ATTRACTIONS

Ao Chalong (Bay 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.

Karon Beach (Had Karon) and Kata Beach (Had Kata)

20 kilometres and 17 kilometres respectively from town are Had Karon and Had Kata . Both beaches are long and peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Nai Han Beach (Had Nai Han)

Had 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.

Kaeo Island (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.

Si-re 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.

Ka Cape (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 tHad 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 (Had Rawai)

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 tHad 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 (Chalong Temple)

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.