My name is Darla. I am a batik stylist, born and raised in Phuket. I moved to Bangkok to study theatre arts for about ten years. While I’m there, I also learned and fell in love with small accommodation business, so I decided to make my house in Phuket into a homestay to welcome friends from around the world. I’m always passionate about Thai cultures and enjoy recommend local attractions, telling stories to overseas travelers.
It’s me! Darla.
Phuket has a lot to offer for a day without getting yourself wet. In this blog, I want to recommend you to local places if you only have one day in Phuket!
Strolling along the streets in Phuket Old Town
Sino-Portuguese Style building (Photo Credit: Click)
If you enjoy taking photos, Phuket old town must be one of the top choices on your list. There are plenty of instagrammable spots, colorful Sino-Portuguese style buildings along Soi Romanee and Thalang Road where you can see a lot of beautiful mural paintings and street art on the walls of the buildings.
Sunday Market on Thalang Road (Photo credit: Click)
You can also visit some excellent local Thai restaurants, cafes, Chinese shrines, museums that scattered around the old town. And if you are visiting on Sunday, make sure to go to Sunday Market on Thalang Road. This historical part of Phuket is not that big but enough to be visited in half a day.
Lunch Stops in Phuket Old Town
There are many chic, unique cafes and local restaurants around Phuket Old town. You can have casual lunch at these two well-known, affordable local restaurants; Kopitiam by Wilai on the main road of Thalang, or walk further down to Phuket Road for authentic Hokkien noodles place Mee Ton Poe. Mee Ton Poe has been serving since 1946 and recently listed in the Michelin Guide 2020.
Kopitiem by Wilai (Photo Credit: Click)
Mee Ton Poe
Alternatively, if you want a more fancy and chillaxing atmosphere, you won’t be disappoint at China Inn Café & Restaurant. The restaurant is in a hundred year-old Sino-Portuguese building with beautiful Chinese décor.
China Inn Café & Restaurant (Photo Credit: Click)
Visit Wat Chalong temple
Wat Chalong (Chaiyatararam Temple) is the Phuket’s largest temple and it is the most popular temple on the island. It is also one of the cultural highlights on any Phuket’s sightseeing tours.
The main chapel of Wat Chalong (Photo Credit: Click)
There is no concrete evidence as to when the temple was built but it is believed to be built during King Rama III’s reign. One of the main attractions at the temple is a 60-meter high pagoda where there are many Buddha’s images that kept inside as well as mural paintings along the walls of all three floors. On the top floor, the Buddha’s relic from Sri Lanka is kept inside the glass case.
60-meter high pagoda in Wat Chalong (Photo Credit: Gojo Tours)
One of the Wat Chalong’s halls displays a statue of ‘Luang Poh Cham’, as well as other former abbots. Luang Poh Cham was an abbot of the temple during the 19th century and at that time the temple was used as the base to fight against the Chinese rebels and he played a significant role in assisting the locals in the fight.
Statue of Luang Poh Cham, former Abbot at Wat Chalong
Visit the iconic Big Buddha
The 45-meter tall Big Buddha (Photo Credit: Click)
Big Buddha is also one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks. The 45-meter tall Buddha statue made of marble is situated at Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata bay. It is visible from any southern part of Phuket and is probably at the top of everyone’s must-visit list as the site offers amazing 360-degree view of the island.
Sunset Viewpoint at Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape Sunset (Photo Credit: Click)
Promthep Cape is located not far from Nai Harn Beach in the very south of Phuket Island. It is best-known as the most photographed and perhaps has the most breathtaking view in Phuket to watch the sunset over the sea. If you have time, I recommend to have dinner at Bukito by Promthep Cape Restaurant, where you can enjoy good Thai food and seafood with lovely evening atmosphere. A great way to end your day.
Bukito by Promthep Cape Restaurant (Photo credit: Click)
Windmill Viewpoint
Windmill Viewpoint (Photo Credit: Click)
Windmill Viewpoint or Wind Turbine is located between Ya Nui Beach and Nai Harn Beach in the south of Phuket Island, not far from Promthep Cape. It has several tall, slim white windmills facing the sea with stunning panoramic view. This viewpoint has similar vibe to Promthep Cape’s but with less people and a more quieter choice. It is easy to access by bike or motorbike as it is near the main road.
