When you picture Phuket, you probably imagine yourself relaxing on a white sandy beach, listening to the sound of the waves lapping at the shore. There’s no doubt that the Thai island is one of the world’s most popular destinations for a relaxing holiday, but did you know Phuket has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches? Get away from the crowds of sunbathing tourists and explore this spectacular island a little – you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views, picturesque streets, stunning landscapes and so much more. Visit the Big Buddha Perched on top of the Nakkerd Hills, the imposing Phuket Big Buddha stands at 45 metres tall (148 feet) – that’s a whole 11 metres taller than Hong Kong’s Tian Tan Buddha – and can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach. This stunning monument can be reached by travelling up a windy road by scooter or by foot. Although strenuous, the journey is absolutely worth it – you’ll be able to admire the Buddha’s white jade marble up close and look out at magnificent views over the whole island, and beyond. Would you pay US$8,280 a night to stay at Phuket’s X24 super villa? Explore Old Phuket Town Phuket also boasts a gorgeous old town where you can find everything from hipster coffee shops to ornate Chinese Taoist shrines. Small enough to traverse on foot, you can wander through the streets and admire Sino-Portuguese architecture that gives the area its distinctive flair. Make sure you visit Soi Romanee, a former red light district which is now one of the most charming streets in Phuket. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery tour As you lie on Phuket’s sandy white beaches, you may find yourself craving a refreshing mojito or two. Why not satisfy those cravings with a visit to a local rum distillery? Chalong Bay Rum is a distillery in south Phuket that produces world-renowned white rum, combining traditional French methods with Thai sugar cane. Learn about the entire process, from growing the sugar cane to bottling the rum by hand, with a guided tour – including a tasting session and Chalong Bay mojito, of course. 2 wellness retreats – in Phuket and Bali – that will help you find focus Cocktail making class Keep the drinks flowing with a cocktail making class while you’re in Phuket. Chalong Bay also offers a cocktail workshop so that you can learn how to make a refreshing rum cocktail like a pro. Or for something a little different, join a class at The Boathouse Restaurant. This popular restaurant boasts an amazing beachfront location, so you can try your hand at crafting a tropical cocktail with The Boathouse’s mixologists using the freshest ingredients, while also admiring beautiful ocean views. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park If you can tear yourself away from the white sands of Phuket and venture into the lush tropical jungle surrounding the island, you will be rewarded by breathtaking landscapes that will also help you escape the heat. Khao Phra Theo National Park is an untouched rainforest that offers great hiking, where you will find gushing waterfalls, unique wildlife and more. You can trek through this gorgeous forest on your own, but for a truly memorable experience, you can walk with a guide who will help you spot wildlife like the Asian fairy-bluebird, the Malayan sun bear and the Muntjac deer. Want more stories like this? Sign up here . Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter This article originally appeared on Luxury Escapes .