Phuket and Bangkok are two of the most popular destinations Thailand has to offer. They both draw in millions of visitors a year and each have their own special attractions. It can be tough to decide which city to go though, so here’s a guide to get you started.
Phuket
Flights to Phuket are not only affordable but also land in one of the most picturesque landscapes on Earth. For those looking for a holiday filled with clear blue water, soft sand, and vertical cliffs, look no further.
Phi Phi Island is worth a trip to Thailand by itself, and for many that’s the only part of Thailand they see. The beach fronted jungle has been used as a backdrop for many movies, and the laid back atmosphere is intoxicating.
Aside from the sand and water (though you might want to spend all your time there), there are many other activities as well. There’s Old Phuket Town, where funky shops and Chinese architecture greet visitors as they arrive. Or, for a more culture filled visit, there’s Chalong, home to a 45 metre Buddha statue and many other temples.
The nightlife in Phuket is thriving, albeit in a smaller scale than Bangkok. There are outdoor bars, Go-Go Dancers and nightclubs. The best area to experience the nightlife in Phuket is on the Patong beach.
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Bangkok
The Thai capital is a different experience altogether from the relaxation of Phuket. It is very much a city of mystery, where an afternoon stroll can take you from a hidden morning market to a live Chinese opera performance.
It’s a city that loves its food, and it shows in the sheer amount of offerings available. Their street food is the stuff of legend, with underlying currents of spices, sweetness, and all other flavors tantalizing your taste buds.
For visitors intrigued in religion, there are temples and shrines galore dotting this city. There’s the solid gold Buddha at Wat Traimit. Or for a more extravagant temple, there is the architectural masterpiece at Wat Phra Kaew.
The most flamboyant of all temples is the Sri Mariamman Temple, a Hindu temple filled with wild colors and shapes. Full colored, Hindu deities intertwine among the main facade, bringing in devotees from all around the world.
Of course, writing about Bangkok without mentioning its nightlife would be a disservice. All the stories you may have heard about it are true. There are bars without addresses, English pubs, and even bars on top of skyscrapers. It’s all that you’ve imagined, and more.
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As you can see, each has plenty to offer, it just depends on what you’re looking for. And hey, if all else fails, just extend that holiday and visit both.
