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Amazing Guided Tour of Phuket Island Plus Big Buddha

Activity provider: I Asia Thailand

Highlights

  • Patong Beach is the true heart of Phuket, and what makes it so attractive to many
  • Karon Viewpoint is one of the most frequented viewpoints in Phuket
  • Of the many temples found on Phuket island, the Wat Chalong temple is the largest and most revered
  • A tour of a cashew nut factory in Phuket is a must for cashew nut lovers. The Cashew nut is a native produce that is grown in Phuket and other pro...
  • Old Phuket Town, is an area of historical interest in Phuket City
  • Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket

Which stops make the cut depends on the departure: the Phuket itinerary changes between the morning and afternoon runs. Karon Viewpoint — known locally as Khao Saam Haad, or “Three Beaches Hill,” overlooking Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon — is skipped entirely on the Afternoon Sunset Tour. Old Phuket Town, with its Sino-Portuguese shophouses along Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk and Yaowarat, gets a proper 45-minute walk on the afternoon route; the morning tour only drives through.

Both versions cover Patong Beach, Wat Chalong — Phuket’s largest and most-revered temple, built in 1837 and still known formally as Wat Chaitararam — a cashew nut factory stop with free sampling, and the 45-metre white marble Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill. All entrance fees, insurance, a local Thai guide, hotel transfer and air-conditioned minivan transport are included; only gratuities are left out, and they’re optional.

Each booking is a private departure — exclusive to the traveler’s own group of up to 15 — run by operator I Asia Thailand, with morning and afternoon options covering the itinerary differences above. At 290 reviews and a 4.5 rating, it’s a well-tested itinerary rather than a new addition to the operator’s roster.

Key Facts:
  • Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Price: From $77
  • Group size: Up to 15 people, private departure
  • Rating: 4.5 (290 reviews)
  • Includes: Entrance fees, guide, insurance, hotel transfer, minivan transport
  • Excludes: Gratuities (optional)
  • Cancellation: Full refund up to 24 hours before departure

Insider Tip: book the afternoon departure if Old Phuket Town’s architecture is the priority — it’s a full walking stop rather than a drive-by, and the tour reaches Big Buddha and Wat Chalong later in the day.

Itinerary

1

Patong Beach is the true heart of Phuket, and what makes it so attractive to many. Patong is big, bold, crowded, bright and loud. And yet millions of people flock here every year like flies on honey. If Bangkok is the Big Mango, then Patong is the Big Durian: you’ll love Patong!

2

Karon Viewpoint is one of the most frequented viewpoints in Phuket. From here, it is possible to take in views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches. Karon Viewpoint is not visited on the Afternoon Sunset Tour. Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, the viewpoint is busy most days of the year and is a staple of many tour itineraries. Called locally ‘Khao Saam Haad’ (Three Beaches Hill), the local municipality for some reason has officially renamed it ‘Karon Viewpoint’. It’s located just to the south of Kata Noi Beach and looks out directly out to the Andaman Sea but most people have their cameras trained due north at the undeniably impressive eight-kilometre vista of the three west coast beaches in the background.

3

Of the many temples found on Phuket island, the Wat Chalong temple is the largest and most revered. The temple complex was built in its current location in 1837. Some remains of older structures have been found, however it is unknown exactly how old they are. The large grounds of Wat Chalong that is officially named Wat Chaitararam contains a viharn, a mondop, a ubosot, a chedi containing a secret relic, a sala and a crematorium.

4

A tour of a cashew nut factory in Phuket is a must for cashew nut lovers. The Cashew nut is a native produce that is grown in Phuket and other provinces of Southern Thailand, and are relatively cheap compared to prices in Western countries.

5

Old Phuket Town, is an area of historical interest in Phuket City. The main streets of Old Phuket Town are Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, and Yoawarat. Old Phuket Town is noted for Sino-Portuguese buildings on both sides of the street. During the Afternoon Tour we will stop and this will be a Walking Tour for about 45minutes. Only during the Morning Tour will we pass through some streets without actually stopping.

6

Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. It is probably at the top of everyone’s ‘Must-Do in Phuket‘, and for a good reason. The views from up there are breathtaking. The statue is built with people’s donation and is still under construction. If you feel like doing something to help to finish the broad base of the Buddha, you can sponsor a piece of white marble for 300 to 1,000 baht depending on the size.

Included

  • hotel_pickup
  • entrance_fees
  • guide
  • insurance
  • transport

Not Included

  • Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point & area

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Good to know

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What to bring

• Please note to visit your temple you should bring with you or wear clothing to cover your shoulders and legs.

Before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller • Specialized infant seats are available • Suitable for all physical fitness levels • Restroom facilities available • If you are being picked up in Rawai, you will be picked up after the tour stops at Patong Beach. • The last stop on the Morning Tour is at a Souvenir Shop. You may CHOOSE to stay here for as long as you want OR leave straight away, the choice is yours and your guide will see that you receive transportation back to your hotel as quickly as possible. • Infant seats are available but cannot be guaranteed. They are on a 'first booked-first served basis' • One of Phuket's largest sources of income comes from Cashew Nuts. A brief, yet popular, visit will be made to one of the island's first Cashew Nut factories. Enjoy free samples. Any purchases are optional and at your own expense

Frequently Asked Questions

What stops are included?
Patong Beach, Karon Viewpoint, Wat Chalong temple, a cashew nut factory with sampling, Old Phuket Town with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, and the 45-metre Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill.
How long is the tour?
5 hours 30 minutes with hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes — all entrance fees, a local Thai guide, insurance and transport are covered. Gratuities are optional.
How many people join a group?
Up to 15 people per group. For a dedicated vehicle, the operator also runs a private version of the same itinerary.
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