|
|
|
Place to Visit:
Phuket Island has many interesting places to visit, many of
which are easy to go to by motorbike or car. Please take the
time to explore and you will be rewarded by sights and
lasting impressions of the present and the past. |
 |
Khao Rang
A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the
island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by
going to the top of Kao Rang Hill, on the city's northwest.
There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular
views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts,
and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the
top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the
model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Antique Buildings (Talang Road)
The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century
led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops
still region, is described as Sino-Portuguese, and has a
strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very
narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many,
especially on Dibuk Rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese
fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be
called 'Old Phuket', with similar structures are Phang-nga,
Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area
is easy and delightful.
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Phuket Aquarium
More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at
the aquarium, many of them taken from the waters around
Phuket. Open daily, 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., the island's
extreme southeast; admission is 5 baht for children and 20
baht for adults. A Songtaew (local bus) can be taken from
the Talad Soht, or Fresh Market.
Location: Panwa Cape |
 |
Sapan Hin
A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now
used for parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin located
where Phuket Rd. meets the sea in Phuket Town. 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 tin dredge to Phuket in
1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of 60
th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. The Sport Center
is located in the park.
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Sirey Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Klong Ta Jin, a
shallow mangrove swamp this twenty square kilometer island
is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Koh Sirey on the
hill has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views
the surroundings. Phuket’s largest settlement of Sea Gypsies
or Chao Lay are on Koh Sirey at Laem Tuk-kae Swimming is not
good because of the muddy bottom, There are some popular
seafood restaurants on the Eastern Shore.
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Phuket Port
If you want to see water commercial trading and seafood
tender of Phuket and also see many style of Thai Boat should
come here about 6:30-7:00 AM. But the tender of seafood will
open from 3:00 AM.- 9:00 PM
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Perhaps the world’s most valuable collection of seashells
has been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach
on the island’s southwestern shores. The emphasis is on
shells from Phuket and Thai waters which are among the most
sough-after by collectors however shells from every part of
the world are featured Wherever they originate each shell in
the Shell is the best of its type very often the only of its
type. Displays ha e been created in a logical order, and
visitors can see at once differing characteristics among
related species. The Shell museum is open daily from
8:00a.m. Till 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rawai (South Phuket Island) |
 |
Prom Thep Cape
“Prom” is Thai for the Hindu “Brahma” signifying purity, and
“Thep” means “God” Promthep is a headland stretching in to
the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has
been a prominent feature for mariners since of early
seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey’s
have been found all along the Malay-peninsula’s west coast.
From Rawai Beach turn right and to for 2 kms. The cape has
tall cliffs on the south and was formerly called by local
villagers “laem Jao” (The Gods’ cape). From the cliffs
running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of today
palm trees.
Location: Rawai (South Phuket Island) |
 |
View
Point
From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata, and
Karon, and also Koh Poo Island. It is one of the island’s
best views.
A large public sala or shelter is there for visitors, and
several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area
when the weather is nice. The Viewpoint is between Kata and
Nai Harn
Location: Kata (South Phuket Island) |
 |
Fresh Market
To see fresh Thai seafood, vegetable, deserts food etc.
I believe you will never see the things like this before. It
is interesting
You will have fun to look! And you also can see Phuket life,
Phuket Culture located in Phuket town the market start from
5:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. (in day time) open every day
You can tell the taxi to go to “TALAD SOD” it mean fresh
market
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Night Market
To see the local Thai & Chinese & Muslim food and also Thai
dessert
It very delicious food and very interest test (street food)
You can tell the taxi to go to “TALAD Kased”
Location: Phuket town |
 |
Phuket Zoo
Thai animal may be interesting for you and your family to
see
Thai elephant show, Monkey show, crocodile show, bird etc.
Open daily 8:30A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Location: Palai (South central Phuket Island)
|
 |
Thalang National Museum
Ancient artifacts from Phuket’s long history are on display.
The oldest were found on the West Coast. In addition there
are exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang
involving the Two Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the
Sea Gypsy culture. Open daily except holidays 8:30 AM. -4:00
PM.
Located just east of the Two Heroines Monument on the Pa
Khlok Road.
Location: Talang |
 |
Monument of Heroines Sisters,
“THAO THEP KRASATTRI and THAO SI SUNTHORN”
Location: Talang (Central Phuket Island) |
 |
Chalong Temple
Is about 8 Kms. Outside town. Take Vichit Songkram Rd. to
the Bypass Rd. and turn left this is where stands the cast
statue of Luang Por Cham, Who helped the people of Phuket
put down the Ahngyee or Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876
during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang
Por Chuang, and Luang Por Gluam, other monks who were abbots
of the temple during later times and who are the objects of
respect and recipients of offerings by Phuket people
generally.
Location: Talang (Central Phuket Island) |
 |
Pra Tong Temple
This shrine encloses a golden statue of Buddha that sprang
up from beneath the earth long ago. The story is of a young
boy who tied his buffalo to what he thought was a post
It was in an area at that time given over to the raising of
animals. After doing so, he fell down in agony and died. The
father of the boy dreamed that the reason his son had died
was for he sin of tying a filthy buffalo to a sacred object,
that what the boy thought was a post was in reality the
golden peak of the Buddha's conical cap. He told his
neighbors the dream and they all went out to dig up the
statue but had no success.
Later, at the time of Thao Thep Kasatri's heroic defense
against the Burmese in 1785, the invaders tried to succeed
where the villagers had failed their intention was to take
the statue back to Burma. Sacred objects and slaves were
then the most sought after spoil for armies. Holy statues
brought good luck to their possessors and the slaves were
used for work and to populate places that lacked inhabitants
a frequent problem for rulers in Southeast Asia who had a
great deal of land but very few subjects. The Burmese,
however, were unable to retrieve the golden Buddha despite
several attempts. They were finally driven off by a swarm of
angry hornets. |
 |
Pra Nahng Sahng Temple
The grounds of this historic temple are where the Battle of
Thalang took place in 1785. Inside are three very old
statues wrought in tin of the Buddha they are the largest
such in the world and date from a time when tin was regarded
as a semi-precious metal. The bellies o the three big
statues each contain a smaller statue, from which derives
their name, “Monks in the Belly’s local vernacular, or ‘The
Three Kings ‘ in formal language. Located on Thep Krasatri
Rd. in Thalang Town at the traffic light |
 |
Bang Pae Water fall
Best known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, A project to
return domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a
small waterfall with a shady forest and thick foliage
surrounding. To get there go to the Two Heroines Monument
and take the road running east the Pa Khlok Road, 7 kms. to
Bang Pae look for the posted signs.
Location: Talang
|
 |
Kathu Water fall
Location: Kathu
Located in Kathu, near Loch Palm golf course. From Patong,
drive out over the big hill on to Wichitsongkram Road. Turn
left at the traffic lights (there is a Caltex Gasoline
Station on the right hand corner) on to Road 4020. Drive on
about 1km and take the left hand turn signposted to the
waterfall. If you reach the golf course, you have missed the
turn. Drive to the car park at the end of the road.
There are restaurants and food stalls by the car park. Next
to the car park runs a stream of cascading water and a
couple of small drop pools where you can take a dip. Take a
look at the cascade and then cross the bridge over the
stream and climb the steps up the hill. About halfway up the
steps are two large artificial drop pools created by two
brick wall dams. For most of the year, there is not enough
water to fill them but in September and October, they are
usually full of water and a great place for a swim. You can
continue to the top of the steps and along a footpath for
views of the water falling down the hill.
|
 |
Ton Sai Water fall
A small falls over which pours a great volume of water
during the rainy season. The Trees, watercourses, and pools
nearby provide one of Phuket's loveliest scenes. The park
headquarters and a small restaurant with an excellent view
are also at Ton Sai. Located near Thalang Town 22 kms. from
Phuket Town. Go to the traffic light and take the road
running east look for posted sign inciting Kao Pra Taew
Location: East of Talang |
| |
Phuket Beaches & Local Islands
Phuket
Island is surrounded by many beautiful beaches, some long,
some short, some with big surf and some with wonderful
corals that are teeming with brillant tropical fishes.
|
 |
Patong Beach
This is Phuket’s central tourist and nighttime entertainment
district. Over the years, Patong has turned from a fishing
village into one of the island’s two cities. The famous bay
and 4 km. Beach remain as they wherewith development limited
to the area back of the beach road. There, however,
virtually every kind of entertainment imaginable awaits
visitors, with bars catering to every nationality. Live
music can be found in many places, and there are also
discotheques. Accommodations range from budget to five-star.
Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. Whatever one’s
culinary disposition, a restaurant catering to it will be
found.
|
 |
Rawai Beach
Site of a Chao Ley or Sea Gypsy village, many restaurants
and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and
charter boats. The waters are okay for swimming snorkeling
on the reefs off shore. Rawai is 7 kms. West of Chalong
Circle
|
 |
Nai Harn Beach
A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry
Season. The beach is fine but big waves strike it during the
wet season, making swimming dangerous. “Regular bus service
to and from Phuket Town during daytime. Nai Harn is just
north of Prom Thep |
 |
Kata Beach
The smallest of Phuket’s three main tourist beaches, Kata is
different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The
beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering
it are low-rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at
the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and
fishes, which stretches out toward Koh Poo. Is about 1/2 km
off shore. Facilities, for every price range, include
hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and
clubs. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during
daytime.
|
 |
Kata Noi Beach
South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few
hotels and little other development. The beach is superb.
Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beach less
shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow
beach road up over the hill from Kata
|
 |
Karon Beach
The second largest of Phuket’s principal tourist beaches.
Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but
the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The
sand is very white and squeaks audibly when walked on. The
southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata
and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other
Non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic
circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the
back road with the beach road. Karon is the most up-scale of
Phuket’s beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from
Phuket Town.
|
 |
Kamala Beach
Kamala is a Muslim fishing village north of Patong. Tourist
development on the beach Much of which is covered by a
Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in
coming. Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool
off in the afternoon. The beach is beautiful and about 2 kms.
In length. There are accommodations ranging from guesthouse
to international class, and a number of small Thai
restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala
is the perfect place to get away from it all and has little
to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the
mountains to Patong.
|
 |
Kalim Beach
This beach is really a continuation north of Patong’s
strand, from which it is separated by some rocks. It is not
yet developed and thus affords some privacy. Backs of the
beach are accommodations. The waters contain extensive coral
reefs.
|
 |
Surin Beach
Evergreen trees rim this small, curving bay beneath the
foothills north of Kamala. Surin is home to Phuket’s first
golf course, a nine-hole course lay out more than sixth
years ago during the reign of King Rama VII. It is now
largely in disuse except as a park. The steep incline of the
beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous
place to swim during the rainy season. Located at the end of
Sri Suntorn Road, The Road running west from the Two
Heroines Monument, 24 kms. from Phuket Town. Accommodation
and restaurants are nearby.
|
 |
Singh Cape Beach
The name means Lion’s Point in English in this case, the
mythical, stylized lion of Chinese literature, not the
African variety there have never been any lions found in
Thailand. The beach is in a small, curving bay with rocky
headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among
Phuket’s most beautiful. Located about 1 kms. South of the
entrance to Surin Beach. Look for signs indicating the path
down to the beach.
|
 |
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phuket’s longest
beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been
developed into a luxury resort. The Laguna complex, a
massive five-hotel development with golf course, occupies
most of it. There are however, accommodations available
outside Laguna at he bay’s south end. Dry season swimming is
excellent, and at the bay’s north end is a smaller bay,
almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some
fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and
other tourist facilities available either at Laguna or in
the nearby town of Cherng Talay
|
 |
Nai Ton Beach
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine
strip of sand. There are some accommodations but virtually
no other business. It’s often nearly deserted. Located
between Bang Tao Bay and Nai Yang.
From Thep Krasatri Road. Turn at the first traffic light
north of Thalang Town heading west, which is the Nai Yang
Road (so called because it passes through rubber
plantations, or yahng in Thai) Look for signs indicating the
turn-off to Nai Ton.
|
 |
Nai Yang Beach
This is where the National Park offices are located. The
beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens
that provide shade to picnickers for which activity this is
a very popular spot.
The large coral reef is home to many different species of
fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles
come to lay their eggs during the period from November to
February. The population of these has, however, dropped off
greatly. First class accommodations are available, and small
food vendors Cater to the many day-trippers that visit. To
get there take the Nai Yang Road. And look for signs
indicating the park entrance.
|
 |
Mai Khao Beach
Many kilometers of deserted beach characterize Mai Khao.
There is little tourist business. The water is fine for
swimming during. The dry season. The rainy season brings big
waves and strong currents that are dangerous. This lonely
beach is another where sea turtles. Come to lay eggs. It is
also home to what the Thais call a sea cicada, which is a
form of marine life. To get there go to the northern tip of
Phuket the beach lies along the road’s length
|
 |
Sai Kaew Beach
This strip of sand is really just the northern portion of
Mai Khao Beach and has much the same character. Located west
of the bridges spanning the channel between Phuket and Phang
Nga provinces. |
Islands Near Phuket
Phuket Island
is surrounded by 32 smaller islands, many of which are
without people, many which are cultivated with palm
plantations, and many of which have their own sandy beaches
and tropical coral reefs. Some of these islands have
bungalows and resorts, others can be only visted by small
speedboats or local long-tail boats.
|
|
 |
Mai Ton Island
This tiny island off Phuket’s southeast coast is highly
prized for its still perfect natural environment, including
fine white beaches and crystal waters ideal for swimming,
diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the
plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay
overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makam
deep sea Port. |
 |
Khai Island
Lying off Phuket’s East Coast this small island has lovely
beaches and tropical reefs so close that you can wade out to
observe colorful fishes and sea urchins. |
 |
Tapao Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket’s
southeast coast. The island is home to the Burettes
hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Jao Fah Road.
To the Sakdidet Road. Intersection, turn left on Sakdidet
and follow it 8 kms. To Ao Makam. The road splits in the
vicinity of oil storage facilities take the left fork about
200 meters to the Koh Tapao ferry pier.
Dining and Accommodations available on the island. |
 |
Kaew Island
A fine beach, natural surroundings and coral are on this
little island 3 kms. From Rawai, south of Prom Thep. There
is also a giant statue of the Buddha. The island is 15
minutes by chartered boat from Rawai |
 |
Lohn Island
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular
passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket.
The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and
coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the
northeast coast. Boats to Koh Lohn leave daily in the early
morning from Chalong Pier |
 |
Coral Island or Hey Island
This island off Phuket’s south coast is so well known for
its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral
island.
In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches
on the north and west. Koh Heh is part of a marine preserve,
but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports, and
diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chlong.
There are also package tours available. |
 |
Raya Islands or Racha islands
Two islands running roughly northeast southwest off Phuket’s
southern coast.
|
 |
Raya Yai Island
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hills
that stretch away from it like two arms of a horseshoe
called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The sands
are sparkling clean and the water crystal clear like those
of the Similan Islands. From the top of a hill on the bay’s
south is a viewpoint from which the whole island can be
seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay is a coral reefed where
diving is excellent.
|
 |
Rang Yai Island
Lying off Phuket’s East Coast this small island has been
developed for the out-of-doors-minded tourist. Among the
many activities are sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing
miniature golf, and visiting the island’s pearl farm. For
travel to Koh Rahng Yai, boat may be hired from Laem Hin
Pier, just outside Phuket Town before the town of Sapam or
from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package Tours are available
|
 |
Coconut Island
Lying off Phuket’s East Coast this small island has been
used for coconut plantations and is now under development
for resorts and private housing. |
| |
|
|
