| Ao Chalong
Ao Chalong , Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's
larest bay, is 11 kilometres south of the town. It is very picturesque
but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some
small island south of Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the
road leading to the bay.
Ao Sen or Sen Bay
A small bay next to Nai Han past the Phuket Yacht Club is Ao Sen
or Sen Bay , peaceful and picturesque with white, clean sand.
Hat Karon and Hat Kata
20 kilometres and 17 kilometres respectively from town are Hat Karon
and Hat Kata . Both beaches are long and peaceful and eminently
suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
Hat Nai Han
Hat Nai Han is located next to Phromthep Cape about 18 kilometres
from town. Although not so long, the beach has white, clean sand.
Beyond the beach is a swamp called Nong Han. Not recommended for
swimming during May-October because of the Monsoon season.
Khao Rang
Khao Rang , a small hill northeast of the town, provides a pleasant
view of town while dining, and has a Fitness Park, a series of hillside
sculptural tableaux which enhance calisthenics.
Ko Kaeo
Ko Kaeo is an offshore isle about 3 kilometres out from Rawai beach
and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat. It offers picturesque
beaches and underwater scenery. There is also a replica of the Holy
Footprint on the island.
Ko Si-re
Ko Si-re , a twenty-square kilometre island, separated from the
main island only by the small Thachin canal, is some 4 kilometres
northeast of the town and hosts the biggest Sea Gypsy village in
Phuket.
Laem Ka
Laem Ka , at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay, is suitable for
swimming.
Phromthep or Phromthep Cape
The nearby Laem Phromthep or Phromthep Cape forms Phuket ’s
southern most point and is the perfect place from which to enjoy
spectacular sunsets and the sea.
Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium is
Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium is only 3 kilometres from town
via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. It has a fascinating
collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies, insects, marine
life all arranged in natural surroundings. It is open daily from
9 p.m.-5 p.m. Tel: 0-7621-5616, 0-7621-0861
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island's
southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Thai waters,
which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells
from every part of the world are featured. There are numerous rarities
and freaks including the world's largest golden pearl (140 karats),
large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils, and
a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. The museum is open daily from
8 a.m. till 7 p.m. Tel: 0-7638-1266 or 0- 7638-1274
Phuket town
Phuket town serves mainly as a dormitory and shopping centre. Splendid
colonial style residences built by late 19th-century tin and rubber
barons and shophouses from the same period provide distinctive character.
Phuket Zoo
Phuket Zoo ,located on the way to Chalong Bay, contains a collection
of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows
are performed every day. Call 0-7638-1337, 0- 7638-1227 for details.
Rawai Beach
To the south, the palm-fringed Rawai Beach about 17 kilometres from
town hosts Phuket ’s Chao Le people (sea gypsies). Several
offshore islands have gleaming white beaches and dazzling underwater
scenery which attract fishing enthusiasts and scuba-divers.
To the south, the palm-fringed Rawai Beach about 17 kilometres from
town hosts Phuket ’s Chao Le people (sea gypsies). Several
offshore islands have gleaming white beaches and dazzling underwater
scenery which attract fishing enthusiasts and scuba-divers.
Saphan Hin
Saphan Hin is a public park near the sea at the end of Phuket Road.
In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill
bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the
Australian who brought the first in dredge to Phuket in 1909.
Thai Village and Orchid Farm
Thai Village and Orchid Farm , on Thepkasattri Road about 3 kilometres
from town, serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed
by a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances, sword-fighting,
Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also
on display. Call 0-7621-4860, 0- 7623-7400 for details.
The View Point
The View Point is located mid-point between Nai Han and Kata beaches.
The scenic Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, and Ko Pu Island can
be viewed from this point.
Wat Chalong
Wat Chai Tararam, or Wat Chalong, is the most popular temple in
Phuket. Built in 1837, a recent additon to the temple is a 61.4-meter
high chedi containing the Phra Borom Sareerikatat relic, a piece
of Buddha’s bones brought over from Sri Lanka. Combining the
architectural styles from the Southern, Central and Northeastern
Thailand, the chedi is the first in this region to house this holy
relic.
|