Thailand is the ultimate destination for travelers to enjoy the beautiful creations of The Almighty. As an exciting place with exotic flavors, lovely beaches, friendly locals and lots of halal food, most Muslim travelers often head to this country to enjoy the charm of its beauty. We visited the country in June 2019 and surely had the best time.
Why should Muslims visit Phuket?
When you hear about Phuket, you might relate it to beaches and nightlife. However, from halal food to Muslim friendly resorts, I believe that Phuket has a lot for Muslim travelers as well.
Most travelers stay close to Patong beach because it is near to the bustling center with many resorts and popular spots to party at night. So, for Muslim travelers, there are many quieter beaches with a calm atmosphere and pristine waters like Nai Harn beach and Karon beach.
There are many great options to enjoy the delicious and halal Thai cuisine. You will also find many Muslim-friendly resorts that are actually owned by Muslims and offer halal amenities.
Best Muslim Friendly Beaches in Phuket
Karon beach
This lovely peaceful beach with calm, clear water is quite loved by the tourists, mostly families. It is less popular as compared to the neighboring Patong beach. Therefore, you’ll get away from the usual crowd and get a good chance to immerse yourself in nature. The rocky area around the beach is considered best for snorkeling.
Kamala beach
The calm and shallow waters of this beach are ideal for families who are looking for a much peaceful atmosphere unlike the Patong beach nearby. Muslims can surely enjoy a lot on this beach as it is still one of the quietest and the most relaxing beaches.
Nai Harn beach
This quiet and serene beach is known for its soft sand and is best for Muslim travelers who don’t want to get mixed with the crowd. Located on the very south of Phuket, it is considered as one of the best and the most beautiful beaches. The hillside around the beachfront adds to the scenic beauty of this place. Nai Harn beach is more popular amongst the local people and is not commercialized by the tourists yet.
Famous Night Markets in Phuket
Chillva Market
This colorful market is one of the best markets in Phuket. It is more known amongst local people. Here, you’ll get a good number of Instagram worthy pictures. The market features almost everything from food stalls to clothing, beauty items, souvenirs etc.
LOCATION: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, ThailandOPEN: Monday –Saturday from 5pm to 11pm (closed on Sundays)Phuket Walking Street Market
Massive Walking Street market is held over the weekends in Phuket Old Town. You can walk through the street with shops on both sides selling various items that highlight the Thai culture. Located between the Sino-Portuguese houses, you’ll find clothes, fabric, food and drinks, accessories and almost everything.
Traveler Tip: In these local markets, you can bargain and get things for lower prices.
LOCATION: Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, ThailandOPEN: weekendsCentral Festival Phuket
Central Festival Phuket is the largest entertainment and shopping Centre in Phuket. From Patong, the mall is on the left just before the main crossroads to the city. The air-conditioned mall includes a huge Central Department Store, Central Food Hall; a deli and supermarket, Food Court with fast-food chains, Central Shopping gallery (circular area with local and international brands), and SFX Cinemas.
Traveler Tip: The mall is filled with people on weekends (especially at lunch-time) and rainy days when there is nowhere else to go!
LOCATION: 74-75 Wichitsongkran Road - Phuket (Phuket Town)OPEN: 10:30 A.M. - 10:00 P.MLimelight Avenue Phuket
This newest, modern shopping mall is situated in the heart of Phuket Town on New Dubik street. After you are done with the bustling night markets and the beaches, this place is perfect to stop by for a much relaxing shopping trip.
LOCATION: 2/23 Dibuk Road, Muang, Phuket 83000, ThailandOPEN: Daily from 10am - 10pmHalal Eateries in Phuket
Marina Kitchen Phuket
It is a chic restaurant that offers a view of the lake along with a variety of authentic Halal Thai food. You must try the Thai-style omelet and mango salad that is served with steamed rice.
LOCATION: 5/3 Moo 4, Koh Keaw, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, ThailandOPEN: Thursday–Tuesday from 7am to 4pmMakan Buffet Halal Restaurant
Makan Buffet Phuket is a western restaurant that serves an extensive variety of cuisines that are all halal by ingredients and preparation. The restaurant has an open-air sitting area and I must say- Do try Hainanese Chicken rice and Satay.
LOCATION: 15/130 Moo 1, Wichit Songkram Road, Kathu, Phuket 83120, ThailandOPEN: 4PM TO 10:30 PMKataturk Turkish Restaurant
This halal Turkish restaurant is a great place to try something other than Thai food. Kataturk is known for its welcoming atmosphere and halal dishes that attract foodies. It also serves famous Thai dishes as well.
LOCATION: 45/33 Soi Khoktanod, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83130, ThailandOPEN: 12PM TO 11PMApart from beaches, resorts, nightlife, and food in Phuket, you can take day trips to different islands like Phi Phi Island or James Bond Island. I would recommend not to book these day trips online rather buy them from official local companies just a day or two before so that if the weather is bad then you can cancel. This way you can even bargain because the sellers usually give higher rates to tourists.
BONUS: If you really hate the crowds and want to enjoy nature rather alone or peacefully then I would advise you to go to the beach around sunrise. Early mornings are stunning, the weather is also cool and most importantly the streets are quiet. Attention usually goes to sunsets but sunrises have the same glory.
I hope this helps you with your plans and you have a lovely halal holiday in Phuket!