Phuket
Travel Guide
(Amphoe Muang)
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Amphoe Muang
Ao Chalong |
Ao Sen |
Deno Park |
Karon Beach |
Kata Beach |
Nai Han Beach |
Rawai Beach |
Khao Rang |
Ko Bon |
Ko He |
Koh Ngai | Ko Kaeo |
Ko Lon |
Ko Mai Thon |
Ko Racha |
Wat Chalong |
Ko Si-re |
Wat Ko Si – Le |
Laem Ka |
Phromthep Cape |
Panwa Cape |
Phuket Aquarium
| Wat Thep Khachonchit | Phuket Butterfly Farm
| Phuket old
buildings |
Wat Choen Thale
|
Phuket Cultural Center
|
Sea Shell Museum |
Wat Ladthiwanaram
|
Phuket Submarine
| Saphan Hin
| Phuket Zoo
|
Orchid Farm
| The
viewpoint
Ao
Chalong
This bay, which has the island’s
largest and most visited pier, is located 11 kilometers south of
town. From this pier, holidaymakers can get chartered boats to some
nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with dive
shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants.
Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience,
swimming is not recommended here. Accommodations are available at
the Phuket Youth Hostel.
Ao Sen
This is a small bay located next to Hat
Nai Han, near the Phuket Yacht Club, which has a peaceful and scenic
beach with white powdery sand.
Dino Park
An 18-hole
mini-golf course is located
beside Marina Cottage on Karon Beach. The
golf course is set in a
prehistoric atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy golfing in a world
out of time. Take an adventurous trip to the world of Dinosaurs at
the Dino Park, an
entertainment and
dining complex. Call 076
330493-7 or visit www.dinopark.com for more information.
Hat
Karon (Karon Beach)
Located
south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies
beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm
trees. The crescent bay is the beach’s signature that drawing travelers’ attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected
by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning
flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the
beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation,
swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end
to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as
nightclubs, restaurants and other evening
entertainment are located
along the beachfront road. The beach is located approximately 20 kilometers from the town and can be reached by taking either s or
buses from Ranong Market in Phuket City. Transportation is available
from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and costs approximately 20 bahts /
person / trip. The final destination of s are in front of Kata Beach
Resort. Taking a taxi to the town is another option. It costs
approximately 200 bahts to Phuket City and 150 bahts to
Patong
Beach.
See
Hotels in Karon Beach
Hat Kata
(Kata Beach)
Located
approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small
Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for
snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the sea’s
eco-system. Also worth visiting is Koh Pu, a small uninhabited island
located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the
island’s rich coral reef enjoyable. Diverse beach activities are
available on both beaches. Accommodations on Hat Kata are set amidst
tropical and cliff settings. Visitors can choose to stay in budget
to top end accommodations according to their preference. Well known
hotels located here are Club Med and the Boathouse. For more
information on how to get there, please refer to the transportation
section in Hat Karon.
See
Hotels in Kata Beach
Hat
Nai Han
Located
a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape,
approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Han, an
extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear
water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons
surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach
has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less
crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude.
Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season
from May to October. Watch out for the red flag! Despite having a
rather limited selection of accommodations, they range from budget
bungalows to the top-class Yacht Club. Check with the TAT Phuket
Office for more up-to-date information and room rates. This beach
can be reached by songthaeos, which leaves from the intersection of
Ranong Road and the fountain circle. The fare is 25 bahts / person /
trip. In addition, visitors can also charter tuk-tuks which costs a
lot more at 150 bahts to 200 bahts / trip.
Hat
Rawai
Located
approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more
peaceful and less commercial beach with a second-to-none pristine
beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phuket
’s Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach
visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands.
Hat
Laem Ka, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure
point for those wishing to visit Koh Lon, and
Koh Ngai. Laem Phromthep,
Phuket’s landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This
cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Accommodations
range from budget bungalows to middle range resorts. Getting to the
Beach is easy by songthaeos, which cost approximately 20 bahts /
person / trip. Songthaeos depart from the stop at the circle of
Ranong Road, while chartered tuk-tuks will cost more at 150 bahts /
trip.
Khao
Rang
A small hill located northeast of the
town, Khao Rang offers a fascinating view of Phuket City. Inside the
park is a fitness park, restaurants and souvenir shops. The statue
of Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, (Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong) the
Governor of Phuket between 1890 and 1909 is also situated here.
Koh Bon
A small island located south of Phuket
that is well known for its long- stretch of white sandy beach set in
a secluded tropical ambience. Ideal for
swimming and
diving, the island is
accessible by chartering a boat from Rawai Beach or Laem Ka. No
accommodations are provided.
Ko He
Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the
island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs
which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and
other water sports. As the island is not affected very much by the
monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year
round. Ko He has become a popular one-day tour from Phuket as it is
only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral
Island by tourists. Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are
available, contact the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date
information.
Koh Ngai
Located southwest of
Cape Panwa, the
island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs
which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and
other water sports. As the island is not affected very much by the
monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year
round. Koh Ngai has become a popular one-day tour from Phuket as it is
only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral
Island by tourists. Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are
available, contact the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date
information.
Koh Kaew
A small island located approximately 3
kilometers from Rawai Beach, south of
Laem Phromthep where a replica
of the Lord Buddha’s Holy Footprint is enshrined. This quiet, white,
sandy beach complimented by rich coral reef is a major tourist
attraction. The island can be reached by taking a 30-minute boat
trip.
Koh
Lon
A relatively large island located south
of the city close to Ao Chalong. Tranquil and undisturbed, the
island is perfect for those wishing to unwind and recharge. A
typical fishing village and a school are located on the island.
Accommodations are available. To get there, visitors can take
ferries which depart from Ao Chalong from 8.00 a.m. Alternatively,
they can charter long-tailed boats. The trip takes approximately 20
minutes.
Koh Mai
Thon
A small peaceful island located
southeast of Phuket, Ko Mai Thon is famous for its unique corals,
crystal clear water and relaxing ambience. The island is ideal for
diving, swimming or even fishing. Accommodations are available for
those wishing to stay in this enchanting, secluded den. A one-day
trip is also provided by travel agencies. There are boats to Ko Mai
Thon from Rawai Beach.
Koh Racha
The
island consists of Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands located south of
Phuket. Koh Racha Yai (Big Racha) has an enchanting beach located on
the west between the valleys that resembles horseshoes. The area is
known as “Ao Bungalow” which is famous for its white powdery beach
and crystal clear water. Visitors can marvel at the delightful
panoramic view of the whole island from the vantage point at the
peak of the mountain located south of the bay.
Ko Racha Yai
is the ultimate place to explore the wonders of the
underwater world, especially at Ao Siam, Ao Tue and Khon Kae.
Accommodations are available.
Ko Racha Noi
(Small Racha) is located just 10 kilometers from Big Racha Island.
Originating from the accumulation of coral stones, the island has
more rocky hills than beaches, thus the island is more suitable for
fishing. To get there, visitors can charter long-tailed or speed
boats from Chalong Pier. Alternatively, they can buy a package tour
from reliable travel agencies.
Wat
Chalong
Phuket’s most popular and famous
temple, Wat Chai Tararam, or Wat Chalong, was built in 1837. Located
approximately 8 kilometers from the city, the temple houses the
famous “Luang Po Cham”, a monk who helped the locals fight the Ang
Yi rebellion during the reign of King Rama V (in 1876). A recent
addition to the temple is a 61.4-meter high chedi containing the
Phra Borom Sareerikatat relic, a piece of the Lord Buddha’s bones
brought over from Sri Lanka. The chedi is a mixture of southern,
central and northeastern architectural styles and is the first in
this region to house the holy Buddha’s relic.
Koh Si-re
An interesting site to visit where
visitors can explore the daily life of Chao Le as it is the oldest
and biggest community of Phuket’s sea gypsies. With an area of
approximately 20 square kilometers, the island is located
approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Phuket and is separated from
the main island only by the small Thachin Canal. The mountain-top
temple on the island houses a big Buddha image in the reclining
position. The island is not an ideal place for swimming, but is
perfect for discovering the sea gypsies’ way of life, especially at
Laem Tukkae.
Panwa
Cape
The southernmost tip of this cape is
home to a Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket's Aquarium
where visitors may inspect several hundred exotic, grotesque, and
flamboyantly colourful marine species found in the teeming waters of
Phuket and elsewhere.
Wat
Ko Si – Le
 
Laem Ka
This Cape is located approximately 16
kilometers from the town center at the extreme southwest end of
Chalong Bay. Ideal for swimming, the beach is clean, quite and
dotted with rocks.
Laem
Phromthep or Phromthep Cape
Literally translate as “Brahma’s Cape”,
Laem Phromthep is perhaps one of Phuket’s most important landmarks.
There is a saying that you haven’t been to Phuket unless you visit
Laem Phromthep. It is here that visitors soak up the sun and savor
the breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the island’s
southern-most tip. The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as
it is a popular observation point at sunset. Laem Phromthep is
located approximately 2 kilometers from Rawai Beach.
Phuket Aquarium
Located at Cape Panwa,
southeastern-most end of the island is an extraordinary aquarium
that displays hundreds of exotic and colorful marine species found
in the sea around Phuket. The aquarium opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to
4.00 p.m. Call 076 391126 for more information. To get by public
transportation, take a local bus from the town’s fresh produce
market.
Wat Thep Khachonchit
Located in Phuket town, Soi Wachira at
Rang Hill.
 
Phuket Butterfly Farm
Located approximately 3 kilometers from
Phuket City via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection, the
farm proudly presents a unique collection of tropical creatures such
as butterflies and insects. The farm opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. The entrance fee is 150 bahts for adults and 60 bahts for
children. Call tel. 0 7621 5616, or 0 7621 0861 for more
information.
Phuket
City and old buildings
Phuket City is a fascinating city that
can be explored on foot or by traditional means of transportation,
tuk-tuk or . Sino-Portuguese architecture that is evident in the
city’s shop houses provides the town with a charming atmosphere and
a late 19th century ambience. For visitors interested in strolling
along the city, start the trip at the central post office and walk
west along Thalang Road, then turn south at the Standard Chartered
Bank building and walk towards Yaowarat Road. Continue the trip to
Fountain Circle, then head west to Ranong Road and proceed to
Patipat Road, which connects with the historic Krabi Road.
Wat Choen Thale
Located at Choen Thale on road 4025.
 
Phuket Cultural Center
Located in the compound of the Rajabhat
Institute of Phuket, the Center features an exhibition of Phuket’s
intriguing history. Highlights of the daily lifestyles, traditional
houses, household utilities and Thalang’s history are exhibited. A
library is located on the ground floor where books on the history,
culture and arts of Phuket can be found. Call 076 211959 for more
details.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Phuket
Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island's
southwestern shores. On display are private collections of seashells
from Thai waters (off Phuket Island itself). They are considered the
most sought-after shells by collectors. In addition to such the
collection, seashells from other parts of Thailand and other parts
of the world are also on display. The main attractions at this
Museum are the world’s largest golden 140-karat pearl, the world’s
earliest known life form seen in sections of sedimentary rock
containing shell fossils and a gigantic 250-kilogram shell. The
museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call tel. 0 7638 1266 or
0 7638 1274 for more information.
Wat Ladthiwanaram
Located south of Phuket town on road
4021.
 
Phuket Submarine
Phuket Submarine operates 5 dives daily
and carries forty eight passengers into the waters southeast of
Phuket. The dives will be to a depth of the thirty meters. The
submarine is fully air conditioned and boasts the latest technology
available in tourist submarines. Large 72 centimeter viewing ports
and LCD screens enhance the viewing experience for the passengers.
Schools of tropical fish and soft coral formations are a highlight
of the dive site. The Submarine tour takes approximately two hours
with 40 minutes spent underwater. For more information, please
contact : Phuket Submarine Col Ltd. 64/423 Mu 7, Ratsada Harbour,
Amphoe Mueang, Phuket 83000. Tel. 0 7625 3206-8, 0 7625 3215
Saphan
Hin
A public park located by the sea at the
end of Phuket Road, Saphan Hin is a recreational park for both
locals and tourists. The Tin Mining Monument dedicated to the memory
of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first
dredge to Phuket in 1909, is located inside the park. The Saphan Hin
Sports Center is also located here.
Phuket
Zoo
Located on the way to
Chalong Bay, the
Zoo features a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds.
Elephant and crocodile shows are performed daily. The entrance fee
is 400 bahts for adult and 200 bahts for children. Call 0 7638 1337,
0 7638 1227 for more details.
Thai
Village and Orchid Farm
Located on Thepkasattri Road,
approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City is an extraordinary
place for culture lovers. The village provides stunning classical
Thai dance performances, sword-fighting,
Thai boxing, southern
customs and elephant shows. Handicrafts and traditional mining
techniques are also featured. The orchid farm outside is worth
exploring. The performances are at 11.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 5.30
p.m. The fees are 400 bahts for adults and 200 bahts for children.
Call 076 214860 for more information.
The
viewpoint
The most famous observation point of
the 3 beaches, Kata Noi, Kata and
Karon, is located on the road
half-way between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach. From this spot,
an intriguing view of the 3 beaches and Koh Pu has constantly
impresses visitors.
Source:
Information by Tourism Authority of Thailand
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