destinations/phuket/museums.html

Written by admin on January 10th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

SCUBA DIVING    


Phuket is the center the scuba diving buisness. Popular locations for diving include Similan, Surin and Phi Phi islands. Instruction and equipment are available at the main beaches, with teachers of various nationalities. Beginner courses are inexpensive, so if you have never learned to scuba dive, Phuket is a great place to learn.
 

SNORKELING    

The bays in Phuket contain many interesting coral reefs. Equipment can be rented from dive shops around the island. 

SWIMMING    

Swimming at some beaches during the monsoon season is not recommended. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming ; if the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean! 

YACHT SERVICES   

Yachtsmen visiting Phuket can enjoy a full range of services, including dry dock facilities and boat repairs, and safe and secure moorings, principally at Ao Chalong, the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina and Laem Prao Marina. Yachts of ever shape and size can be chartered, either as bareboats or with full crew. Please check with the Phuket Immigration Office for details regarding bringing in a yacht, or leaving by yacht.
Rules and Regulations

Phuket: Museums

Written by admin on January 10th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

Antique Buildings

Antique BuildingsThe beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean chracter. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Rd., 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 Nakhon Luang Thai Bank. 

Phuket Aquarium

More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water around Phuket. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Admission is 5 Baht for children and 20 Baht for adults. The aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island’s extreme southeast. A Songtaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Sot, or Fresh Market. Tel. (076) 391126.

Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium

Tropical species of butterflies, other insects, and many kinds of marine life are on display. Located in Sam Kong about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Tel. (076) 215616, 210861.

Saphan Hin

A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located where Phuket Rd., 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. The Sport Center is located in the park.

Phuket Sea Shell Museum

Perhaps the world’s most valuable collection of seashells has been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the island’s southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Phuket and Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured. Wherever they originate, each shell in the Shell Museum is the best of its type–very often the only of its type. Displays have been created in a logical order, and visitors can see at once differing characteristics among related species. There are numerous rarities and freaks including the world’s largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils that represent the earth’s earliest life-forms, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. One of the world’s great private museums, the Shell Museum is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. For details call 381266, or 381274.

Thalang National Museum

Ancient artifacts from Phuket ‘s long history are on display; the oldest were found on the west coast. In addition there are exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang involving the Two Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the Sea Gipsy culture. Tel. (076) 311025, 311426; open daily except holidays 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Located just east of the Two Heroines Monument on the Pa Khlok Rd.

Thai Village and Orchid Farm

Also on Thepkasattri Road, the village serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances, sword-fight ing, Thai boxing,demonstration of old time tin-mining, southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display.

The morning showing starts at 11:00 a.m. the evening showing at 5:30 p.m. Tel. (076) 214860, 237400 

Phuket: Forest & Waterfalls

Written by admin on January 10th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Center

22.28 square kilometers of virgin forest are coverd by this park, which also actively conserves a number of wild animals; they would otherwise be extinct in fast-growing Phuket. It is a center for study of the environment. Forest vegetation is spectacular : Giant trees supported by huge buttresses are thick with creepers and climbers of every description. 

One species of palm found, the Governor’s Palm or White Back Palm (palm lang khao in Thai) is especially rare. Langurs, barking deer, mouse deer, deer, bear, wild boar, monkeys, gibbons, and many species of birds inhabit the forest. Khao Phra Thaeo serves also as one of Phuket’s most important water sources. There are two waterfalls of note:

Ton Sai Ton Sai

A small falls over which pours a great volume of water during the rainy season. The trees, watercourses, and pools nearby provide one of Phuket’s loveliest scenes. The park headquarter and a small restaurant with an excellent view are also at Ton Sai. Located near Thalang Town, 22 kms. from Phuket Town

 

Bang Pae

Best known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project to return domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small waterfall with a shady forest and thick foliage surrounding. To get there go to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road running east, the Pakhlok Rd., 7 kms. to Bang Pae. Look for the posted signs.

Mangrove Forest

Situated in Sirinat National Park near Ta Chatchai on Phuket’s northern tip, the mangroves–saltwater swamps with unique eco-systems much prized by scientists searching for clues about adaptation and evolution–cover about 800 rai. Anyone with an interest in horticulture will be interested in the many unusual perennial plants found here: mountain ebony (kong kang bai lek), red cycas (prong daeng), black myrsina (samae dam), the Lady’s Nails quisqualis (leb mue nang), and various creepers and climbers are among the more significant. There are also many mongrove-dwelling animals with unique evolutionary characteristics. A nature trail has been cleared for the convenience of visitors with signs indicating and explaining the various species. 

Phuket: Temples

Written by admin on January 10th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

Chalong Temple


Chalong TempleThis 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.

Chalong Temple 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.

Phra Nang Sang Temple


The grounds of this historic temple are where the Battle of Thalang took place in 1785. Inside are three very old statues wrought in tin of the Buddha; they are the largest in the world and date from a time when tin was regarded as a semi-precious metal. The bellies of the three big statues each contains a smaller statue, from which derives their name, “Monks in the Belly” in local vernacular. or “The Three Kings” in formal language. Located on Thep Krasatri Rd., in Thalang Town at the tracffic light.

Phra Tong Temple


Phra Tong TempleThis temple enshrines a golden Buddha image that sprang up from beneath the earth long ago. The story is of a young boy who tied his buffalo to what he thought was a post; it was in an area at that time given over to the raising of animals. After doing so, he fell down in agony and died. The father of the boy dreamed that the reason his son had died was for the sin of tying a filthy buffalo to a sacred object, that what the boy thought was a post was in reality the golden peak of the Buddha’s conical cap. He told his neighbors the dream and they all went out to dig up the statue but had no success.

Later, at the time of Thao Thep Kasatri’s heroic defense against the Burmese in 1785, the invaders tried to succeed where the villagers had failed; their intention was to take the Buddha image back to Burma. Sacred objects and slaves were then the most sought after spoils for armies. The Burmese, however, were unable to retrieve the golden Buddha despite several attempts; they were finally driven off by a swarm of angry hornets.

After this the villagers decided to protect their miraculous statue by covering the part that stuck up from the ground with a plaster cast of Buddha’s head and shoulders’s which is the way it is today. Located north of the traffic light on the outskirts of Thalang Town. A large sign shows the entrance.

Hotels

Written by admin on January 7th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

Phuket: Nearby Islands

Written by admin on January 7th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

Raya (or Racha ) Islands


Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket’s southern coast.

Raya Yai Island
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. 

Raya Yai IslandClean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving. 

 

Raya Noi Island
This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.

To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

 

Rang Yai Island


Lying off Phuket’s east coat, this small island has been developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island’s pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package tours are providede by Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies.

 

Keaw Island


A fine beach, natural surroundings, and coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai, south of Phrom Thep. There is also a giant Buddha Statue. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat from Rawai.

Lon Island


This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Ko Lon leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.

 

Coral Island or Hey Island


Coral Island or Hey Island This island off Phuket’s south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available.

 

Mai Ton Island


This tiny island off Phuket’s southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port. For details contact (076) 214954-7.

 

Taphao Yai Island


10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket’s southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200 meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.

Nakha Island


this small, quiet island with fine sandy beaches lies just off Phuket’s northeast shore. Waters are suiable for swimming. One item of interest at Ko Nakha Noi not found in many other places is its pearl farm. Boats can be hired from Ao Po Pier, off Pa Khlok Rd., for travel to Ko Nakha Noi, and package trips are available at tour agencies, generally including lunch and a visit to the pearl farm.

Phuket: Viewpoints

Written by admin on January 7th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

Phrom Thep Cape  

Phrom Thep Cape“Phrom” is Thai for Hindu “Brahma” signifying purity, and “Thep” means ‘God’. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey’s have been found all along the Malay-peninsula’s west coast. 

 

 

From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and was formerly called by local villagers “Leam Jao” (The Gods’ Cape). From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point : it is one of Phuket ‘s most inspiring vistas. From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket’s famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han Beach. 

 

 

 

 

Rang Hill

This provides a pleasant view of town while dining, and has a Fitness Park, a series of hillside sculptural tableaux which enhance calisthenics.

 

3-Bay Viewpoint

3-Bay ViewpointFrom this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, and also Poo Island. It is one of the island’s best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Han Beach.

 

Si-Re Island

Si-Re IslandSeparated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Koh 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 Ley, are on Koh Si-Re at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because of the muddy bottom. Thre are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.

 

Chalong Bay

Phuket’s principal boat anchorage and the island’s largest bay. Ao Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebbtide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but not for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay’s restaurants are well known for their seafood. Charters to various places can be arranged from there, and it is the center of the island’s yachting businesses. To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd., or Jao Fah Tawan Okk Rd., to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle. 

Beaches

Written by admin on January 7th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

There are many beaches in Phuket but the most popular ones are those on the west side of the island where the sand is white and the sea is always clear. 

Patong Beach

This is Phuket’s central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the years, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island’s two cities.  
 
PatongThe famous bay and 4 km. beach is know as a centre of entertainment with restaurants catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars.

Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to help visitors plan their vacations.
Sports & Activities at Patong Beach 

 

 

Kamala Beach

Kamala BeachKamala is a Muslim fishing village north of Patong. Tourist development on the beach much of which is covered by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming. Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is beautiful and about 2 kms. in length. There are

accommodations ranging from guesthouse to international class, and a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala is the perfect place to get away from it all and has little to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong.

Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime; tuk-tuk service available to Patong, 5 kms. away on the new road.

Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

 

 

Kata Beach

Kata BeachThe smallest of Phuket’s three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low-rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore.

Facilities for every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. There is regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime.

 

Karon Beach

Karon BeachThe second largest of Phuket’s principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island.

Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, 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 facility.

Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket’s beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Nai Han Beach

Nai Han BeachA popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

 

Bangthao Beach

Bangthao BeachBangthao is a large open bay with one of Phuket’s longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a luxury resort. Most of it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five-hotel development with golf course. There are, however, accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay’s south end. Dry season swimming is excellent, and at the bay’s north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale.

The beach is located off Sri Sunthon Rd., in Choeng Thale. As for access to Laguna; the south end of the bay may be approached by taking the road north from Surin Beach. To get to the far north end from Sri Sunthon Rd., take the road leading to Laguna, but do not enter, continue on to the town of Bandon where there is an intersection of asphalted roads, and take the one leading west toward the sea. This road leads also to Nai Thon Bay and makes a very pleasant drive. Along the way are some small bays with good swimming and no development.

Nai Yang Beach

Nai Yang BeachThis is where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnicker. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of these has however, dropped off greatly.

First class accommodations are available and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look for signs indicating the park entrance.

Phuket: Getting Around

Written by admin on January 7th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

There are good roads all over Phuket Island, making transportation so convenient. If you have driver license, we recommend car renting which is cheaper than taking Tuk Tuk. Public buses are covering only in some area. 

Motorcycle

Taking Motorcycles is another choice of transportation commonly found in Thailand. They wait for you at some important places like markets, in front of a Soi (an alley), bus terminals, and government offices. The driver will take you to your destination. The fare depends on the distance. Normally, going within Phuket town costs no more than 50 bahts or 100 bahts per hour. 
 

Four-wheeled Tuk Tuk

Four-wheeled Tuk Tuk can board 4-5 persons. The fare within regular route is 10 bahts per person. Or you can rent the Tuk Tuk and its driver to take you to any other places with the fare depending on the number of the passengers and the distance (negotiable). 
 

Song Taew 

Song Taew is a wagon with two long seats on each side. Regular routes of Song Taew are from the Fountain Market to several beaches and some nearby provinces. The fare is about 15-20 Bahts. 
 

Long tailed boat and speed boat 

You may hire a boat to take you to islands or fishing sites. The centers of boat rent are Chalong Bay and Rawai Beach. The fare depends on the number of passengers, distance, and kinds of boats. Long tailed boats cost much cheaper than speedboats. They usually belong to the villagers and normally are not equipped with life vests and diving kits. Speedboats are owned by private companies. They not only supply life vests and diving kits but also serve drinks and fruits. The fare for long tailed boat is about 500-2000 baths while speedboat costs 3,000-10,000 baths. 
 

Car renting (no driver) 

Car renting is a convenient and safe way. There are two big car rent centers in Phuklet. One is the area by Thaworn Hotel in downtown Phuket; the other is Patong Beach. The former offers a bit lower fare. The rental fare for a 110cc motorcycle is about 200 baths per day; and a jeep is 800-1200 bahts per day (There are discounts for long term rent).  

Phuket: Getting There

Written by admin on January 7th, 2014. Posted in Phuket

By Bus 

Airconditioned coaches and non-airconditioned buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal every day. For further details, please contact: Bangkok 0-2435-1200, 0-2434-3233, 0-2435-3018.
Click here for Service Schedule (Bangkok – Phuket)

There’re also buses travel from Phuket to it’s nearby provinces every day.
Click here for Fare Rates (Phuket – Nearby Provinces)
 
 

By Air   

Thai Airways operates daily jet flights between Bangkok and Phuket. There are further domestic connections with Surat Thani and Hat Yai. Phuket also enjoys international connections with Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan a Hong Kong and Australia.

Reservations may be made in Bangkok (Tel: 0-2280-0060 and 0-2628-2000),
and in Phuket (Tel: 0-7621-1195, 0-7621-2946, 0-7621-2499 and 0-7621-6755) for both domestic and international flights.
www.thaiairways.com

Bangkok Airways offers direct flights linking Phuket with Ko Samui, the principal island in the Thai Gulf.
Tel: Phuket 0-7622-5033-4, Bangkok: 0-2229-3434, 0-2229-3456, 0-2535-2429, 0-2535-3756
www.bkkair.co.th

Air Andaman offers direct flights linking Phuket with Krabi , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumpon and Bangkok.
Tel: Phuket 0-7635-1374-5 , Bangkok 0-2251-4905, 0-2252-7387
www.airandaman.com 
 

By Car 

From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, thence through Ranong province’s Kraburi and Kaper districts, Phangnga province’s Takua Pa and Takua Tung districts and onto Phuket island across the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. The total distance is 867 kilometres. 
 

By Sea

Foreign and domestic cruise ships frequently berth at the Port of Phuket at Ao Makham, and off Patong Beach, yachts at Ao Chalong, the Phuket Lagoon Marina and the Laem Prao marina.
Please note that all pleasure boats and yachts arriving at Phuket must stop first and register with ther Immigration Office and Customs Office, and with the Harbour Office within 24 hours of arrival
Click here for Rules and Regulations for yachts entering Phuket waters