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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
useless 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, often called the
Ha Yaek, or Five Ways, because it is a five-way intersection.
The pier and a number of restaurants are located on
the short road leading to the beach from the circle.
Antique Buildings
The 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
character. 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 Jahngwaht), and Nakorn
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 waters around Phuket. Open daily,
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., the aquarium is located at
Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission
is 5 baht for children and 20 baht for adults. A Songtaew
(local bus) can be taken from the Talad Soht, or Fresh
Market. Tel. (076) 391 126.
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) 215 616, 210
861.
Kao Rang A great view of Phuket Town, the southern
part of the island, and some of the offshore islands,
can be obtained by going to the top of Kao Rang Hill,
on the city's northwest. There are also several restaurants
featuring spectacular views of the city, a health
park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable,
expanse of grass for picnickers at the top with a
bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the model
Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
Thai Village and Orchid Farm A show of Thai
dance, handicrafts, culture, elephants and a demonstration
of old time tin-mining takes place among the orchids.
Located in Sam Kong, about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket
(see map). The morning showing starts at 11:00 a.m.,
the evening showing at 5:30 p.m. Tel. (076) 214 860,
237 400
Sapan 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 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 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. The
sport Center is located in the park.
Sirey Island Separated from the mainland of
Phuket by the Klong Ta Jin, a shallow mangrove swamp,
this twenty square kilometer island is connected by
a causeway to the city. Wat Koh Sirey, on the hill,
has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views
of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of
Sea Gipsies, or Chao Lay, are on Koh Sirey at Laem
Tuk-kae. Swimming is not good because of the muddy
bottom. There are some popular seafood restaurants
on the eastern shore.
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 381
266, or 381 274
Ka Cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors
to the island. Located at the extreme southwest of
Chalong Bay. South of the point is Laem Kah Beach,
a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. Okay
for swimming, but watch out for coral close in. The
extensive coral reefs off shore make for interesting
snorkeling mornings, when the waters are clear. Bungalows,
Thai food, and boat charters to the islands are available.
Laem Kah is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle
Rawai Beach Site of a Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy
village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft
shops, and both fishing and charter boats. The waters
are okay for swimming; snorkeling on the reefs off
shore. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.
Prom Thep Cape 'Prom' is Thai for the Hindu
'Brahma' signifying purity, and 'Thep' means 'God'.
Promthep is a headland stretching in to the sea and
forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been
a 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 'Laem Jao' (The Gods' Cape).
From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the
sea is a line of toddy 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''
most inspiring vistas. In the distance can be seen
Koh Gaew. From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful
place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads
northwest to Nai Harn Beach.
Nai Harn Beach
A 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 Harn is just
north of Prom Thep.
Sehn Bay A small bay with many rocks and corals.
Snorkeling and diving are okay, but swimming without
a mask could be dangerous among the corals. For sunbathers,
this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Harn offers
some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies
food and drink. Cheap bungalows are located just west
of the beach. To get there go through the parking
lot of the Phuket Yacht Club hotel and follow the
road to Ao Sehn.
View Point
From this point can be seen the
bays of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon, and also Koh 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 Harn.
Kata Beach
The 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 Koh Poo Is., about ? km
off shore. Facilities, for every price range, include
hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars
and clubs. Regular bus service to and from Phuket
Town during daytime.
Kata Noi Beach South of Kata is Kata Noi, a
smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other
development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit
the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline
stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach
road up over the hill from Kata.
Karon Beach The 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.
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 Makam
Deep Sea Port. For details contact (076) 214 954-7
Tapao 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 Jao Fah Rd. to the Sakdidet
Rd. intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow
it 8 kms. to Ao Makam. The road splits in the vicinity
of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about
200 meters to the Koh Tapao ferry pier. Dining and
Accommodations available on the island. For details
call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214 917
Kaew Island
A fine beach, natural surroundings,
and coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai,
south of Prom Thep. There is also a giant statue of
the Buddha. The island is 15 minutes by chartered
boat from Rawai.
Lohn 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 Koh Lohn leave daily in
the early morning from Chalong Pier.
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.
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 hills that stretch away from
it like two arms of a horseshoe called alternately
Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The sands are sparkling
clean and the waters crystal clear like those of the
Similan Islands. From the top of a hill on the bay's
south is a view point from which the whole island
can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is a
coral reef where diving is excellent.
Raya Noi Island
This island, 10 kms. From Koh
Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up and
there and more rocks than beaches. In a small bay
on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Koh
Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous,
but swimming is not advised.
To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong
or Rawai, or go to a 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 the Racha Islands is restricted to the dry
season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.
Koh
Rahng Yai
lying off Phuket's east coast, this
small island has been developed for the out-of-doors
minded tourist. Among the many activities are sea
kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf,
and visiting the island's pearl farm. For travel to
Koh Rahng Yai, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier,
just outside Phuket Town before the town of Sapam
or from Phuket boat Lagoon.
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