Phuket

The Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Phuket Old Town — painted in pastel colours, their facades decorated with shuttered windows and ornate plasterwork — are among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. Thalang Road and Soi Romanee are the most photogenic streets. The Sunday Walking Street market (5:00pm–10:00pm) has excellent street food including halal options. The Phuket Thai Hua Museum tells the story of the island’s Chinese immigrant community.

The Similan Islands — a national park archipelago 84 km northwest of Phuket — are consistently ranked among the world’s top ten diving destinations. The underwater visibility (up to 30 metres), the diversity of marine life (whale sharks, manta rays, leopard sharks, turtles), and the dramatic granite boulder formations are extraordinary. Day trips depart from Ao Chalong pier (THB 3,500–5,000 per person including equipment). Open November–May only.

The limestone karst islands of Phang Nga Bay — including Ko Tapu (James Bond Island, from The Man with the Golden Gun) and the sea cave kayaking routes — are one of the great natural spectacles of Southeast Asia. Day trips by speedboat or traditional longtail depart from Ao Chalong or Phuket Town (THB 1,500–3,000 per person). The sea canoe tours through the hongs (collapsed cave chambers) are the highlight.

Kata and Karon are the best beaches on Phuket for families and couples who want beautiful scenery without the full-on energy of Patong. Kata Noi (the smaller southern beach) is particularly beautiful — a crescent of white sand backed by jungle hills. Both beaches have good halal food options nearby. Kata is also one of the best surf spots in Thailand (October–April).

The 45-metre white marble Big Buddha on the Nakkerd Hills is visible from much of southern Phuket and offers 360-degree views over the island, Chalong Bay, and the Andaman Sea. The site is a working Buddhist temple — dress modestly (sarongs available at the entrance). Free entry. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Racha Yai (Raya Island), 12 km south of Phuket, is the most accessible dive and snorkel site from the island — 45 minutes by speedboat from Ao Chalong. The coral reefs are excellent for beginners and experienced divers alike. Day trips include two or three dives (THB 2,500–3,500 with equipment) or snorkelling (THB 1,200–1,800). Halal lunch available on the island.

Kamala and Surin are the quietest and most upscale beaches on Phuket’s west coast. Kamala has a large Muslim community — the mosque is a landmark, halal restaurants line the main street, and the beach is calm and family-friendly. Surin is the luxury beach, backed by high-end resorts and beach clubs. Both are far less crowded than Patong or Karon.

Phuket has several excellent night markets. The Malin Plaza Patong (nightly, 5:00pm–midnight) has a large halal section. The Chillva Market in Phuket Town (Thursday–Sunday, 5:00pm–11:00pm) is more local and atmospheric. The Sunday Walking Street in Old Town is the most photogenic. All have clearly marked halal stalls.