Many locals and visitors alike believe that Phuket, Thailand has been explored far and wide, leaving very few interesting places to surprise us with. However, there are still plenty of locations deprived of tourists’ attention. These cozy, hidden corners of the area can turn into the real highlight of your trip to Thailand. We conducted our own research and found five hidden gems of Phuket we bet you didn’t know about.
1. Black Rock Viewpoint
Phuket is famous for a huge number of viewing platforms. Some of them, such as Karon Viewpoint, attract hundreds of tourists, while others can only be discovered deep in the woods. Popular locations are easy to reach but all their charm disappears when you have to compete with a crowd of onlookers all chasing the same beautiful views. If you want to admire the beauty of nature in a secluded place, try to find Black Rock Viewpoint. You can get there by car as there is no shortage of Phuket car rental services, but keep in mind that a part of the route is a dirt road. Then you will have climb a little through the jungle. But trust us, the scenic view from the top is worth the sweat. As a bonus, you will discover the beautiful and secluded Nui Beach.
2. Bon Island
A half an hour ride on a motorboat from Rawai beach and you will get to the most deserted island near Phuket. A bonus waiting for you on Bon Island is an abandoned hotel. Those who have visited this place say that you can relax there like you’re at your own summer cottage. Of course there is no water and electricity, but the building has a roof, floor, and bamboo walls.
The island also hosts a secluded beach but it’s quite a challenge to find it. The beach is closed on all sides and it has huge boulders in the middle. However, when you finally get there, you will feel like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe.
3. Lard Yai fair
Every Sunday afternoon, the busy Lard Yai in the old Phuket Town turns into a charming walking street. Portuguese-style houses on both sides of the roadway get lit in vivid colors and the fair is set between them. You can try unusual homemade dishes, buy some crafts, and even get knock-off designer clothes. The fair is filled with an old town charm and boasts various entertainments, and it should miss from your Phuket itinerary. You can also enjoy visiting Lard Yai Street on weekdays as it retains its appeal even if there’ no music, merchants, and backlights.
4. Rawai Fish Market
Rawai Fish Market is a marketplace where you can buy all kinds of fish and seafood and then hit a nearby restaurant and ask to cook them for you. You are also able to purchase various spices and seasonings to compliment your food (if you have any clue about them). If you’re not an expert, your seafood will be cooked at a chef’s discretion. The price of such a meal is 100 baht per kilogram. Every sea creature you can find at Rawai Fish Market was caught the night before. There is also a pier you can stroll along, peering into the boats of fishermen and talking to the owners.
5. Wat Koh Siray Buddhist Temple
The Wat Koh Siray sanctuary is set on a picturesque hill away from civilization. To enter the temple, you will need to donate 10–20 baht. In exchange, you will receive some flowers and candles. Wat Koh Siray is not a crowded place, and you will normally meet just a couple of Thais praying and monks there.
The top of the hill accommodating the temple is a beautiful spot to observe the surrounding landscapes. You can even see a village of sea gypsies. An impressive statue of the Reclining Buddha is another landmark in this gorgeous place.
Do you know any other hidden gems in Phuket?
Disclaimer: This post has been written in collaboration with National Car Thailand.
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I have never been to or heard of Pucket before so this post was very informative for me! I love to travel and like it when someone has laid out excellent destinations for me
If the desire to discover this place was already very much now it is to the nth degree! Mamma mia who gems!
Thailand has been on my bucket list for years, but these have put it right at the top. I HAVE to get there with the family.
Omg!!!! Obsessed with all these places!!!! ????? Like, they are all on my bucket list. I’ve been trying to convince the hubs to go here!!!
I have never been to. Phuket and it does sound and look really beautiful. Hopefully one day I will be able to.
We were in Phuket 4 years ago and I have to admit that I have not been to any of the places that you mentioned! But then again we were traveling with very young kids and didn’t get to see anything but beaches. Which was fine for us at that time. But certainly will make an effort to be more adventurous if we get to visit it again in the future.
The fish market sounds so cool. I love that I can select my fish and have them cook it.
I need to get to this area one day. I know there is so much to see and do. All the places you mentioned sound incredible.
Oh wow! Phuket is such a breathtaking place! Wish I could be here right now!
Thailand is a country I’ve always appreciated from afar, particularly, Phuket. The more it looks far, the more I’m pressed to visit. I’ll love to visit the Rawai Fish Markey and have my meal prepared in my presence from fresh seafood. Living in Rawai neighbourhood must mean good health.
I want to go here so bad! I have never been to Asia but I am dying to go, thanks for the info on the hidden gems!
These are great destinations to plan into a trip. Phuket is definitely on my list.
Thailand is so high on my travel bucket list! I have several friends who are Thai, and they are truly the most beautiful people. It looks like an amazing place to visit.
dang look at that water! I wish I could see this in person for sure!
I have always wanted to visit Thailand. I’ve heard it’s such a beautiful place to visit!
These all sound like great places! The Buddhist Temple seems like a relaxing place. The abandoned hotel and secluded beach both sound like great gems too.
wow totally saving this post. Ive been in Thailand once but in the other part, in the part of Koh Samui and the other islands but not in Phuket. Need to go back. its gorgeous. and the food is the best.
These sound like a great list of hidden gems in Phuket. I must add them to my list for the next time that I go there. Bon Island and Lard Yai fair are the two that interest me the most.
I love visiting Buddhist temples. I experiece there is a feel of peace.
I would love to visit Phucket. I’ve been loving photos of the area, and it’s been a few years that I’ve wanted to go.
How funny! I am currently planning a trip to Phuket Island
What a beautiful place; would love to visit one day. Thank you for this information!
I really hope we get to Thailand one day, it is such a beautiful country
Thailand is def on my vacation bucket list. I gotta keep all this in mind if I ever go
It is my dream to visit Thailand. Thank you for the inputs in where to go in Phuket. I will definitely keep this in mind.
I haven’t been to Thailand but you have pointed out some of the really cool places to visit. I need to hang on to this post for reference if we ever get a chance to go!
Such an incredible post that travelers will definitely try to look for when in Thailand. You really know how to find such amazing place in the heart of this country, will surely add this to our list of a must visit place.
Thailand really is a magical place. Next we go I will definitely refer to this amazing post!
Just like the Philippines, Thailand is composed of gorgeous islands. I am glad that the Thai government shutdown one of their beaches for cleanup. These island that are packed with tourists are starting to become lost its beauty because of pollution.
Phuket, Thailand is really a wonderful place to visit. I always dream of going to here. Truly a bucket list material.
Oooo first time hearing of Pucket!! I can only hope my travels take me there one day! Sounds like a fabulous place
Last year we went to Koh samui Thailand and loved it. I want to go to Thailand again.
I’ve never heard of Phuket before but my goal is to one day, once my kids are grown to be able to travle. I will have to make sure to add these to my list of must see’s for sure.
totally adding this to my bucket list! I have friends who went and loved it
If I visit Thailand I will try to go these all these places. looks really beautiful great to enjoy the nature.
Phuket is such a stunning place! I have wanted to visit Thailand for years and it is definitely a city on my short list.
Phuket sounds like such a nice place to visit. If I could go, I would visit the fish market for sure.
Thailand has been on my travel list. This place looks amazing. I am bookmarking your post for future use when I been to Thailand.
I’ve never been to Phuket Thailand , but it’s definitely in my bucket list. I think I’ll be more interested on visiting Bon Island and Fish market. Beautiful !
I’ve only been to Bangkok, but that was more than a decade ago. It would be great if we could visit Thailand again, and experience all these Phuket hidden gems. 🙂
I think that Lard Yai fair is fabulous! I love how it’s so colorful and offers a true experience – it’s a feast for the eyes. Also, you are right the local food is pretty great too! I’ll have to explore more when I’m there – thanks for the tips of different places.
This has been on my bucket list of MUST visit places for as long as I can remember <3 Everything from the nature, the food and the culture is just calling my name!
I’ve been to Phuket several times – but I’ve missed all of these places! OK better reason than any to go back soon!
Pucket, Thailand is still on my bucket list. Very informative post and will bookmark it for later.
Reading about all these adventurous places makes me want to travel more. Thailand will definitely on my bucket list.
I have beer heard of this place but it sounds like such an amazing place to travel to. I really want to get out and travel more this year.
im obsessed with Thailand, its such a beautiful island and the people are just as lovely. This list will be helpful in my next trip
wow! lovely list indeed! I am impressed! I think it is a lot of fun to visit Phuket in general but with hidden gem the experience could be even better
I have never been to Thailand, but these places that you described sounds amazing! I would love to visit the Wat Koh Siray Buddhist Temple one day, thanks for sharing!