Chalong Bay
This bay, which has the island’s largest and most
visited pier, is located 11 kilometers south of town. From
this pier, holidaymakers can get chartered boats to some
nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with
dive shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants.
Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience,
swimming is not recommended here. Accommodations are available
at the Phuket Youth Hostel.
Ao Sein Bay
Often
overlooked due to its proximity to Naiharn, and because
the connecting road runs through and under the Meridien
Phuket Yacht Club, Ao Sein has a wan air of long lost glamour
to it. Those who visited the island two decades ago recall
that it was once one of the most popular and populace of
the island's southern beaches, and the bungalow operations
still in situ attest to its headier days. Today, a treacherous
road - suitable only for experienced motorbike riders and
four-wheel drive trucks - runs down to the small beach of
sand and boulders and its cheif appeal is the epic view
it offers of Naiharn and Promthep Cape
Dino Park
An 18-hole mini-golf course is located beside Marina
Cottage on Karon Beach. The golf course is set in a prehistoric
atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy golfing in a world
out of time. Take an adventurous trip to the world of Dinosaurs
at the Dino Park, an entertainment and dining complex. Call
076 330493-7 or visit www.dinopark.com for more information.
Karon Beach (20 & 17 km from
town)
The
second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches. Large resort
complexes line the road behind of the shoreline, but the
long, broad beach itself has no development. The sand is
very white, and squeaks audibly when walked upon. The southern
point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu
Island.
Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses
are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the
south end, on the little road connecting the back road with
the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has
a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini
Golf facillity. Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches.
There is a regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket
Town.
Kata Beach (20 & 17 km from
town)
Located
approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi
(Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned
for snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the
sea’s eco-system. Also worth visiting is Ko Pu, a small
uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find
snorkeling along the island’s rich coral reef enjoyable.
Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches.
Accommodations on Hat Kata are set amidst tropical and cliff
settings. Visitors can choose to stay in budget to top end
accommodations according to their preference. Well known
hotels located here are Club Med and the Boathouse.
For more information on how to get there, please refer
to the transportation section in Hat Karon.
Nai Harn Beach (18 km from town)
South of Kata Noi and north of Promthep Cape, Naiharn is
not Phuket's longest beach, but it borders the most gorgeous
lagoon on the island. The middle of the beach is dominated
by the Samnak Song Nai Han monastery, which has obstructed
excessive development and is the reason that the beach is
generally less crowded than other spots on the southern
part of the island.
A wide variety of water sports can be enjoyed, but swimmers
should be alert for the red flag which warns of dangerous
currents during the monsoon season from May to October.
One can walk to nearby Promthep Cape to observe sunsets,
which are often fiery and spectacular.
Rawai Beach (17 km from town)
Located
approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded,
more peaceful and less commercial beach with a second-to-none
pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established
community of Phuket ’s Chao Le people (sea gypsies).
In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats
to explore other offshore islands. Hat Laem Kha, located
to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for
those wishing to visit Ko Lon, and Ko He. Laem Phromthep,
Phuket’s landmark, is located at the southern end of
the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling.
Accommodations range from budget bungalows to middle range
resorts.
Getting to the Beach is easy by songthaeos, which cost
approximately 20 bahts / person / trip. Songthaeos depart
from the stop at the circle of Ranong Road, while chartered
tuk-tuks will cost more at 150 bahts / trip.
Khao Rang
A small hill located northeast of the town, Khao Rang
offers a fascinating view of Phuket City. Inside the park
is a fitness park, restaurants and souvenir shops. The statue
of Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, (Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong)
the Governor of Phuket between 1890 and 1909 is also situated
here.
Koh Bon
A small island located south of Phuket that is well
known for its long- stretch of white sandy beach set in
a secluded tropical ambience. Ideal for swimming, the island
is accessible by chartering a boat from Rawai Beach or Laem
Ka. No accommodations are provided.
Ko He
Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the island is famous
for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs which are
ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and
other water sports. As the island is not affected very much
by the monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to
the place year round. Ko He has become a popular one-day
tour from Phuket as it is only half an hour from the Chalong
Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral Island by tourists. Accommodations
and basic tourist facilities are available, contact the
TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information.
Koh Kaeo
A small island located approximately 3 kilometers from
Rawai Beach, south of Laem Phromthep where a replica of
the Lord Buddha’s Holy Footprint is enshrined. This
quiet, white, sandy beach complimented by rich coral reef
is a major tourist attraction. The island can be reached
by taking a 30-minute boat trip.
Koh Lon
A relatively large island located south of the city
close to Ao Chalong. Tranquil and undisturbed, the island
is perfect for those wishing to unwind and recharge. A typical
fishing village and a school are located on the island.
Accommodations are available. To get there, visitors can
take ferries which depart from Ao Chalong from 8.00 a.m.
Alternatively, they can charter long-tailed boats. The trip
takes approximately 20 minutes.
Ko Mai Thon
A small peaceful island located southeast of Phuket,
Ko Mai Thon is famous for its unique corals, crystal clear
water and relaxing ambience. The island is ideal for diving,
swimming or even fishing. Accommodations are available for
those wishing to stay in this enchanting, secluded den.
A one-day trip is also provided by travel agencies. There
are boats to Ko Mai Thon from Rawai Beach.
Koh Racha
The island consists of Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands
located south of Phuket. Ko Racha Yai (Big Racha) has an
enchanting beach located on the west between the valleys
that resembles horseshoes. The area is known as “Ao
Bungalow” which is famous for its white powdery beach
and crystal clear water. Visitors can marvel at the delightful
panoramic view of the whole island from the vantage point
at the peak of the mountain located south of the bay.
Ko Racha Yai is the ultimate place to explore the wonders
of the underwater world, especially at Ao Siam, Ao Tue and
Khon Kae. Accommodations are available.
Ko Racha Noi (Small Racha) is located just 10 kilometers
from Big Racha Island. Originating from the accumulation
of coral stones, the island has more rocky hills than beaches,
thus the island is more suitable for fishing. To get there,
visitors can charter long-tailed or speed boats from Chalong
Pier. Alternatively, they can buy a package tour from reliable
travel agencies.
Koh Si-re
An interesting site to visit where visitors can explore
the daily life of Chao Le as it is the oldest and biggest
community of Phuket’s sea gypsies. With an area of
approximately 20 square kilometers, the island is located
approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Phuket and is separated
from the main island only by the small Thachin Canal. The
mountain-top temple on the island houses a big Buddha image
in the reclining position. The island is not an ideal place
for swimming, but is perfect for discovering the sea gypsies’
way of life, especially at Laem Tukkae.
Laem Ka
This Cape is located approximately 16 kilometers from
the town center at the extreme southwest end of Chalong
Bay. Ideal for swimming, the beach is clean, quite and dotted
with rocks.
Laem
Phromthep or Phromthep Cape
Literally translate as “Brahma’s Cape”,
Laem Phromthep is perhaps one of Phuket’s most important
landmarks. There is a saying that you haven’t been
to Phuket unless you visit Laem Phromthep. It is here that
visitors soak up the sun and savor the breathtaking panoramic
view of the Andaman Sea from the island’s southern-most
tip. The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as it
is a popular observation point at sunset. Laem Phromthep
is located approximately 2 kilometers from Rawai Beach.
Phuket Aquarium
Located at Cape Phanwa, southeastern-most end of the
island is an extraordinary aquarium that displays hundreds
of exotic and colorful marine species found in the sea around
Phuket. The aquarium opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00
p.m. Call 076 391126 for more information. To get by public
transportation, take a local bus from the town’s fresh
produce market.
Phuket Butterfly Farm
Located approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City
via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection, the farm
proudly presents a unique collection of tropical creatures
such as butterflies and insects. The farm opens daily from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is 150 bahts for adults
and 60 bahts for children. Call tel. 0 7621 5616, or 0 7621
0861 for more information.
Phuket City and old buildings
Phuket City is a fascinating city that can be explored
on foot or by traditional means of transportation, tuk-tuk
or . Sino-Portuguese architecture that is evident in the
city’s shop houses provides the town with a charming
atmosphere and a late 19th century ambience. For visitors
interested in strolling along the city, start the trip at
the central post office and walk west along Thalang Road,
then turn south at the Standard Chartered Bank building
and walk towards Yaowarat Road. Continue the trip to Fountain
Circle, then head west to Ranong Road and proceed to Patipat
Road, which connects with the historic Krabi Road.
Phuket Cultural Center
Located in the compound of the Rajabhat Institute of
Phuket, the Center features an exhibition of Phuket’s
intriguing history. Highlights of the daily lifestyles,
traditional houses, household utilities and Thalang’s
history are exhibited. A library is located on the ground
floor where books on the history, culture and arts of Phuket
can be found. Call 076 211959 for more details.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach
on the island's southwestern shores. On display are private
collections of seashells from Thai waters (off Phuket Island
itself). They are considered the most sought-after shells
by collectors. In addition to such the collection, seashells
from other parts of Thailand and other parts of the world
are also on display. The main attractions at this Museum
are the world’s largest golden 140-karat pearl, the
world’s earliest known life form seen in sections of
sedimentary rock containing shell fossils and a gigantic
250-kilogram shell. The museum is open daily from 8 a.m.
to 7 p.m. Call tel. 0 7638 1266 or 0 7638 1274 for more
information.
Phuket Submarine
Phuket Submarine operates 5 dives daily and carries
forty eight passengers into the waters southeast of Phuket.
The dives will be to a depth of the thirty meters. The submarine
is fully air conditioned and boasts the latest technology
available in tourist submarines. Large 72 centimeter viewing
ports and LCD screens enhance the viewing experience for
the passengers. Schools of tropical fish and soft coral
formations are a highlight of the dive site.The Submarine
tour takes approximately two hours with 40 minutes spent
underwater. For more information, please contact : Phuket
Submarine Col Ltd. 64/423 Mu 7, Ratsada Harbour, Amphoe
Mueang, Phuket 83000. Tel. 0 7625 3206-8, 0 7625 3215 Website:
http://www.phuket-submarine.com
Phuket Zoo
Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the Zoo features
a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant
and crocodile shows are performed daily. The entrance fee
is 400 bahts for adult and 200 bahts for children. Call
0 7638 1337, 0 7638 1227 for more details.
Saphan Hin
A public park located by the sea at the end of Phuket
Road, Saphan Hin is a recreational park for both locals
and tourists. The Tin Mining Monument dedicated to the memory
of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought
the first dredge to Phuket in 1909, is located inside the
park. The Saphan Hin Sports Center is also located here.
Thai Village and Orchid Farm
Located on Thepkasattri Road, approximately 3 kilometers
from Phuket City is an extraordinary place for culture lovers.
The village provides stunning classical Thai dance performances,
sword-fighting, Thai boxing, southern customs and elephant
shows. Handicrafts and traditional mining techniques are
also featured. The orchid farm outside is worth exploring.
The performances are at 11.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.
The fees are 400 bahts for adults and 200 bahts for children.
Call 076 214860 for more information.
The viewpoint
The most famous observation point of the 3 beaches,
Kata Not, Kata and Karon, is located on the road half-way
between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach. From 
this
spot, an intriguing view of the 3 beaches and Ko Pu has
constantly impresses visitors.
Wat Chalong
Phuket’s most popular and famous temple, Wat Chai
Tararam, or Wat Chalong, was built in 1837. Located approximately
8 kilometers from the city, the temple houses the famous
“Luang Po Cham”, a monk who helped the locals
fight the Ang Yi rebellion during the reign of King Rama
V (in 1876). A recent addition to the temple is a 61.4-meter
high chedi containing the Phra Borom Sareerikatat relic,
a piece of the Lord Buddha’s bones brought over from
Sri Lanka. The chedi is a mixture of southern, central and
northeastern architectural styles and is the first in this
region to house the holy Buddha’s relic.
