Most people come to Phuket for the beaches, while others enjoy the nightlife. But here's what often surprises first-time visitors: roughly 35% of the island's population is Muslim, and their endearing presence has shaped Phuket's identity for centuries. Islam is Thailand's second-largest religion, and you'll feel its influence everywhere once you start paying attention. The call to prayer drifts through neighborhoods five times daily, roti and khao mok gai vendors set up on street corners, and women in headscarves chat outside schools while their kids greet visitors with a warm smile.

In Phuket, mosques are called Masjid (mut-sa-yid), and when you visit a mosque in Phuket, you see a side of Phuket and Thai culture that’s far beyond its postcard image. Different faiths have coexisted in Thailand for centuries, and these majestic buildings hold a special place among Thai people.

 

Muslim Heritage in Phuket

 

 

Muslims from Thailand came here to trade from the Malay Peninsula, residing in fishing villages and establishing communities that continue to flourish. The island’s architecture, southern Thai dialect, and food all show the influence of the roughly 50 mosques serving the Muslim community. The popular Massaman curry is a Muslim contribution - so are those late-night rotis and that delicious satay. 

In true Thai fashion, the community proudly celebrates Hari Raya Puasa with traditional processions that wind through the streets, and during Ramadan, night markets appear selling special dishes you won't find any other time of year. And unlike other aspects of Phuket, this culture’s authenticity has been preserved and hasn’t been influenced by a tourist economy. 

 

Masjid Mukaram (The Biggest Mosque in Phuket)

Masjid Mukaram is the biggest mosque in Phuket and serves as the spiritual center for the island's Muslim community. Located in Bang Tao, this mosque has deep roots with one of Phuket's oldest Muslim fishing communities and families who've practiced their faith there for generations.

The architecture has a distinct Southeast Asian design with traditional Arabian influence, featuring a Thai-style roof joined with Islamic arches and Arabic calligraphy. Its design reflects the cultural blend of the island itself. 

Bang Tao's location on the west coast means you'll likely pass through if you're exploring Phuket's beach areas. The neighborhood around the mosque serves the daily life of the community, with small restaurants serving halal southern Thai dishes, kids playing after school, old men gathering for tea and conversation. With permission, you can photograph the outside of the mosque.

 

Masjid Yameay

 

Masjid Yameau serves Phuket Town with a towering minaret and turquoise dome visible from blocks away. Located just south of Phuket Town, this Phuket mosque sees its busiest activity during Friday prayers and Ramadan, drawing congregations from across the area.

What makes Masjid Yameay convenient to visit is its location. Phuket Town is a short walk away, as is the Sunday Walking Street Market and about a dozen local restaurants worth trying. You can easily include this mosque as part of a larger day exploring Phuket Town's cultural sites.

If you're already exploring Phuket Town, then it is worth stopping by, though remember that shoulders and knees must be covered, and women must wear headscarves (they keep extras at the entrance if you don’t have one).

 

Masjid Al-Madina

Masjid Al-Madina and its gilded dome rise above the shophouses and markets. This mosque in Phuket Town follows traditional Southeast Asian Islamic architecture—wide verandas, open-air spaces built for the tropical heat, details designed for function as much as beauty. Built originally by Muslims who came from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Masjid Al-Madina was recently renovated to accommodate 1000 people at a time, signifying its importance to the local community.

Visitors are welcome between outside prayer times, though do keep in mind this is an active house of prayer. You'll have space to appreciate the prayer hall's details and the courtyard where community members gather between prayers. Same respectful etiquette with modest dress, quiet demeanor, ask before taking photos inside.

 

Masjid Nurul Islam Patong (Phuket Mosque Patong Beach)

 

Masjid Nurul Islam Patong - also known as Phuket Mosque Patong Beach - sits just a minute up the road from Patong beach, serving Muslim workers from the hotels and restaurants and any Muslim tourists who need a place to pray. The mosque is small but welcoming, with separate entrances for men and women.

The design is modest, practical rather than ornate, but the location tells a bigger story. The call to prayer acts as a reminder that Phuket is rich in diversity and its multi-culturism makes it unique

 

Tips for Visiting Mosques in Phuket

Dress modestly: long pants or skirts past the knees; shirts covering your shoulders; women need a headscarf. Most mosques in Phuket keep extra scarves for visitors who forget, but bring your own to be safe.

Timing is important as well. It’s best to avoid the five daily prayer times, as those are when mosques are reserved for worshippers. Prayer times shift with the seasons, but noon and 5 PM are generally busy. Friday midday prayers also draw the biggest crowds, so skip those as a casual visitor.

Remember to always be respectful when engaging in photography and only within permissible areas.

 

Strike a Balance at Andamanda

As mentioned, Phuket has over 50 Islamic places of worship scattered across the island. If you are a practicing Muslim visiting the island, you can rest assured that you will have a place of worship seemingly anywhere you are. Those who are not Muslim may find that visiting these mosques is an accessible entry point into understanding the island's religious diversity and the layers of culture that have shaped Phuket for centuries.

After spending time with Phuket's cultural heritage, balance your itinerary with another top thing to visit in Thailand: Andamanda Waterpark. Our adventure park brings Thai mythology to life through 25 attractions celebrating the region's legends – it is cultural exploration and family fun in one.