| Phuket
Town |
Phuket
Aquarium |
Phuket
Sea Gypsies |
Thalang
Museum |
| Wat
Phra Nang Sang |
National
Park |
Wat
Phra Thong |
Naga
Pearl Farm |
With its white sand beaches with a
gentle surf that is better suited for swimming than surfing, beautiful
clear blue waters with scenic outcrops of rock all just an hour
and a half flight from Bangkok, has made Phuket one of the most
popular beach resorts in Thailand and fastest growing destinations
in S.E. Asia.
Phuket
Town
Old buildings of Sino-Portuguese or Chinese architecture dominate
Phuket town. Build by the Chinese merchants during the tin mine
booms of the 19th century this town has old charms and lots of history
that dates back way before the early Chinese and Portuguese traders
entered Phuket. Some of these structures are privately owned and
off limits to visitors. However a number of the old buildings are
open to visitors including old public places such as the Provincial
Hall, Phuket Courthouse, and the Nakhon Luang Thai Bank building.
Phuket Aquarium
On display are a countless variety of colorful sea fishes, corals
and other sea animals in their natural settings, many of them belonging
to the tropical waters around Phuket. The aquarium is located at
the Cape Panwa area on the south east of the island. Admission is
twenty Baht for adults and five Baht for children.
Opening hours: 08.30 am - 04.00 pm
Admission: THB 20.00 for adult, THB 5.00 for child
Phuket's Sea Gypsies
The Mokkens or Chao Leh, (sea-gypsies) to this day lives along the
coastal areas in the village of Rawai and Sapam. They are said to
be among the earliest permanent residents of Phuket. An annual event
called the Boat Floating festival takes place during the middle
of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. This event sole purpose
is to chase away evil and bring good fortune to the sea-gypsies.
The sea-gypsies of Rawai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the
13th day. The ceremony takes place at night and is highlighted with
the setting adrift of small boats, similar to the Thai festival
of Loi Krathong.
Thalang National Museum
Built in a southern architectural style, Phuket's national museum
possesses and display ancient artifacts from Phucket's long history
as well, display details of the famous Battle of Thalang. It also
holds a considerable amount of information about daily life of the
early Phuket inhabitants, their culture and belief. Located just
east of the two Heroines Monument on Pa Khlok Rd. Open daily from
9.00am till 4.00pm. Close on national holidays.
Opening hours: 09.00 am - 04.00 pm
Wat Phra Nang Sang
The temple enshrines a most respected and valued Buddha image called
Phra Thong or the golden Buddha, the only solid gold half image
Buddha in Thailand. The Buddha image was covered over with plaster
after invading Burmese troops unsuccessfully tried to dig it up.
There is also a museum on the temple ground, which exhibits a collection
of historical objects. Wat Phra Thong is just passed Talang off
Thepkasatri road. Proper clothing must be worn when visiting Wat
or temples, no short shorts, no reviling clothing and remember to
remove your shoes before entering.
Khao Phra National Park
The National park is actually Phuket's virgin rain forest, which
is positioned in the northern part of the island. It sustains an
amazing variety of plants birds and animals. Take pleasure in a
leisurely walk in the park, as an 8-kilometer trek from Bang Pai
goes all the way through to Ton Sai or visit Tonsai waterfall. Guides
are readily available in the park to escort upon request. A small
museum and information center are situated close to the waterfall.
This is a great opportunity for nature lovers and those wishing
to experience the forest and all its beauty. Opening hours are from
6.00am till 6.00pm Take note: Close shoe is highly recommended when
visiting the national park, do not wear sandals or open shoes.
Opening hours: 06.00 am - 06.00 pm
Admission: THB 200.00
Wat Phra Thong
The temple enshrines a most respected and valued Buddha image called
Phra Thong or the golden Buddha, the only solid gold half image
Buddha in Thailand. The Buddha image was covered over with plaster
after invading Burmese troops unsuccessfully tried to dig it up.
There is also a museum on the temple ground, which exhibits a collection
of historical objects. Wat Phra Thong is just passed Talang off
Thepkasatri road. Proper clothing must be worn when visiting Wat
or temples, no short shorts, no reviling clothing and remember to
remove your shoes before entering.
Naga Pearl Farm
This distinguished pearl farm welcome visitors daily with demonstrations
of how pearls are cultured and extracted, pearl extraction show
is usually at 11.00am as well gives visitors the opportunity to
buy local pearls. Daily tours are available. Open from 9.00am till
3.30pm
Opening hours: 09.00 am - 03.30 pm
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