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 mindfully.
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.
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. 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.
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: Kamala beach, open: 17:30 – main show 21:00).
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: Patong beach, showtimes: 19:30 & 21:30 daily).
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: Chalong Bay, open: 08:30 to 18:00, shows throughout the day).
Those that want to help out some animals can visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project 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
Phuket has around 30 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.
Safaris and nature parks
One of the largest tour companies on the island, and boasting its eco-friendliness, Island Safari Tour 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. Near the centre of Phuket City is the Phuket Butterfly Farm, 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 over 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 fo Kata, Karon and Patong beaches. Another popular stop is Khao Rang (Rang Hill) near the city. Halfway up the hill is a shrine with a huge golden Buddha statue and good views.
