Sightseeing in Phuket

The Thalang Museum lies 12 km north of Phuket town, and is a good place to get an insight into the historical side of Phuket. The museum has a fairly extensive collection of items from the days of the tin and rubber industries, which the Chinese had spearheaded on Phuket. It also has some interesting exhibits on the Vegetarian Festival (in October), when Phuket dwellers of Chinese origin adopt an ascetic lifestyle for nine days, during which they commit themselves to a totally vegetarian diet.

Patong Beach is the most developed of all Phuket’s beaches and offers a variety of attractions and services for renting boats or diving gear. You can go parasailing or just relax and soak up the sun on a deck chair on the beach.

With two waterfalls as a main attraction, the Khao Phra Taew National Park lies 20 km north of Phuket town. It’s hilly terrain, with tropical forests inhabited by wild boar, monkeys and birds are worth a visit if you’re fond of nature.

Laem Phrom Thep is the southernmost point of the island of Phuket; it’s got good views, and if you’re anywhere near it at sunset, make it a point to be at Laem Phrom Thep- the view of the setting sun is quite spectacular from this point.

Phuket itself is pretty good for just wandering around- the beaches are beautiful, and Phuket town has some quaint and picturesque Sino-Portuguese architecture. In addition, if you’re fond of nature you might like to visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, Crocodile World and Sea Aquarium, Butterfly Garden, and the Marine Biological Research Centre.