Phuket enjoys great popularity as a travel destination. Most
beaches are on the west coast, with
Phuket Town to the south-east and the
airport in the north.
Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.
Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trader’s ship 2004 tsunami
The west coast of Phuket was hit severely by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, but almost no evidence of the damage now remains.
limate
Phuket is hot and humid throughout the year. The high season is generally considered to be from November to May. During the summer monsoon season, mornings and afternoons are still sunny and clear, but it tends to rain in the evenings and water clarity goes down. Locals consider May to October the "cool" season, and the weather is quite tolerable, much more so than in the tourism centers around the Gulf coast. It's comparable to Florida's summer weather in temperature and intensity of rain storms: 25-33 deg C, flying clouds, short and thunderous rainfalls in the afternoons and evenings. Surfing is possible off the western beaches.
Phuket is one of Thailand's premier tourist destinations and (basic) English is very widely spoken, especially in the beach areas. That said, even a little
Thai will draw smiles and can be useful in the less touristed areas of
Phuket Town.
Phuket is one stunning island. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the delightful Andaman Sea. It has an area of approximately 570sqm and it’s made up of 1 large and 39 small islands. The north of Phuket borders with Phang-nga province. Even though it is theoretically an island, it is connected to the mainland by bridge.
Particularly in the monsoon season, there are strong currents on many of the beaches and drownings are a depressingly common occurrence. Heed the warning flags on popular beaches and play it safe if off the beaten track. It is important to note that, while many tourists who flock to the beaches of Phuket are European, nudity is viewed as highly offensive to Thais. It is very rude to go topless to beaches. Thais are generally non-confrontational, but it is always best to be respectful while treading on another's home country.
The major beaches from north to south are:
Bang Tao - long, very quiet beach
Surin Beach - an up-and-coming destination
Laem Singh Beach - small bay with stunning views, between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach
Kamala Beach - a quieter beach to the north of Patong
Patong Beach - the largest beach resort, known for its nightlife
Karon Beach - a quieter beach to the south of Patong
Kata Yai Beach - busy, clean tourist beach with good surf
Kata Noi Beach - quieter sister of Kata Yai
Ao Chalong - home to Phuket's most popular yacht anchorage
Rawai Beach - set off point for lots of local islands, popular with locals for eating on the beach
Nai Harn - a quiet beach (probably the best) in the south near Phrom Thep Cape view point
Islands
Ko Yao — two islands halfway to Krabi, with four upmarket resorts
Kho Hae (also known as Coral Island) — Located on the Southeast of Phuket Island. Only 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Bay. Visitors can travel to the island whole year round. They can either visit for a day or stay overnight at the resort.
Kho Bon or Bon Island can be reached by longtail or speed boat from Phuket's major beaches. An ideal island for a day of snorkeling, relaxing and enjoy a good lunch at the English run restaurant. Stay for cocktails in the late afternoon and watch the sun go down at Laem Phrom Thep.
Districts
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative districts. They are:
Amphoe Muang
Amphoe Thalang
There are many airlines operating flights between
Bangkok and Phuket as follows:-
Thai Airways (TG) Tel: 1566 for information or 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or
http://www.thaiairways.com/ for reservation. (Phuket office Tel: 0 7621 1195, 0 7621 2499, 0 7621 2946, 0 7621 6678 Fax: 0 7621 6776)
Bangkok Airways (PG) Tel: 1 771, 0 2265 5678, 0 2265 5555 or
http://www.bangkokair.com/Nok Air (DD) Tel: 1318, 0 2627 2000
http://www.nokair.com/Firefly Airlines Tel: 603-7845 4543 or visit
http://www.fireflyz.com.my/. Firefly flies to Phuket every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from
Penang 
Air Asia Airline (FD) Tel: 0 2515 9999 or
http://www.airasia.com/One Two Go Airline Tel: 1126, 0 2229 4260, 0 7635 1238, 0 7635 1460 or
http://www.fly12go.com/There are very frequent flights to/from
Bangkok as well as direct flights to many other airports in the region, including
Singapore and
Kuala Lumpur, and direct charters to
Europe and
Australia in the high season.
The compact
Phuket International Airport (
IATA: HKT) (
ICAO: VTSP) is located in the north of the island, and is Thailand's second largest hub.
Tax is now included in flight price - Out of Date - International departure tax is 700 baht payable in cash (there are several ATMs at the airport). Departure tax for domestic flights is included in the ticket.
Airport transfers
Limousine (blue) taxis from the airport are expensive, costing 500-600 baht to
Patong Beach or
Phuket Town
Metered (yellow) taxis (available outside the car park gates) cost 300+ baht
Minibus services (basically door-to-door share taxis) charge 150-250 baht per seat. One realworld example is from airport to Chalong to 6 persons was 1100 baht and there was not possibility to lower it easily.
Airport shuttle bus service (6:30-20:30, every 30 minutes) to Phuket Town bus station costs 82 baht;
local buses run from there to all the major beaches until around 18:00
Domestic flights
Several domestic
discount airlines fly here, including
Air Asia and
Nok Air and
One Two Go - tickets from Bangkok can cost under 1000 baht one-way if booked well in advance, or around 2000 baht (including taxes) if bought on the day. Air Asia would be the best deal if you are flying from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket. Bookings can be made online and checking in etc. procedure is really without any hassles. Don't expect too see much of a service on the plane but it's good enough for the price paid.
On July 19, 2008, the Bangkok Post published news that One Two Go Airlines would be suspending operations for financial restructuring commencing on July 22, 2008. Planned resumption of flight services would commence on September 15, 2008. For more information, please visit:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/190708_News/19Jul2008_news002.phpThai Airways flies from
Bangkok (both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports) several times every day, as well as once daily from
Chiang Mai (but there are no direct flights in the opposite direction). Additionally, they sell tickets from/to many domestic and international destinations with stopover in
Bangkok - which are usually cheaper (especially international) than if you book separate tickets. Cheapest (non-exchangeable and non-refundable - though taxes are refunded even in the unfortunate case of no-show, if you call them later) one-way ticket from
Bangkok, as of April 2008, costs 2320 baht - worth checking if you book just a few days before flight, as low-cost airlines may cost only 200-300 baht less in this situation, but you get world-famous Thai Airways service, and free onboard meals too.
Bangkok Airways has a monopoly on direct flights between Phuket and
U-Tapao (Pattaya / Sattahip) and
Ko Samui. They also have 3 daily flights from
Bangkok - but they are really overpriced (3815 baht one-way).
Destination Air Shuttle offers direct seaplane transfers (some of which operate seasonally) between Phuket and
Ko Lanta,
Ko Phi Phi,
Krabi,
Ranong,
Trang, the
Similan Islands, and other popular Andaman coast destinations.
International flights
Malaysia -
AirAsia and
Malaysia Airlines have direct flights from/to
Kuala Lumpur. Also,
FireFly, a new Malaysia-based low-cost airline, has flights from its Penang hub to and from Phuket.
Singapore -
Silk Air has 32 flights a week. Low cost alternatives are
Thai AirAsia and
Tiger Airways.
Germany -
LTU has several flights a week nonstop to
Munich.
Other low cost direct connections include
Hong Kong,
Jakarta,
Macao, and
Seoul.
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, thence through Ranong province’s Kra Buri and Kapoe districts, Phang-nga province’s Takua Pa and Thai Muang districts and onto Phuket island across the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. The total distance is 862 kilometres.
The island has an international airport and is also directly connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it's possible to arrive by air, road, or sea.
By trainThere are no direct train services to Phuket. Travellers by train must get off at Phun Phin railway station in Surat Thani and continue by regular bus to Phuket. The nearest train station is about 5 hours away, at
Surat Thani, so a few local people or tourists travel to Phuket by train. Please call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4334 or
http://www.railway.co.th/ for more information.
By busBuses to mainland destinations including
Bangkok,
Chumphon,
Hat Yai,
Krabi,
Phang Nga,
Ranong,
Satun,
Sungai Kolok and
Surat Thani use the BKS terminal off Thanon Phang Nga in
Phuket Town.
The most reliable buses from Bangkok are those from the Southern (Sai Tai Mai) Bus Terminal on orommaratchachonnani Road to Phuket. The journey takes 13 hours. For further information, Tel. 0 2894 6122 or visit www.transport.co.th. There are 2 private bus companies, Phuket Travel Tour and Phuket Central Tour and the government firm, Transport Co,Ltd.
Khao San Road operations have a bad reputation for theft, often turn out to include a "surprise" transfer to a minibus at Surat Thani, and are best avoided.
From Phuket bus terminal to your final destination, you can take a motorcycle taxi, tuk-tuk, meter-taxi, or bus. A motorcycle taxi into Phuket Town will be about 10-20 baht; to most beaches 100-200 baht (negotiable). A local bus to one of the main beaches will cost around 15-30 baht. It's not unusual for the tuk-tuk drivers at the bus terminal to tell arriving travellers that the local bus service has finished, even though it hasn't.
By boat
Ferry services connect from Rassada Port in Phuket Town to
Ko Phi Phi and on to
Krabi on the mainland twice a day, taking 90 minutes and costing 350/650 baht one-way/return, for each leg. It's usually a pleasant ride, but can be rather bumpy when it's windy.
There are also speedboats to
Ko Racha (2 hours), the
Similan Islands (about 3 hours) and other islands in the high season only. Boats and yachts can be chartered at
Chalong Pier, the Boot Lagoon, the Yacht Haven and Royal Phuket Marina.
It's possible to visit Phuket by
cruise ship. For cruises from
Singapore, try
Star Phuket is a large island and you need some form of transport to get around.
Resort hotels generally offer shuttle bus services into Phuket Town, and also have taxi and car hire facilities. Jeeps and motorbikes can be hired from various shops in Phuket and at the main beaches. Taxis are plentiful in town. Tel: 0 7635 1347, 0 7635 1349 for more information (Delete the information, by TAT)
From Airport to Town
By mini-bus 100 baht per person
By taxi 400 baht
From Airport to Kata, Karon and PatongBeaches
By mini-bus 150-180 baht.
By taxi 560 baht.
In Town:
No public buses, but there are mini-buses which operate a communal service. Just tell your destination to the driver. In town journeys cost 20-30 baht.
From Town to Beaches:
There are local-bus services between town and tourist beaches. Local buses leave for the beaches at the market on Ranong Road at half-hour intervals until 6 p.m. After that, you must hire a taxi. Bus fares range from 25-35 baht.
By busFrom
Phuket Town there are frequent bus services to the other part of the island such as
Patong Beach, Kata-Karon beach, Chalong Bay, Rawai-Naihan beach, Seaport-Aquarium, Mai Khaw beach, Surin-Kammala beach. The fare is 25-35 baht up on distance, by both full-size buses and by
songthaews. Most operate from the local market (Talad Sod or Ban San); those to major beaches go via Phuket Town bus terminal. There are no set stops - they pick up and drop off as requested. Most local bus services stop at around 18:00.
By taxiPhuket has two types of taxi - millions (or so it seems) of small
songthaew-style minivans (usually bright red, occasionally bright yellow) called Tuk Tuks, and a much smaller number of conventional sedan-style taxis (yellow and red, with a "TAXI-METER" sign on top).
The minivans are universally referred to as
tuk-tuks (even though they have four wheels, not three). They have no meter, and their drivers are notoriously mercenary, so always agree a price beforehand and do bargain hard. Short hops around town shouldn't cost more than 40 baht, but good luck getting from Patong to Phuket Town for under 400 baht.
Tuk-Tuk's should be avoided at ALL times, these are run by what locals call the "Thai Mafia" and charge you 200 baht for less than 1 kilometre runs. Motorbike Taxi's may appear less safe, but the drivers are better. Also many "normal" taxi's are available and are the same price if not cheaper (and most definately safer) than a Tuk-Tuk.
For longer distances the metered taxis are generally a better bet than the minitaxis. You can hail one by telephone on 076-232157.
There are also motorbike taxis. While you should never hop on the back of just anyone's motorbike, motorbike taxi drivers wear bright numbered vests and are usually the cheapest way to go. However, it is important to note that these are slightly more dangerous than a Tuk Tuk, for obvious reasons, and are not comfortable for long trips. However, if you just need to get around town, they are a great way to go.
By car or bike
Due to the geography of the island with its winding hilly roads and poor vision, Phuket certainly gets more than its fair share of accidents. In fact, the death and injury statistics are more than high. It is recommended therefore to drive extremely carefully and if on a bike to definitely wear a crash helmet. Driving under the influence of alcohol is both illegal and dangerous.
More than 10,000 people are injured and over 250 killed every year in road accidents in Phuket. Nine out of ten accidents involve motorbikes. Major risk factors are driving at night, and drunk-driving mostly by foreigners and that no one wears a helmet.
Renting a car or motorbike to explore the island on your own is a cost-effective way of getting off the beaten track. However, given the driving habits of most locals and the resulting carnage on Phuket's roads every year, the risks do demand careful consideration. Driving habits are Thai style ignoring all the rules and keeping going at all costs, not much worse than Naples, but like there it keeps traffic moving. Traffic lights have just made things worse in the last few years.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals start at around 200 baht/day, coming down to 150 baht/day for rentals of a week or more. There is a crash helmet requirement but no one wears one. A family of four (with two toddlers) on a bike will only share one helmet that the father wears but does not close it. You hardly see police but Phuket police conduct spot checks at which a driving licence must be produced. Don't bother with an international licence. The current on-the-spot fine for not carrying a licence is 300 baht and then you continue ... UPDATE - No helmet = 300 to 500 Baht fine. No Licence (from any country) 500 Baht fine. You must have a licence of some description or you WILL be fined.
Renting a car usually costs between 1000-1200 baht if you want to go for an ecomonical one like a toyota vios (stay away from the jeeps). Several rental companies are located in and around airport. Avis is located within the airport while Hertz, National and six are located walkable distance outside the airport (across the road). Bookings can be made online for these. More options would be local car rentals like
Sutin Car Rentals, airportrental, World Rent A Car, Phuket Car Rental. . Rates are a little better. Driving around isn't that bad if you stay in and around the highways. No parking problems as such. The main highway Rt. 402 streches across phuket and connects all the major beaches like Patang, Surin, Mai Kao and the sunset point.
Driving in Phuket can be a little crazy compared to most western nations, and congestion is limited to Phuket Town and the main stretches of Patong Beach especially now they have a new 1 way system. Drive very defensively at first and watch what the locals do. Of course, it helps if you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, which in itself could be enough to detract some North American or European drivers. Also be careful to check the level of insurance on a hire car, many local companies say they have 'full' insurance when in fact it is only a very basic level.
Braun car rentals, Phuket,
Pure Car Rent,
Via Car Rentals, and
Phuket Thailand Car Rentalare reputable.
Longtail BoatFor a bit of island hopping the longtail boats are a great way to do so. Prices must be negotiated and are app. 500 Baht per hour or no more than 1,800 Baht per day.
Travel to Neighbouring Provinces
There are regular bus services to Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang-nga, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua Pa and Samui Island. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal on Phang-nga Road, Tel: 0 7621 1480, 0 7621 1977.
Inter-provincial flights are available. Thai Airways International flies to Surat Thani, Krabi. For more details call 0 2356 1111 in Bangkok or 076360400, 076360444 Fax 0 7636 0482 in Phuket. Bangkok Airways (Tel: 1771, 0 2265 5555, 0 2265 5678) offer direct flights linking Phuket with Ko Samui, the principal island in the Thai Gulf.
TourismPhuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, superb accommodations and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape – all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.
Culture
Phuket Culture - phuket journal online in Thai
Lifestyle
Phuket is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Phang-nga however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand. The provincial town’s economy having boomed over the past decade has lead to a lot of the youngsters leading similar lives to those in Bangkok. Altogether, the lifestyle of the urban Thai-Chinese resembles that of Bankokians.
With this kind of mixture, Phang-nga is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.
Festivals and Events
Phuket Vegetarian Festival - an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and ascetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".
Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair (งานท้าวเทพกระษัตรี - ท้าวศรีสุนทร) is held on March 13 every year to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to repel Burmese invaders. Many activities and celebrations are organised.
Seafood Festival (เทศกาลอาหารทะเล), held around May yearly, is designed to publicise the delicious seafood of Phuket and attract visitors during the rainy season. Activities include a Marine Tourism Resources Parade, seafood stalls, demonstrations of regional cuisines and cultural shows.
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (งานแข่งเรือใบชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน) is held in December. The Kata Beach Resort hosts international yachtsmen, largely from neighbouring countries who compete in the Kata Beach area for royal trophies.
Laguna Phuket Triathlon (ลากูน่าภูเก็ตไตรกีฬา) is held in each December. The triathlon (a 1,800 - metre swim, a 5.5 -kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometre run and a 6 –kilometre fun run) attracts world-class athletes from all over the world.
Phuket Travel Fair (เทศกาลเปิดฤดูการท่องเที่ยวจังหวัดภูเก็ต), starting from November 1, is usually called the Patong Carnival, from the place where celebrations occur. Colourful parades, sports events, and a beauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities.
Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival (งานประเพณีลอยเรือชาวเล) falls during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rawai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Si-re celebrates on the 14th; and Laem La (east of the bridge on Phuket’s northerntip) on the 15th. Ceremonies, which centre on the setting adrift of small boats similar to the Thai festival of Loi Krathong, are held at night and their purpose is to drive away evil and bring good luck.
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Phuket Town retains some interesting examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture, which reflect the town's past as an important trading post.
Wat Chalong (วัดฉลองหรือวัดไชยธาราราม) is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the southern end of the island. This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Cham, who helped the people of Phuket, put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion, in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham, abbots of the temple during later times.
Wat Chalong is about 8 kilometres outside town. Take Wichit Songkram Road to the bypass and turn left, and drive for about 10 minutes. Wat Chalong is on the left
Amphoe Mueang Phuket (อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต)
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 Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
Saphan Hin (สะพานหิน) A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Saphan Hin, located where Phuket Road 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 the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. A sport center is located in the park.
Old Phuket (ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต) The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to construction of many fine mansions and shops that are still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face onto the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road, 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. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall, the Phuket Courthouse, and Siam City Bank.
Phuket Butterfly Farm (สวนผีเสื้อและโลกแมลงภูเก็ต) This 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 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission is 300 bath for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel: 0 7621 0861, Fax: 0 7652 3609
Thai Village and Orchid Farm (หมู่บ้านไทยและสวนกล้วยไม้ภูเก็ต) This is located 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, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. The complex also houses a dining hall decorated with over 20,000 varieties of orchid and tropical trees. Digestion is aided by the lilting sounds of Thai classical and folk music played on tradition instruments. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. Cultural shows are performed daily at 1.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Admission is 650 baht for adults and 330 baht for children. Call 0 7621 4860, 0 7623 7400 for details.
Ko Si-Re (เกาะสิเหร่) Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty-square kilometre island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Si-Re, on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gipsies, or Chao Le, can be found on Ko Si-Re at Laem Tuk-kae. The muddy seabed means the island is not good for swimming. There are some popular seafood restaurants . Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the zoo contains a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every day. The zoo is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Admission is 500 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. Call 0 7637 4430, 0 7637 4424 for details.
Ao Chalong (อ่าวฉลอง) This is Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay, 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.
Laem Ka (หาดแหลมกา) Just south of the Phuket Island Resort Hotel and north of Rawai Beach is a small rocky bay, popular with Thais at the weekend.
Hat Rawai (หาดราไวย์) This palm-fringed beach is best known for sea gypsies, a formerly nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Malanesian descent.
Laem Phromthep (แหลมพรหมเทพ) Phromthep Cape is a headland forming the extreme south end of Phuket. "Phrom" is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," signifying purity and "Thep" means 'God.' Local villagers used to refer to the cape as "Laem Chao", or the God's Cape, and it was an easily recognisable landmark for the early seafarers traveling up the Malay Peninsula from the sub-continent.
Ko Kaeo (เกาะแก้ว) 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.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เปลือกหอยภูเก็ต) This 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 8.00 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. Admission is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Tel: 0 7661 3666, 0 7661 3777, 0 7661 3678
Hat Kata (หาดกะตะ) Situated 20 kilometres from town, beautiful Kata is a scenic gem, its clear water flanked by hills, and picturesque Bu Island sits offshore. Kata retains a village feel at its northern and southern ends and is perhaps more family-oriented, its beach more peaceful than Patong.
Hat Kata Noi (หาดกะตะน้อย) Situated 20 kilometres from town or 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 beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there, one can take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.
Hat Karon (หาดกะรน) The second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches, some 20 kilometres from town. 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.
This is a 4 kilometre long straight beach with fewer visitors than its big sister, Karon. Nightlife is pretty much confined to dining and a few beer bars.
Dinos Park Mini Golf (ไดโนปาร์คมินิกอล์ฟ) Dinos Park Mini Golf is located beside the Marina Phuket Resort, Hat Karon. This 18-hole mini-golf course in a primitive atmosphere uses the light and sound techniques to feature dinosaurs and an erupting volcano. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Admission is 120 Baht. Green fees are 240 Baht for adults and 180 Baht for children. Tel. 0 7633 0625, Fax: 0 7633 0516.
Some18 kilometres from town or south of Kata Noi and north of Phromthep Cape, Nai Han 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 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 Phromthep Cape to observe sunsets, which are often fiery and spectacular.
Ao Sen (อ่าวเสน) Often overlooked due to its proximity to Nai Han, and because the connecting road runs through and under the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, Ao Sen has a wan air of long lost glamour to it. Its chief appeal is the epic view it offers of Nai Han and Phromthep Cape.
View Point (จุดชมวิว) This 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.
Phuket Cultural Center is located in the area of the Phuket Rajabhat University on Thepkrasattri Road. It displays history as well as the arts and culture of Phuket, such a
s houses, ways of life, and utensils of the city of Thalang in ancient times. Furthermore, the library collects books on Phuket’s history and culture. The center is open daily for free from 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m., except public holidays. For a group of visitors who needs a guided tour, please address a letter of request to the Phuket Cultural Center at 21 Thepkrasattri Road, Tambon Ratsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket, or call Tel. 0 7624 0474-6 ext. 148, 0 7621 1959, 0 7622 2370, Fax: 0 7621 1778.
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