serves mainly as a dormitory and shopping centre.For the culmination of your historical tour, there in the
lobbyof the Thavorn Hotel is one of the most quirky and charming
collection of
turn-of-the-century up to 1960s memorabilia that you’re likely
tofind anywhere. Here you’ll find sewing machines, keyboard, pianos,
safes and just about anything that had anything to do with Phuketis tin
boom and subsequent growth during the last century.
There’s also a superb collection of Thavorn family and WWI Iphotos (a
theme poorly represented elsewhere). As luck would have it, there’s also
a bar enroute. This is a hugely recommended venue before heading back
out into the night to sample the many coffee shop and excellent
restaurants that line the roads where you’d just taken in the sights.
Many buildings in Phuket were built over hundred years since
the beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century.
The architectural style, typical of the 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
(name of Tin)., 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 (Sala
Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Changwat), and Siam City
Bank.
is located at Cape Panwa, on the island’s extreme southeast
The aquarium displays hundreds of exotic, grotesque and
flamboyantlycolorful
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.
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.
on Thepkasattri Road about 3 kilometres from town, serves
daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followedby
a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances,
sword-fighting, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants.
Handicrafts are also on display.
Phuket’s
principal baot anchorage and the islands lareast 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. A few kilometers from the bay
is Wat Chalong where statues of Luang Po Chaem and Luang Po
Chuang, Phuket’s most revered monks, are enshrined.
is about 8 kms.
outside town. Take Vichit Songkram Rd., to the Bypass Rd.,
and turn left, and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong will
be on your left. This is where stands the cast statue of
Luang Por 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 Por Chaung,
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 the offerings by Phuket people
generally.
The southernmost point
of Phuket Island. Thai people believe that it is the best-watching point
of the sunset in Thailand. This is also a very popular place for
tourists to see the spectacular view of the Andaman Sea in day time.
Nearby the cape, many shops for souvenir and clothes are situated. Food
and drink are also available.
is located next to Phrom Thep Cape about 18
kilometers from town. Although not so long, the beach has
white, clean sand and Nai Harn Beach sometime look lively
when many yachts float in the sea ahead of the shore. Beyond
the beach is a swamp called Nong Han. Not recommended for
swimming during May-October because of the Monsoon season.
is located mid-point between Nai Harn and Kata beach nestle
beside one another forming the picture of the crescent moon
which is the marvelous nature creation. The scenic Kata Noi,
Kata and Karon beaches, and Koh Pu Island can be viewed from
this point.
The quiet
charming beach, good and safe for swimming various kinds of
activity are provided like diving, playing banana boats or
strolling along the shore.
located northeast of Phuket, contains scores of limestone
island, some riddled with aquatic grottoes. This picturesque
bay is an enduringly popular excursion. Tours are offered by
hotels and tour companies throughout Phuket.
is and off- shore isle about
3 kilometers out from Rawai beachand
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.
