Phuket sight seeing
Phuket has lots more to offer than just its glorious beaches and clean seas. There are also the mangroves of the east coast and the inland jungles, nature areas and waterfalls. If you’re looking for more traditional sight seeing options, such as museums and other attractions, there are also many of these in Phuket. Phuket’s biggest attraction however is possibly its wonderful beaches and each has a different character. Hiring a moped bike and exploring them by yourself, as well as the less developed areas on the east side of the island is a wonderful way to get to know the island. The roads are good and it’s possible to circum-navigate the island, but drive carefully.
Museums
The Phuket Sea Shell Museum in Rawai offers a world class display of sea shells from around the world. There are over 2,000 species, including giant clams, ancient fossils and rare golden pearls.12/2 Viset Rd., Rawai Beach, 076 613 666, Open: daily 08.00 to 17.30, admission: Thai (adult/child) 100/50 baht, foreigner: (adult/child) 200/100 baht.
Worth a stop on the way from the airport to the beaches, if you are interested in the history of Phuket, is the Talang National Museum(076 379 895, Open: daily 08.30 to 16.30, admission: Thai 20 baht, foreigners: 100 baht). Here, you can discover the history behind the nearby Two Heroine’s Monument, learn more abut Sea Gypsy culture, and see some interesting ancient artefacts. It’s a small museum but certainly worth the 10 baht entry fee.
Recently opened and not widely promoted – and therefore usually very quiet – the tin museum on the back roads between Phuket Town and Kathu gives interesting insights into Phuket’s pre-tourist history, when tin mining was king. Some fascinating dioramas.
There is also a quirky collection of artifacts in the Thavorn Hotel on Rassada Road, and a museum of Thai-Chinese culture in the old Thai Hua school building on Krabi Road.
Theme parks and shows
Phuket FantaSea is the major themed attraction on the island, and is well worth seeing. A good buffet dinner is served in a large banquet hall before the show, or you can simply buy a ticket for the show only. A cast of 50 elephants, along with performers in elaborate costumes, acrobats, pyrotechnics, and stunning sets, will be sure to keep you awake. Before and after the performance, you’ll find some fun theme park games and the usual souvenir shopping. The show is a must-see if you have kids travelling with you. Location: 99 Moo 3, Kamala Beach, 076 385 000, info@phuket-fantasea.com, Open: daily except Thur., show time 21:00 to 22.15, admission: 1,500 baht.
Simon Cabaret is worth it for a couple hours amusement, for those fascinated by Thailand’s katoeys (ladyboys). A Vegas-type all-male cabaret show with elaborate costumes and lip-synching, Simon Cabaret is popular with big tour groups from within Asia. Performances are also suitable for children. Location: 8 Sirirach Rd., Patong Beach, 076 342 011-5, info@phuket-simoncabaret.com, open: daily, show time: 19:30 and 21:30, admission: 700 to 800 baht.
Animals
Phuket Zoois a private facility housing a good assortment of animals. There’s a small restaurant and plenty of shade, so you can make it a day if you also take in all the shows. The crocodile show, elephant show and monkey show repeat several times a day. (Location: 23/2 Moo 3, Soi Palai, Chaofah Rd., 076 374 424, info@phuketzoo.com, open: daily 08:30 to 18:00, show time: monkey shows: 09.00, 12.00, 14.30, 16.45, crocodile shows: 09.45, 12.45, 15.15, 17.30, elephant shows: 10.30, 13.30, 16.00,aAdmission: Thai (adult/child) 100/40 baht, foreigners (adult/child) 500/300 baht.).
Those that want to help out some animals can visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Bang Pae Waterfall, Pa Khlock, Thalang, 076 260 491-2, gibbon@poboxes.com, open: daily 09.00 to 16.00, admission: Thai 20 baht, foreigners 200 baht) at Bang Pae Waterfall in the northeast of Phuket. This is where all the gibbons end up when they are no longer cute babies for you to have your photo taken with.
Temples and historic areas
Phuket has around 50 temples and monasteries but the only one really worth visiting is Wat Chalong. It is associated with highly revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, both famous for work in herbal medicine and tending to the injured. They were best known for their efforts to aid the injured of both sides during the tin miners’ rebellion of 1876.
Particularly attractive is Soi Romanee, a narrow street off Thalang Road. Many of the 100-year-old houses have recently received a new lease on life, with restoration and a bright coat of paint, and now house cafes, bars and craft shops. There are also regular free jazz performances in the street. Ask around to find out when the next one is.
There is also a quirky collection of artefacts in the Thavorn Hotel on Rassada Road, and a museum of Thai-Chinese culture in the old Thai Hua school building on Krabi Road.
Safaris and nature parks
One of the largest tour companies on the island, and boasting its eco-friendliness, Island Safari Tour(371/76 Yaowarat Rd., Talad Yai, 076 254 501-3, info@islandsafaritour.com) has been open since 1993. They have locations in Phuket, Phang Nga and on Koh Samui. Tours include rafting, trekking and elephant rides.
The Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village is located 2.5 kms from the centre of Phuket City. In additional to cultural and animal shows, the spectacular Orchid Garden covers over 8000 square meters and include several varieties of orchid unique to the region. P.O. Box 330 Thepkrasattri Rd., 076 237 400, tvhkt@loxinfo.co.th, open: daily 08.00-17.00, show time 13.00 and 17.30, admission: Thai 150 baht, Foreigner 600 baht.
Near the centre of Phuket City is the Phuket Butterfly Farm (71/6, Moo 5, Soi Paneung, Yaowarat Rd., 076 210 861, info@phuketbutterfly.com, admission: (adult/child) 300/150 baht.) an excellent outing for the whole family, with its insectarium and butterfly garden enclosures.
Old Phuket
Discover Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese background by seeking out some of the magnificent old mansions that survived the island’s hey day as an important trading and tin mining centre in the region. Thalang road, off of Yaowarat Road, hosts many of the oldest Sino-Portuguese style buildings in Phuket City and walking tours are highly recommended.
View points and landscapes
Most visitors to Phuket head to the southern tip of the island at some point during their stay to witness the sunset from Laem (cape) Phromthep, but it does get crowded. Also in the south, above Kata bay is a well known view point with a gorgeous vista of Kata, Karon and Patong beaches. Another popular stop is Khao Rang (Rang Hill) near the city. Halfway up the hill is a shrine temple with a huge golden Buddha statue and good views.
The most spectacular views are from the Big Buddha, between Chalong and Kata, from where one can see Phuket Town to the north, Chalong Bay and Kata.
More suggestions from locals on activities and Thailand in general on our forum - local's favourites.
Updated and correct: November 2009
