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Beaches in Phuket
Beaches in Phuket are all guaranteed of their
scenic beauty and its finest white sand. If they are different from one
another, it is just because of the natural setting and degree of development.
On each beach, facilities and accommodations are always available. These are
main beaches in Phuket you should never miss:
Patong Beach, the liveliest and most
popular, considered as Pattaya of Phuket. From day to night, the pace of
colorful life never stops. Patong has all possible facilities: banks, police,
post office, travel agencies, international phones, tourist police, car and
motorcycle rentals, and scuba diving shops. Please note that Patong is a beach
for parties and a good time, if you would like to find the solitude, there are
many other choices elsewhere.
Surin Beach is a series of small coves
and private beaches with the casuarina pine trees lying by the beach access,
allowing then a good place for picnics under the pines shadow along the beach.
Also, the basic activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are
unforgettable.
Rawai Beach is one of the ideal places
for those who prefer solitude. The Rawai area is famous for the Promthep Cape
viewpoint where a Gypsy village is also situated. The snorkeling on the reefs
off shore is recommended as well.
Kata Beach, located in further
southwards. Kata is different from Patong and Karon in appearance; the beach
is broad and curving; the waters are great for swimming. In the northern end,
there is a fantastic coral reef with varied corals and fish stretching out
toward Poo Island, about ½ km. from shore.
Nearby, situate the Kata's Beach cousins, Kata Noi and Kata Yai. The beaches
are superb and quiet. A visit to the coral reefs is recommended.
Karon Beach, one of the largest
dominant tourist beaches, situated only 10 minutes from Patong Beach. The sand
is very white and unspoiled, and there's a good coral reef for snorkeling in
the south point.
Kamala Beach, located in the north of
Patong, is another good place for isolation. With quiet atmosphere, warm and
crystal clear waters as well as the striking scenic panorama, you will forget
the busy world behind. Since it is the place where the Muslim fishing village
is grouped, you can appreciate the lifestyle of local people; they still keep
their simple pace of life by earning their life fishing. Moreover, there are
coral reefs for snorkeling just a few meters offshore.
There are other beaches of which their beauty
is second to none. Namely, they are Airport Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Lam Singh
Beach, Nai Harn Beach, and Nai Yang Beach, waiting for you to discover.
Islands around Phuket
Phuket is not only the largest and the most
attractive island by itself but is surrounded by other fascinating islands
nearby. These are:-
Phi Phi Islands are divided into two
islets, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le, located in the area of a national park, 34
km southeast of Phuket. It is famous for its magnificent beauty; the water is
turquoise blue clear with white wonderful sand. Its virgin nature and its
tranquil environment always attract hundreds of visitors a day. On Phi Phi
Don Island, the larger of the two, you can appreciate the incredibly
picturesque panorama with the idyllic tropical beaches lining its southern and
eastern shores.
On Phi Phi Le Island, you can enjoy
your snorkeling above the coral reef offshore. Diving activity is also
recommended. Here is Thailand's newest diving attraction, the King Cruiser
wreck that sank one year ago. Above water, you can see a spectacular scene
created by the nature itself; there are a few caves and a sea lake formed by a
clef between the two cliffs that allows water to enter into a bowl-shaped
canyon wherein several nice beaches are shaped.
Recently, the island received the worldwide
attention when Leonardo DiCaprio arrived to film portions "The
Beach" on Maya Bay and aroused an objection against filming by the
environmentalists
Similan Island, considered as one of
Asia's top diving destination, located 95 km northwest from Phuket. The word
"Similan" is derived from the Malay sembilan that means
"nine" because the Similan Island is composed of nine islets.
The Similans' highlight can be found in both
above and below waters. On the land, you will experience the finest white
sandy beaches and its rich and dense forest where the home of little wild
animals is; whereas under the water, you will venture into another realm with
all sorts of marine creatures and flourishing coral reefs. Therefore,
snorkeling and diving are the activities that you should not miss.
Apart from diving and snorkeling activities,
sailing by yacht is becoming more popular due to the scenic mooring of Similan
Island in the high season (November-May and December-February)
You can reach Similan Island from Phuket in 3
-5 hours, Thap Lamu in 3 hours, Khao Lak in 3 hours or Ban Hin Lak in 5 hour.
A less expensive option is taking a national park service boats departing from
Thap Lamu, a fishing port.
The Coral Island, called also Hey
Island is well known for its coral reef that is often referred to simply as
Coral Island. Aside from formidable reefs, there are also two fine beaches on
the north and west. It is a good place for all sorts of activities. For
getting there, there are boats leaving from Rawai Beach.
Racha Island lies in the south of
Phuket and is consisted of two islets, Racha Yai Island, and Racha Noi Island.
This island has the reputation for its exceptionally clear water, especially
on Racha Noi Island where the waters are emerald green. In addition, the charm
of the coral reef is so great that makes the island one of the most popular
diving destinations.
To get there, contact a charter boat on Rawai
Beach, or consult with the travel agent for details of package tours.
Mai Ton Island is the tiny island off
Phuket's southeast coast, prized for its still perfect natural environment;
fine white beaches and crystalline water. It is the perfect place for
swimming, diving, fishing, and especially, for those who love solitude. If you
would not like to stay overnight there, there is a daytime excursion leaving
from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port.
Rang Yai Island is the island of
adventurous activities like kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, trekking,
and more; associated with its remarkable beauty, quiet area and lovely beach.
It is absolutely worth visiting.
Although Phuket is famous for its beautiful beaches, islands and activities,
the Phuket town itself has many attractions that are worth visiting such as:
Khao Rang is the great view point of Phuket Town. By going to the top
of Khao Rang Hill on the city' northwest, the panorama of the southern part of
the island, and some of the offshore island can be seen. It is a good place for
picnics, and other activities.
Chalong Temple is about 8 km out of town. It has a historical
importance in the reign of King Rama V. This is where the statue of Luang Por
Cham is placed; he had helped people to put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie,
Rebellion in 1876. This statue is widely revered among Phuket people.
Antique Buildings: during your sightseeing in town, you will see the
dominant buildings in the "Old Phuket" area. They were built in
Sino-Portuguese architectural style
Phuket Aquarium: it is located at Cape Panwa. More than hundred
species of sea life are on display here. Open daily, 8.30.a.m.-4.00 p.m.,
admission fee is 5 Baht for children and 20 Baht for adults.
Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium: tropical species of butterflies
and other insects are on display, located in Sam Kong about 3 km from downtown
Phuket. Open daily 9.00 am-5.00 pm.
Thai Village and Orchid Farm: A show of Thai dance, handicrafts,
culture, elephants, and a demonstration of old time tin-mining activities takes
place among the orchids. It is located in Sam Kong, about 3 km. from downtown of
Phuket. The morning show starts at 11. 00 a.m.,while the evening one at 5.30 pm.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum: it is perhaps the world's most valuable
collection of seashells, located near the Rawai Beach on the island's
southwestern shores. Shells from Phuket and Thai waters are on display; each one
is the best of its type. In addition, the rarities and freaks are also collected
here, for example, the world largest golden pearl and a shell that weighs 250
kilograms.
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