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MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
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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 Aquarium
Phuket Aquarium is located at Cape Phanwa, on the
island's extreme southeast. The aquarium displays
hundreds of exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colourful
marine species found in Phuket ’s teeming
waters. Open daily from 8.30 in the morning until
4 o’clock in the afternoon. A local bus can
be taken from the town’s fresh produce market.
Called 0-7639-1126 for more information.
Phuket Butterfly Farm and
Aquarium
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. |