Let me start by saying—Phuket is hot. Not just summer-in-the-city hot, but tropical, sun-soaked, sticky kind of hot. The kind of heat that wraps around you and doesn’t let go. But honestly, if you dress right and stay hydrated, the heat just becomes part of the adventure.

That morning, our ship anchored just offshore from Thailand’s largest island. Unlike many ports, Phuket doesn’t have a large cruise terminal, so we boarded a tender boat for the ride to shore. The water was calm, the sun already bright overhead, and the shoreline dotted with colorful traditional Thai fishing boats, their crews busy preparing nets for the day ahead.

After a short ride, we landed directly on the beach. As we stepped off the Patong Jetty, we were met by a flurry of activity—local guides holding signs, calling out tours and excursions, welcoming visitors in both English and Thai. I quickly found my tour group and joined them for a short walk through the town to our waiting tour bus. Once onboard, our guide pulled out a small map and gave us an overview of the day ahead—temples, scenic viewpoints, snacks, and local crafts.

Secret Cliff Resort & Restaurant

Our first stop took us along a winding coastal road to the Secret Cliff Resort & Restaurant, perched high above the sea. Even before we stepped off the bus, I could tell we were in for a view. The resort sits on a lush hillside, with panoramic vistas of the Andaman Sea and nearby beaches.

Inside, we were welcomed with a light snack and a cool beverage, a small but appreciated gesture. There was time to sit, relax, and take in the beautiful view. Between the sea breeze and the distant sound of waves crashing below, the moment felt calm and luxurious—an ideal start to our island day.

Laem Promthep – Viewpoints & a Shrine of Elephants

From there, we continued on to Laem Promthep, one of the most famous and photographed viewpoints in all of Phuket. The cliffs, the sea, and the open sky combined into a view that was absolutely worth the hype. The cape is known for being especially stunning at sunset, but even during the day, it’s spectacular.

After walking the path along the cliff, we came across something unexpected and unforgettable—a shrine surrounded by hundreds of elephant statues of every size and shape. This wasn’t just a random display—it was a deeply spiritual site known as the Brahma Shrine, dedicated to Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma.

In Thai culture, devotees often leave elephant figurines at Brahma shrines as a sign of thanks for answered prayers. The elephant symbolizes strength, wisdom, and good fortune, and the sheer number of offerings here told countless untold stories of hope, faith, and gratitude. It was one of the most unique spiritual sites I encountered on the trip.

A quick traveler’s tip: there’s a public restroom at this stop, but it’s BYOTP—bring your own toilet paper or plan to purchase some at a nearby kiosk.

Wat Lattiwanaram

Next, we visited Wat Lattiwanaram (วัดลัฎฐิวนาราม), a quiet and peaceful Buddhist temple nestled just outside the busy tourist zones. Unlike some of Thailand’s more visited temples, this one felt like a hidden gem—tranquil and surrounded by lush greenery.

As is customary, we removed our shoes before entering the main hall. Inside, we found golden Buddha statues and hand-painted murals. The scent of incense floated through the air, and monks in saffron robes moved silently across the temple grounds. It was a moment of peace and reflection that balanced the day’s energy beautifully.

Sribhurapa Orchid Co., Ltd. – Where Cashews Come to Life

Our next stop offered a tasty change of pace. At Sribhurapa Orchid Co., Ltd., we toured a small factory where we got to see cashew nuts processed entirely by hand—a surprisingly intricate and labor-intensive process.

What stood out most were the women cracking the nuts—quick, precise, and clearly skilled at what they did. They moved with rhythmic efficiency, breaking open each shell with practiced ease. Watching them work was like watching artisans at their craft—fast, focused, and impressive.

Of course, the tour ended with a tasting session and a well-stocked gift shop. There were sweet, spicy, and savory options—coconut-glazed, chili-roasted, and more. I walked out with a few bags tucked into my daypack (and let’s be honest, one of them didn’t make it past the bus ride back).

Coastal Free Time in Town

Back in town, we were given some free time to either shop, explore, or grab a bite by the beach. I opted to take it slow—wandered through a few shops selling souvenirs and local crafts, then and sat down on a seawall overlooking the water. Sometimes it’s during these quiet stretches that the day really settles in and stays with you.

Back to Patong Jetty

Eventually, it was time to return to Patong Jetty and catch the tender back to the ship. As the boat pulled away from shore, I looked back at the island—its hills rising in the distance, the temples tucked into the trees, the ocean shimmering below.

Phuket Day Trip: Temples, Cashews & Scenic Views

A Day On Penang Island, Malaysia