Away from the coastline, Phuket's interior is considerably hillier and greener than its beach-town reputation suggests.
What's there
Rubber and pineapple plantations, patches of remaining rainforest around Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, and a ridge of hills running down much of the island's spine, offering several of the viewpoints covered in our viewpoints guide.
Why it's worth seeing
A useful contrast to the developed west coast — genuinely rural scenery within a short drive of the busiest beach towns, and the setting for activities like ATV tours, hiking trails and the island's waterfalls.
Living inland
This is also where much of Phuket's residential and long-stay community actually lives — see our Kathu guide and Chalong guide for the two main inland hubs.
How most visitors see it
Usually glimpsed en route between beach areas and Old Phuket Town, or specifically sought out via an ATV tour, a waterfall hike, or a drive up to one of the hillside viewpoints — rarely a standalone destination in itself.