Phuket Attractions
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Old Phuket
The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to construction of many fine mansions and shops that are 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 onto the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road, 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, the Phuket Courthouse, and Siam City Bank.
Saphan Hin
A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Saphan Hin, located where Phuket Road 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. A sport center is located in the park.
Khao 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 Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsadanupradit, the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium
This is only 3 kilometres from town via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. It has a fascinating collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies, insects, marine life all arranged in natural surroundings. It is open daily from 9 a.m.5 p.m.
Thai Village and Orchid Farm
This is located on Thepkasattri Road about 3 kilometers from town, serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances, sword-fighting, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. The complex also houses a dining hall decorated with over 20,000 varieties of orchid and tropical trees. Digestion is aided by the lilting sounds of Thai classical and folk music played on tradition instruments. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Cultural shows are performed daily at 11 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
Ko Si-Re
Separated 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 Ko 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 Le, can be found on Ko Si-Re at Laem Tuk-kae. The muddy seabed means the island is not good for swimming. There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.
Phuket Abalone Farm
Situated 15 kilometers from the town, this is the first commercial Abalone farm in Thailand. Not only commercial Abalone cultivation, there is also a restaurant where visitors can try special dishes and buy various products from fresh Abalone.
Phuket Zoo
Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the zoo contains a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every day. The zoo is open daily.
Wat Chalong
This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Chain, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion, in 1876 during the reign of King Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Kueam, abbots of the temple during later times.
Wat Chalong is about 8 kilometres outside town. Take Wichit Songkram Road to the bypass and turn left, and drive for about 10 minutes. Wat Chalong is on the left.
Ao Chalong
This is Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay, 11 kilometres south of the town. It is very picturesque but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some small island south of Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the road leading to the bay.
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