Whether you’re looking for soaking up the sun, natural beauty or hidden gems, these Phuket photos will make you want to visit the Pearl of The Andaman Sea right now.

Big Buddha

One of the most famous landmarks on the island

For almost every visitor to Phuket who wanders out of their hotel or resort to explore the island, Big Buddha will be on the itinerary. At 45 meters-tall and constructed atop the tallest mountain in Phuket, it’s not easy to overlook the towering Buddha image with its gleaming white façade.

After going about 1km north from Chalong circle, make a left-hand turn on Soi Yot Sane 1 and keep going up until you reach the end of the road.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the biggest and most visited temple in Phuket

Buddhist temples (wat) abound across Thailand and Phuket is no exception. Although there are many beautiful temples in Phuket, Wat Chalong (also known as Chaiyathararam Temple) is one of the more impressive ones for tourists. Ornate detailing and paintings adorn the buildings and there’s a 3-story Chedi that offers a tasty view of the main temple building with a mountain backdrop. Pleasant gardens lined with benches offer an inviting spot to relax with a drink.

From Chalong Circle going north, the temple entrance can be found on the right hand side after about 3kms. Look for signs marking the entrance.

Pa Hin Dahm

The hidden gem of Phuket

Although slightly “off the beaten track” this spectacular viewpoint actually has a beaten track which leads right to it. This little-known viewpoint looks down onto Nai Harn Beach and out across islands to the south and east. It’s a breathtaking location to take in the sunset, but you have to earn it.

To get to Pa Hin Dahm (Black Rock Viewpoint), you will head south on the beach road from Kata Beach. At the top of the mountain is the obvious Karon viewpoint with its parking lot and gazebo right along the road. There is a wide dirt road which leads off to the right 350 meters past the Karon Viewpoint. Follow this sometimes steep and rough road until the giant boulder that has “Pa Hin Dum” written on it and park there. Across the road is a 200 meter-long trail that leads to the viewpoint.

Nai Harn Beach

This never-too-crowded beach is popular among locals and expats

Nai Harn Beach is simply one of the Phuket’s loveliest west coast beaches. It’s a 1km stretch of sand with unspoiled waters and mountains at both ends. There’s a small strip of restaurants and shops set back from the sand and a scenic lake just behind. Sunsets are phenomenal at this beach. With no speedboats or jet skis, you’ll find a little more peace and quiet and sense of nature at Nai Harn.

From Rawai Pier, go southwest on road 4030 and stay to the right at the end of Rawai Beach. A left at the next intersection takes you to the end of Nai Harn Lake and the beach can be reached at the other end of the lake.

Nai Yang Beach

This northern beach of Phuket provides stunning visibility and scenery

Located within such close proximity of the airport, it’s surprising that this lovely beach isn’t more popular. Half of the beach is located in a national forest with huge trees lining the sand. There’s plenty of shade, nice snorkeling in the reef offshore, and a handful of shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Nai Yang Beach is only 2.2km from the airport. Going south, simply make a right just after the traffic lights where the road narrows from four to two lanes. This road ends right at the beach.

Khao Khad Viewpoint

Khao Khad Viewpoint offers some of the best views of Phuket’s southeastern coast

For some reason, this amazing viewpoint is never very busy. Located the peninsula of Cape Panwa, this mountaintop gazebo has 360-degree views across Chalong Bay, Lon Island, Phuket Town, and more. A nice touch is signs that explain the landmarks you’re looking at. Picnic tables can be found along the short, winding forest path that leads to the viewpoint.

Leaving the Phuket Aquarium, take road 4129 for 3kms and stay left on road 4023 for another 2.6kms. Take the left just after The Bay Hotel and the road will lead you up the mountain to the viewpoint.

Ao Yon Beach

A destination for those in search of a more rustic beach scene in Phuket

Also located on Cape Panwa, this quaint little beach is popular amongst Phuket Town locals on the weekends. Cool rock formations, a calm bay, and kayak rentals make it a nice alternative to the busy west coast beaches.

From the Phuket Aquarium, take road 4129 for 1.6kms then turn left on Soi Ao Yon Khaokhad. In 550m the road descends onto Ao Yon Beach.

Banana Beach

This hidden gem is one of the ideal beach getaways.

Banana Beach is a tiny little cove of secluded tropical beauty. You will find no amenities here so come prepared. A short walk down a steep hill from the road brings you this 100-meter-long stretch of sand with azure waters backed by lush jungle.

Heading south from Nai Thon Beach, go 1km past Andaman White Beach Resort and look for a white cement marker on the side of the road with the number 7 on it. Park here and take the trail down the hill.

Plane Spotting

Plane spotters on Nai Yang Beach

Here is a unique spot where you can hang out on the beach right at the end of the airport runway with 747s coming in for a landing just meters overhead. Even for those who aren’t particularly interested in aviation, it’s a pretty cool experience – and it’s a nice spot for a swim to boot. Photo-ops galore, so don’t forget your camera and ear plugs can be a good idea since jets are loud.

From Phuket International Airport, head south for about 300m and make a right on Soi Naiyang 16. Park after the national forest entrance and walk north along the beach until the end of the runway.

Promthep Cape

The iconic place is famous for its spectacular views of a dramatic headland that stretches out to the sea

Promthep is widely considered the crowning jewel of views in Phuket. It’s the view found all over tourism brochures and basically anywhere Phuket is being promoted. It’s the southern tip of the island and it really is a picturesque scene. It’s hard to take a bad photo here, and equally as difficult to get the place to yourself. Naturally, sunset is the time to be here, but mornings can also be quite nice and much quieter.

Traveling southwest from Rawai Pier, stay left on road 4030 for 3.2kms until you reach the large parking lot on the left.

This article was copied from Phuket.net