Paradise Beach (Phuket)

When we spent a few weeks on Phuket, we went to the wonderful WeCafe (Chaofa Branch) almost every day. There are now three locations on Phuket, as it is popular with locals and vacationers alike. The interior is made up of warm wooden elements and green decorative plants, creating a cozy ambience. The café is best known for its healthy smoothies & delicious salads. But basically you can get everything your heart desires here! From breakfast to European and Thai cuisine to sweet desserts and delicious fruit spritzers. Prices per person with drink approx. 200-300 THB.

Wat Chalong (actually: Wat Chaiyathararam) is a large temple complex and one of the most important religious sites on Phuket. The site consists of several ornate buildings, temples, ornate gates and lovingly landscaped gardens. A common ritual that can be seen and heard here is the lighting of firecrackers to fulfill wishes. These are often lit in a stone oven as soon as a wish has been fulfilled. The main building - a 60-metre-high shrine, also known as the "Chedi" - offers you a great view over the entire complex. On three floors, the walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings and numerous golden Buddha statues. Before entering the interior, you should remove your shoes and cover your legs and shoulders. If necessary, you can hire a sarong on site. Entry and parking are free of charge.

There are several elephant sanctuaries on Phuket where you can observe these fascinating animals up close and see them in their natural environment. We have visited two of these camps on our travels, which we can really recommend to you: Bukit Elephant Park and Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. Both camps stand for animal welfare and take a stance against chains or riding. Unfortunately, even today you can still see many elephants in Thailand and throughout Asia that are kept on chains, have to carry heavy things and are abused by paying tourists for an "unforgettable" riding experience. We are clearly against such methods and can therefore highly recommend the protected areas mentioned. Here, the elephants are safe and have been bought free, sometimes for very high sums of money. They can move freely in the wild and only come out when they really feel like social interaction.

Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful and quietest private beaches on Phuket, very close to Patong. Due to its seclusion and adventurous route, the beach is particularly popular with young vacationers. You can either take the shuttle to the beach (cost: 300 THB per person; note: the path is quite steep and uneven, making the ride very action-packed) or you can pay 100 THB entrance fee and hike through the dense jungle down to the beach yourself. We spontaneously opted for the hike and even if it's only 100 meters, you shouldn't underestimate the distance. Take mosquito spray with you and always watch your step as it is really steep and the paths are overgrown. After around 10 minutes, you will discover a beautiful stretch of beach with white sand, turquoise sea, a small water sports rental shop and a beach bar. At high tide, the waves at Freedom Beach are sometimes huge, which is why it is also a popular spot for surfers.

If you are traveling by scooter, you will definitely pass the beautiful Chillva Nightmarket in Phuket Town! With its warm lights and many visitors in the evening, it's hard to miss. It's worth a stop if you're still looking for souvenirs or if you just get hungry for a few tasty snacks along the way. There is plenty of street food and shopping items such as clothes and jewelry. The atmosphere is very cozy, even if it is often overcrowded and you might not be able to find your scooter again (...) Nevertheless, it is worth queuing at the food stalls and browsing through the stalls. There's also free live music!

The Naka Weekend Market is a huge covered market in Phuket Town and our number one tip if you're looking for vacation souvenirs for your loved ones! On over 12,000 m², you can find absolutely everything from clothes, bags, jewelry, care products and souvenirs to electronics - and of course lots of food! At the food stalls you will find a wide selection of dishes, snacks, fruit, delicious smoothies and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. As the name suggests, the market only opens at weekends: every Saturday and Sunday between 4 and 10 pm. Entry and parking are free. There are toilets on site and a large street food area with plenty of seating.

The Black Rock Viewpoint is a beautiful vantage point in the south of Phuket, which you reach after a short jungle hike. Important: Don't let anyone talk you into anything on the way there! Many Thais want to tell you that you have to book a tour, need a shuttle or something similar - we just went with the

Bangla Road is located in the center of Patong and is Phuket's most popular party street! It is often compared to Mallorca's Ham Street and is a must for all party fans, young and old. Patong is already well frequented during the day thanks to its proximity to the beach and a long shopping street, but on

At over 3 kilometers, Karon Beach is one of the longest and widest beaches on Phuket. It is particularly popular with families, as the shallow water slopes gently and is therefore ideal for children to splash around in. There are many sun loungers on the fine sandy beach, which can be rented for a fee. Alternatively, there are also green areas with shady trees where you can relax and read a book all day long. In contrast to Patong, Karon is somewhat quieter and more family-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunsets both during the day and in the evening.

Three Monkeys is an upscale jungle restaurant right next to Hanuman World, probably the most famous place for ziplining on Phuket. Compared to other places, the prices here are significantly higher, but it offers a unique ambience. The interior consists mainly of wood, rattan furniture, lots of green plants and cozy warm lights. The lovingly decorated rooms are all different and offer popular photo spots, which is why a visit is worthwhile both during the day and in the evening. The menu includes Thai & international dishes as well as delicious cocktails. Upscale prices for food & drinks, around 600 THB per person. Remember to book in advance - the places are very popular, especially in the evening!

At the southernmost tip of Phuket is the so-called Promthep Cape - a wonderful vantage point with a view of the islands to the south and the vast sea! The entire area is lovingly designed, decorated with flowers and is completely paved. There is free parking on site and admission to the viewpoint is free. There is an impressive Bodhi tree on the site, which is certainly several hundred years old and has a considerable diameter. In addition to a Hindu temple with numerous colorful elephant statues that are hard to miss, there is also a lighthouse on the square, which you can enter free of charge.

The pretty Kor Ra Kang Café & Restaurant is located in the middle of Phuket Old Town and is a dream for flower lovers and a popular Instagram spot! There are countless artificial flowers everywhere in the rooms, from the walls to the tables, creating a romantic atmosphere. So if you're out and about in the old town, you should definitely make a stop here. The menu includes Thai dishes, roti, pasta and coffee & cake. Compared to other places, it is a little more expensive here (approx. 400 THB p.p.), but absolutely worth a visit! Admission is free.