalls 

While sea baths are considered the best way to cool down on a warm, sunny day in Phuket, travellers can also take a dip in Phuket's stunning waterfalls instead of braving the waves. Even though the waterfalls may not be foaming at the mouth and gushing frothy water during the dry season, the pools at the base of the cascades are still perfect for a refreshing dip throughout most months.