For those of you who enjoy chillaxing while looking for social media-worthy shots, Phuket is no doubt the destination where your memories can be captured through the lenses, from the abundant natural landscapes to history-telling architectural sites, these unseen pictures will surely seem unbelievable for those who don’t get to see with their own eyes. What’s more to be mesmerised with is the local lifestyle along the route that makes Phuket stand out from the rest of Thailand.
REACH FOR THE SKY ON MAI KHAO BEACH
Phuket International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Thailand, thanks to the island’s limited space, planes are easily spotted right above our head during takeoff and landing. To get this up close and personal unseen shot, Mai Khao beach is within reach as it is a popular spot for chillaxing and picnicking in the evening.
Mai Khao Beach, located in Sirinat National Park, is Phuket’s longest beach stretching about 10 kilometres in which 200-300 metres of airplane viewpoint is snugged slightly right behind Phuket International Airport where the runway is creating a picture perfect of the plane taking off and landing over Mai Khao beach. Your luck might not be on your side if planes take the other route on the other side of the island depending on the weather. Make sure to check with the locals so that you get the perfect shot and don’t forget to strictly follow the rules and restrictions of the airport security for the safety of all parties.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: facebook.com/sirinat2019/
CRUISIN’ WITH DOLPHINS
Mai Thon island is located just off the southeastern coast of Phuket, small in size but rich in nature. With colourful coral reefs, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches any divers would die for. But another highlight to not be missed is being greeted by a large pod of local dolphins that are no strangers to any islanders and visitors.
These dolphins living near Mai Thon island show how healthy the ecosystem around the island is. Of course, it’s not always guaranteed for tourists to spot dolphins, but if you’re lucky enough, these adorable dolphins will pop up for a quick splash alongside tourist boats. No boat is more suitable for a day trip at sea like this than a luxury sailboat where every corner is a good angle for a photoshoot. Apart from the exclusive privacy for your relaxation, the calmness of the sailboat also better your chance of encountering dolphins.
Location: Chalong Pier Click HERE and Phuket Deep Sea Port Click HERE
For more information: Contact your hotel reception for a dolphin-watching cruise.
TRANSPARENT-BOTTOM KAYAKING AT KOH HE
Koh He, another beautiful island you can visit almost all year round. Since the island is located only 9-10 kilometres off the southern coast of Phuket, just a short boat ride from the shore and crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs await you with fun activities that are both environmentally friendly and worth taking a ton of snapshots.
To go with the crystal-clear water of Koh He and be indulged in the beauty of nature both underwater and on land, clear kayaks are becoming very well-liked by nature lovers whose activities are focused on experiencing the peaceful beauty without disrupting nature. Be one with nature as you float on water viewing schools of fish swimming below. You could also paddle to explore the island’s luscious surroundings.
Location: Chalong Pier Click HERE and Phuket Deep Sea Port Click HERE
For more information: Tourism Authority Of Thailand, Phuket Office facebook.com/TourismAuthorityOfThailandPhuket/ or contact your hotel reception for kayak rental at Koh He.
GETTING HIGHER IN A CHOPPER
Don’t claim you’ve seen Phuket for all its beauty if you haven’t seen Phuket and the Andaman Sea from above in a helicopter. That’s why Advance Aviation, a company that previously offered helicopter charter services, has expanded its service to the use of helicopters in tourism, similarly to many countries around the world. Phuket’s ocean, mountains and urban areas are waiting for you to go up and experience new perspectives you’ve never seen before.
“Unforgettable Phuket” is the aerial route that will open up a whole new perspective. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of fishermen’s way of life, architectural landscape, 360 degrees of the Big Buddha enshrined on Khao Nak Kerd and various beaches. Your pilot will fly you along the coast to see where the water meets the horizon and nature’s fantastic beaches on a safe, modern helicopter under the command of an expert pilot.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: 0 805 225 555
KHAO RANG WHERE NATURE MEETS HISTORY
Khao Rang Viewpoint or Phuket City Observation Deck is a public park and tourist attraction in the city centre. This popular photogenic spot for tourists especially in the evening when the sun starts to set and the air starts to cool down. Accessible by car and motorcycle, it is ideal to recharge yourself after a long day simply by watching the sun drop into the sea and feeling the cool wind blow through your hair.
Khao Rang is where Phraya Ratsadanupradit (Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong) monument stands, a historical figure who shaped the economy and society of Phuket and southern Thailand, especially encouraging people in the city to grow coffee and rubber plants. This is considered the initiation of rubber planting in the south of Thailand which has become one of the leading agricultural economic crops. Within the park area, you can also find the 100th Anniversary Hall of Fame that exhibits Phraya Ratsadanupradit’s stories as the founding father of Phuket’s economic prosperity to present days. Not only can you come here and relax in the sunset breeze, but you also get a glimpse of some historical tidbits.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: phuketcity.go.th
ROAMING AROUND RUM DISTILLERY
Chalong Bay, well-known destination for Thai and foreign night crawlers, is also worth checking out when in Phuket. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, originated from the combination of old French techniques and Thai sugar cane, renders this unique one-of-a-kind rum native to Phuket. Its specialty lies in every step of the production process and 100% organic ingredients. This small distillery is full of distinctive wonders that are worth visiting once in your life.
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is more than just a brewery, Take your first step inside, you will find the shade of sugar cane plantation and various kinds of trees as if you were entering a resort sanctuary. On the regular, this rum distillery is a learning centre, restaurant and bar. Many of you might have experienced a roastery tour to taste the freshest coffee. So why not have a similar tour in a rum distillery where you can chill out and sip cocktails with added degrees of frosty beverages.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: chalongbayrum.com or call 0 629 296 564
ROCK BEACH SWING PHUKET
If you are a photography enthusiast, you must not miss a visit to this secret beach with a chic Balinese style vibe at Rock Beach Swing Phuket. Just punch in Karon Viewpoint on your GPS, park your car and take the shuttle service provided at the viewpoint. After a 5-minute ride, you’ll find yourself slipping into another world.
With the beautiful turquoise sea as a background, there are also props here for you to create dreamlike images ranging from a Bali bird’s nest, a hanging chair to a chic arch with an authentic backdrop contrast of bright blue sky and the emerald green of the Andaman sea. No need to have your photos doctored. The highlight here is definitely the white stairway to heaven which gives your photo of an impression of floating in the endless horizon sky. Need a break during your photoshoot? Food and drinks are ready to be served from their mini bar.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: facebook.com/Rockbeach2019/ or call 0 630 762 046
ROARING WITH TIGERS
Not everybody gets a close encounter with intimidating tigers. But at Tiger Kingdom Phuket, what you will face is the totally unbearable cuteness of these giant kittens including Bengal tigers and cheetahs. Have a fun quality time with your family here at the park where you share the same surroundings with these feline friends.
Keep in mind when taking pictures with these furballs, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions from the staff on your body posture such as getting up and sitting down so as not to disturb the tigers. This activity may not be suitable for people who are in wheelchairs or in support of a walking cane.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: facebook.com/TigerKingdomKathuPhuket/
NEW KIDS ON THE (OLD) BLOCK
Strolling down Phuket Old Town is how to best soak up the atmosphere of this compact area. Along both sides of the street are intertwined by the charm of the old and the new, by the west and the east perfectly blended to craft wonderful Phuket identity. Diverse architectural structures are pleasing to the eyes of the beholders and to the lenses of the photographers. Not to mention restaurants, cafés and niche bookstores that keep your promenade even more pleasant.
When you wander through every nook and corner of the old neighbourhood, there are Easter eggs hidden for you to hunt, naming artwork, street art and graffiti artists created to reflect this old town’s vibrant and dynamic characteristics. Whether you just want to chill, have your take on slow living, or brush up your photography skills, grab your best hat and your dashing sunnies, then pick your pace for Phuket Old Town.
Click HERE for direction
For more information: facebook.com/prpkcity1/
Phuket never runs out of surprises. Fill your camera rolls with the colours of the city and imprint your memories with the charm of the culture. Phuket is blessed with countless journeys and endless fun.
LIFESTYLE
Information and photo sources
https://www.tatcontactcenter.com/
https://thai.tourismthailand.org/
https://dmcrth.dmcr.go.th/
https://www.facebook.com/advanceaviation/
https://www.facebook.com/chalongbaybar/
https://www.facebook.com/Rockbeach2019/
https://www.facebook.com/TigerKingdomKathuPhuket
https://www.phuketemagazine.com/
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