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.
