PHUKET GUIDE BOOK by PHUKET E-MAGAZINE

PHUKET Guide Book

THAO THEPKRASATTRI BRIDGE SARASIN BRIDGE

PHANG-NGA

POLICE STATION

PHUKET GATE WAY

PANAK ISLAND

PHUKET CHECK POINT

PHANG-NGA BAY

YATCH HEAVEN

SAIKAEW BEACH MAIKHAO BEACH

MANGROVE FOREST

MAPHRAO BAY

RADIO CONTROL

LA WA YAI ISLAND

LEAM SAI

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 4026

SIRINAT NATIONAL PARK HIGHWAY POLICE ASAT TRI

AGRO-TOURISM 4027

THEP K R

MAE JOO SHOP

4031

NAITHON BEACH

BANG RONG PIER TON SAI WATERFALL

PRA NANG SANG TEMPLE LPG

4030

402

PTT 4025

SURIN BEACH SING CAPE KAMALA BEACH

4027

SRISUPALUCK ORCHID

SHELL

PANSEA BEACH

NAKA NOI ISLAND

THALANG HOSPITAL

KORNTHONG SHOP

BANG TAO BEACH

NAKA YAI ISLAND

POR PIER

GIBBON PROJECT KHAO PRA TAEW

TALANG DISTRICT

KATA ISLAND

REAT ISLAND

BANG PAE WATERFALL

402

LAYAN BEACH

NGAM ISLAND

NAI YANG BEACH

T H O R N R D.

HEROINE MONUMENT

PHUKET FANTASEA

RANG NOI ISLAND

PHUKET BOAT LAGOON ROYAL PHUKET MARINA PHUKET ISLAND HOPPER PORT

RANG YAI ISLAND

LAEM HIN PIER

KATHU CASCADE

MAPHRAO ISLAND 402

NAKALAY BEACH

KATHU DISTRICT

KALIM BEACH

BUTTERFLY FARM

4020

402

THAI VILLAGE

4029

SIRAY ISLAND

PATONG BEACH TRITRANG BEACH

PHUKET ABALONE FARM & RESTAURANT

PRINCE OF SONGKLA UNIVERSITY

FREEDOM BEACH

4022

KARON NOI BEACH

SILASUPARAM TEMPLE

PHUKET TOWN 4021

CHALONG TEMPLE

KARON BEACH BIG BUDDHA

TAPAO NOI ISLAND

4023

PALAI BAY

KHAO KHAT CHALONG BAY HILL

4028

KATA BEACH

VIEW POINT

YON BAY

KATA NOI BEACH AO SANE

4024

VIEW POINT

PHUKET ISLAND HOPPER PORT

SEA GYPSY VILLAGE

FRIENDSHIP BEACH LONE ISLAND

PORT OF PHUKET MAKHAM BAY PORT OF PHUKET PANWA CAPE

PHUKET AQUARIUM

KA CAPE

NAI HARN BEACH YA NUI BEACH PROMTHEP CAPE

RAWAI BEACH VIEW POINT

KEAW YAI ISLAND

ANDAMAN SEA

BON ISLAND

AEW ISLAND MAI THON ISLAND (HONEYMOON ISLAND)

PHUKET PROVINCE

CORAL ISLAND

RAYA YAI ISLAND RAYA NOI ISLAND

Content LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES

P.6

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE OLD CITY OF PHUKET

P.10

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KATHU DISTRICT

P.26

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THALANG P.32 DISTRICT

GOLF COURSES IN PHUKET AND SURROUNDING AREAS

P.39

LOCAL FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS OF PHUKET

P.41

HOT EVENING HANG-OUTS

P.45

LOCAL FOOD

P.46

Prefect Phuket, the name presently used for the famous island was at one time called “Phukej” which means “crystal city”. According to records dated 1,025 A.D., the meaning also coincides with the name ‘Maneekram’ that was given by the Tamil tribe. Today, Phuket is a province in the south of Thailand with over one thousand years of history and archaeological evidence. It was well known amongst sailors and navigators who traveled between China and India through the Malay Peninsula. The oldest evidence is found in the geography book and navigator map by Ptolemy dated 157 A. D. There was clear mentioning about the trip from ‘Suvarnabhum’ Peninsula down to The Malay Peninsula where ships had to pass through “Junk Ceylon” Cape, the location where Phuket Island is situated today. Another major evidence in Thai history provided proof that Phuket was part of The Tam Pon Ling Kingdom which continued over to The Srivijaya Kingdom. Later, in the Siridhama Nakorn Kingdom, Phuket Island was called “Muang Takua-Thalang”, the eleventh in the constellation of twelve cities which had chosen the dog image as its symbol. During the Sukhothai Period, Thalang was under the rule of Takua Pah. In the Ayutthaya Period, the Dutch arrived and built storage facilities for conducting tin trade in Phuket. Therefore, the island’s northern and central regions called Thalang were governed by Thais while the southern and western parts called Phuket were inhabited by foreigners who were there to conduct tin trade.

In the beginning of the Rattanakosin period, the Burmese king and his army invaded Siam and began attacking several major cities in the south. When they reached Thalang, they discovered that the city had just lost its ruler. Not about to let the Burmese in without a fight, Khun-Ying Jan, the late ruler’s courageous widower and her sister, Khun Mook gathered a militia and bravely fought the invaders until they were forced to retreat. So on March 13, 1785, King Rama I bestowed upon Khun-Ying Jan the honorific title of ‘Thao Thep Krasattri’ and Khun Mook, ‘Thao Sri Soontorn’ in honor of their braveries. During the years that followed, Phuket prospered continuously from trading and mining. Later, King Rama V had orders to integrate all the towns on the western coast together and called them ‘Monton Phuket’. In 1933, it was changed to Phuket Province, the name which is used until today.

Location and Boundaries: Phuket is a province in southern Thailand with the west side next to The Andaman Coast in the Indian Ocean and the east side consisting of several islands. The island lies between 7’ 45” and 8’ 15” north latitude, and from 98’ 15” to 98’ 40” west longitude on the map. Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and its surrounding 32 smaller islands make up a total area of 570 square kilometers. The widest point of the island measures 21.3 kilometers while its longest part is 48.7 kilometers. Its boundaries are as follows:

North: Pak Prah Strait in Phang-Nga Province connected by Sarasin and Thao Thep Krasattri Bridges.

South: The Andaman Sea. East: Phang-Nga Bay. West: The Andaman Sea. Geography:

About 70 percent of Phuket is made up of mountains which run from north to south, lying mainly on the west side of the island. The highest peak called ‘Mai Tao Sip Song’ (Twelve Canes) stands 529 meters above sea level and lies within the boundaries of Tambol Chalong, Muang District. The remaining 30 percent consists of plains found mainly in the central and east of the island. The west side is made up of mountains, beaches and streams such as the Klong Bang Yai, Klong Tah Chine, Klong Tah Rue, and Klong Bang Rong.

Climate: Phuket’s weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds which makes the weather warm and humid year round. There are only two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts until November, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest. The summer season is from December through April, when the monsoon begins from the northeast. The highest average temperature is around 33.4 degrees Celsius which occurs around March and the lowest average of 22 degrees Celsius happens in January.

Economy: 1. Tourism is the island’s major source of income which attracts both local and foreign investments to the area. Businesses in the tourism industry include hotels, restaurants, travel agents, souvenir shops, spas, Thai massage establishments and health tours. 2. The main agricultural industry in Phuket includes rubber tree plantation, coconut plantation, pineapple plantation, fishing and aquaculture. 3. Important industrial trades include agricultural product transformation and the fishing industry.

Population: The official population recorded on December 31, 2012, was 360, 905. Most of the inhabitants are Buddhist, Chinese Thais. Others include Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and a minority group called ‘New Thais’ or Chao Ley (Fishermen).

Government: Phuket Province is divided into three Amphurs (districts) namely Muang District, Thalang District and Kathu District. There is one Nakorn Municipality, one Muang Municipality, five District Municipalities and thirteen Sub district Administrative Organizations.

Travel Guide: By car: From Bangkok, take Rama 2 Road (Thonburi-Paktor). Turn left at The Wang Manao 3-way intersection and follow highway no. 4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi Province, Cha-am, Hua-Hin, Prajuab Kirikhan, Tab Sakare. When you reach the Chumporn city intersection, (Patomporn intersection at the km. 499), go straight on highway no. 41 passing through Langsuan District into Suratthani province through Suratthani Airport for about 10 kilometers. At the 18-kilometer intersection, turn right and take highway no. 401 passing the Local Administrative Office of Ban Takanun District, Suratthani Province for about 5 kilometers. Turn left at the 3-way intersection onto highway no. 415 passing the Local Administrative Office of Thub Phut District. Go straight about one kilometer then turn left onto highway no. 415. Keep going until you reach the 3-way intersection of Pang-Nga. Turn left and follow the road for another 89 kilometers to reach Phuket. (take highway no. 4 until reaching Baan Kok Kloy in Pang-Nga and turn left onto highway no. 402). The whole journey is a total of 886 kilometers. Another route to take is from the Chumporn intersection; turn right onto highway no. 4 through Kraburi, Kah-perr, Ranong, Kuraburi, Takua Pah, Tai Muang, Takua Tung, PangNga and into Phuket. The first route, however, is more convenient. If you wish to take the bus, there are both ordinary and air-conditioned buses that depart from the Southern Bus Terminal several times daily.

For more information, please find below: By Bus: Bus Express: (076) 221 736 ,(085) 796 3411 or (089) 650 3838 Transportation Co., Ltd. Tel. (02) 435 1200 or (076) 211 480 Phuket Central Tour Co., Ltd. Tel. (02) 434 3233 or (076) 213 615, 214 335 Phuket Travel Co., Ltd. Tel. (02) 435 5018, 435 5034 or (076) 222 107-9 â&#x20AC;˘ Travel time is about 12-14 Hrs.

By Air: Today, Phuket Airport is an international airport with several in-bound and out-bound domestic and international flights. For more information, contact Thai Smile Air Tel. (02) 3561111 or (076) 360463-5 Nok Air at Tel. (02) 900 9955 or 1318 Air Asia at Tel. (02) 515 9999 Bangkok Air at Tel. (02) 270 6699 or 1771 Orient Thai Airlines at Tel. (02) 229 4100-1 or 1126 Approximate flight time from Bangkok to Phuket is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By Boat: The deep sea port in Makham Bay is for cargo ships and domestic and international excursion boats. Cruise ships from visiting countries would dock in Patong Bay and Phuket Deep Sea Port. Yachts dock at Chalong Bay, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Yacht Heaven and The Royal Phuket Marina, etc.

Note

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MUANG DISTRICT:

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MUANG DISTRICT: RANG MOUNTAIN,

Rang Mountain 10

located in the northwest of Phuket city, is a low hill where facilities such as restaurants, health park and public park for exercise and recreation can be found. Moreover, the mountain peak is a good place to admire the beauty of Phuket city.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE OLD CITY OF PHUKET: Most of the buildings in Old Phuket town were built over 100 years ago when the mining industry began to prosper. The architectural style of these buildings clearly shows the influence of the “Sino-Portuguese” which had much more depth than width. One distinct feature is the beautiful stencil work on the windows and doors. Today, these classic buildings can be seen on Phang-Nga Road, Thalang Road, Yaowaraj Road, Deebook (tin) Road and Krabi Road. Apart from these nostalgic architectures, there are other old buildings displaying European architectures such as the Phuket City Hall, Phuket Province’s Court and Nakornluang Bank.

SOI ROMMANEE, located on Thalang Road in Phuket’s old town, was a major entertainment area in the past. Its name means ‘pleasure’ as it was the destination where people came to have fun. Later, it was turned into a residence neighborhood. With passing time, the buildings became weathered so there had been a renovation project to restore the Sino-Portuguese style architectures back to their former glory. Without a doubt, the style and architecture had been preserved exactly the way they were 100 years ago. At present, this area is filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, places to enjoy drinks and galleries. It is the ideal place for visitors to stroll down the memory lane of Phuket’s nostalgic past.

Soi Rommanee

PHUKET THAI HUA MUSEUM is now being renovated to be one of the historical tourist attractions of Phuket. The 74-year old Sino-Portuguese architecture displays a photo exhibition and video media which tells the history of the Chinese people in Phuket, mining, local costumes, Sino-Portuguese architecture, local foods, tradition and culture of Phuket. It is located on 28, Krabi Road, Tumbol Talad Yai, Muang District, Phuket 83000. Contact telephone number is (076) 211 224. The museum is open daily from 09:00 – 17:00 hrs.

BAN CHIN PRACHA was built in1903 A.D., in the later period of King Rama V by Phra Pitak Shin Pracha (Tan Ma Sieng), son of Luang Bamroong Chine Prates (Tan Neow Yee). He was born in Montol Hokkien of China and held the military title of “Bootek Chongkul”. Later, he traveled to Thailand in 1854 A.D. (in the later years of King Rama IV era) and conducted tin mining business on Phuket Island and trading business on Penang Island under the name of “Angmoh-lao”. Most of the furniture in the house were inherited from the Chinese ancestors and other materials used were imported from foreign countries because trading between Penang and Phuket at that time flourished tremendously. There were all sorts of things such as house gates from Holland, ceramics tiles from Italy and more. Today, Ban Chin Pracha is 110 years old and since the very first owner, it is now going onto the 6th generation of successors. The house is located at 98, Krabi Road, Tambol Talad Nua, Muang District, Phuket Province 83000, Tel. (076) 211 281, 211 167. Open hours : 08:00 – 16:00 hrs.

HER MAJESTY QUEEN SIRIKIT’S 72ND ANNIVERSARY CHALERM PRAKIAT PARK: In honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday in 2005, the Municipality of Phuket had considered a project plan to add more green space to the city. The project had been approved for construction on the land of the Treasury Department and received Her Royal permission to name the park “Her Majesty the Queen’s 72nd Anniversary Chalerm Phrakiart Park of 2547” (Buddhist calendar year). Later, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne on June 9th, 2006, The Phuket Municipality had built the ‘Sea Dragon’“Hai Leng Ong” as a tribute of his long reign. The dragon statue is considered the landmark of the park. The grand opening was held on June 5th, 2006.

PHUKET CULTURAL CENTER is within the Ratchapat University of Phuket on Thep Kasatri Road, Muang District. The center exhibits history, art, culture and the Phuket people’s way of life. There are also local Thai houses and equipment used in ancient Thalang. The lower floor is the library which contains historical and cultural books. For more information, call Tel. (076) 211 959 (extension 148). Opening hours : Monday to Friday 08.30 – 16.30 hrs.

PHUKET BUTTERFLY AND INSECT PARK located 3 kilometers away from Phuket town, visitors can get to the park by taking Yaowarat Road passing Phuket Wachira Hospital, turn left at the 3-way intersection of Sam Gong village and turn right at Soi Paniang. The park has a collection of various species of tropical insects and butterflies. It is open daily from 09.00 -17.00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 215 616,(076) 210 861

THAI VILLAGE AND ORCHID GARDEN OF PHUKET is located 3 kilometers away from town along on the Thep Kasatri Road. When you see a direction sign of The Thai Village, turn left. Visitors will enjoy traditional Thai dance performances, Thai handicrafts, elephant shows, demonstration of tin mining of the past and orchid garden. Open Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19:00 hrs Showtimes : 13:00, 17:00 hrs. For more information,call Tel.(076) 214 860

PHUKET ZOO

PHUKET SEASHELL MUSEUM:

Located near Rawai Beach, the museum showcases a collection of seashells from every parts of the world. There are shell fossils that are hundreds of millions of years old, a giant shell weighing more than 250 Kg., a golden pearl that weighs 140 karats, etc. The museum is open daily from 08.00 -17.00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 613 678, 613 789, 613 666 Fax (076) 613 777 www.phuketseashell.com

is located between the routes from the city and Chalong Bay (turn left at Soi Palai on Chaofah Road). The zoo offers many varieties of animals such as tigers, birds, deer, zebras, camels etc. There are also elephant shows and crocodile shows. The zoo is open daily from 08.30 -18.00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 381 337, (076) 381 227 and (076) 282 043

SAPAN HIN (STONE BRIDGE) is an area for recreation situated at the end of Phuket Road, next to the beach. It is also the location of the 60-year monument built in 1969 for Captain Edward Thomas Miles, an Australian who brought in the first ship for digging tin in 1909. The Sapan Hin Sports Center is located here as well.

KHAO KAAD VIEW POINT The unique view from the top of Khao Kaad has always attracted visitors to admire the beauty of the Andaman Sea. Along the road up the hill, there are also view points where visitors can stop to take pictures. The viewpoint is located on Moo 6, Wichit Sub-district, Muang District, Phuket.

NAKA MARKET (JAO FAH VARIETY) is set up on Saturdays and Sundays around 3 pm. onwards. Visitors will find all sorts of items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, home decorative items, flowers, fresh and preserved food items, etc. It is very popular with local teenagers and foreign visitors.

PHUKET BOTANIC GARDEN Nestled within Muang District, this attraction is separated into 30 plus zones of tropical plants and rare plant species. Some of these include tropical palms, herb garden, aromatic plants, fruit orchards and so on. Phuket Botanic Garden was built with the intention to serve as a place where people could relax amidst nature while gaining knowledge about rare plants from around the world. Opening hours: Daily from 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Wednesdays) For further information, please call Tel. (076) 367 076, (076) 367 095 Website: www.phuketbotanicgarden.com

SIREY ISLAND covers an approximate area of 20 square kilometers and is situated on the southeast of Phuket Island. The two islands are separated by the Ta Jin Canal and are joined together by a bridge. Sitting on the hill top of Sirey Island Temple, is a large Buddha Image. Around Laem Tuk-Kae, you will find the largest fishing village in Phuket. The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as the sand is somewhat muddy. The main occupation of the islanders is undoubtedly fishing.

PHUKET AQUARIUM located at Cape Panwa, is an extraordinary aquarium displaying over 100 varieties of marine species. It is opened daily from 08.30 16.00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 391 126.

SIAM NIRAMITR PHUKET Siam Niramitr is a world-class show featuring over 100 performers attired in some 500 spectacular costumes. The 1,740 seat theatre is equipped with high-tech light-and-sound systems and amazing props to keep audiences captivated throughout the entire experience. The venue also has facilities for seminars, large scale outdoor shows highlighting on cultural entertainment, a floating market and Thai village that portrays the simple lifestyle of the bygone era. Siam Niramitr is opened daily from 17:30-21:50 hrs. Show time: 20:30 hrs. from Wednesday to Monday (closed on Tuesday) Add: 55/81 moo 5, T. Rasada, A. Muang, Phuket Tel: (076) 335 000 Fax: (076) 335 055

SIMON STAR SHOW

Simon Star is a wonderful cabaret show covering a wide variety of entertaining themes. Enjoy a night of live performance with impressive lighting, extraordinary costumes and creative stage décor that was created under the concept of “taking audiences beyond the stars”. Show time: 18:30, 20.00 hrs. (Daily) Address : 52/11 Moo.6, Rassada, Muang, Phuket E-mail : info@simonstarshow.com Website: www.simonstarshow.com Tel : (076) 523 192-6 Fax : (076) 523 140

APHRODITE CABARET “An enchanting night of dazzle and glamour” Journey into a world of music and extravaganza that features skilled performers and dancers dressed in vibrant, fancy costumes. Audiences will enjoy professionally choreographed shows of different cultures from around the world, each backed up by a perfect mix of lights, sounds and stage props. Aphrodite Cabaret is like the pearl of the Andaman, a new choice of entertainment for visitor to Phuket. The comfortable, grand theatre is equipped with a 30-meter long and 14-meter wide stage and a capacity to facilitate 892 audiences per show. The property has parking space for 50 buses, a 300-seat sukiyaki restaurant, souvenir and Korean skincare shop and a beer hall serving the golden pale lager beer, black beer and fruitscented beer. Show times: 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00 hrs., (Daily) E-mail : info@phuket-aphroditecabaret.com For reservations, call tel:(076) 612 888, (089) 973 6352 - 7

EXTREME ADVENTURE PHUKET Head to Extreme Adventure Phuket for some adrenaline-pumping excitement. The park is built over 10 rais of land high on Nark Gerd Mountain with views of the ocean and Chalong Bay. If height excites you, this is the place to be. You will love soaring through the air via 69 zip lines, walk on wires, climb up trees, swing like Tarzan, climb on nets, walk on a swinging wood plank, and enjoy the Accro Spider- an innovative mesh of nets beneath the adventure contraptions built especially for the faint-hearted.Before guests embark on each activity, they will be given instructions on safety and how to enjoy each base. Furthermore, staffs will monitor closely during the whole process. All equipment is ensured 100% safety as they were set up by French specialists and the park has certified license issued by the head company in France.

All 69 adventure bases are separated into 5 main parts. Each offers 4 different levels of challenge with the Accro Spider level designed for both kids and adults alike so the whole family can have fun together. Also fun and a real test is climbing up 25 meters to the tree top. This level requires strength and determination, but climbers will be rewarded at the top with beautiful views of Chalong Bay. Travel Season: Year-round. The whole adventurous journey takes about 3 hours. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 hrs. ( 15.00 hrs. Last journey ) Facilities: Transportation, guide, drinking water, restaurant, toilet Address: The theme park is located within Chalong District via the route to Luangpu Supa Temple. Once you get there, make a left turn. Tel/ Fax: (076) 383 689 Mobile Phone: (081) 536 8909, (081) 978 4228 E-mail : info@xtremadventuresphuket.com Website : www.xtreamadventuresphuket.com

CHALONG TEMPLE is located 8 kilometers away from Phuket town. From Surakul Sport Stadium, turn left onto Chalong 5-way intersection. The temple is on the left-hand side, 4 kilometers before reaching the intersection. Inside, visitors would come to pay their respects to the statue of Luang Por Cham, a monk who helped the villagers fight the Ahngyee rebels in 1876 during the reign of King Rama V. Also, there are images of Luang Por Chuang and LuangPor Gluam, the heads of the monks in the following era whom are highly 18 respected by the Phuket people. Call Tell (076) 381 226

Luang Por Cham

PRA YAI TEMPLE (BIG BUDDHA TEMPLE) OR “PRA BUDDHA MING MONGKOL AKE NAGA KIRI”

Silsuparam Temple

is commonly called The Big Buddha Temple as it houses the largest Buddha statue in Phuket. Situated atop Nag Gerd Hill, it was created with the help of Kitti Sangkaram Temple (Kata Temple) as part of the forestation project. Covering an area of 42 rais, the land is the appropriate place to house the 25.45-meter wide and 45-meter tall Buddha statue that faces 19 degrees northeast. The temple is considered a landmark respected by both the people of Phuket and visitors alike.

CHALONG BAY SILSUPARAM TEMPLE (NEW TEMPLE OF LUANG POO SUPA) is located 7 kilometers away from Phuket town. From Surakul Stadium, turn left to Chalong five-way intersection and go straight for another 4 kilometers then you will see the temple on the right. The temple is headed by the 100-year old Laungpoo Supa who has been a monk for 80 years. He has built 36 forest temples scattered around secluded areas. More importantly was the production of ‘Pra Saded Klab’, a highly revered Buddhist amulet that had been made exactly according to the Buddhist manuscript. For more information, call Tel. (076) 280 774

is 11 kilometers from town. To get there, take Chaofah Road to Chalong 5-way intersection, turn left and go straight for 1 kilometer. The beach at Chalong Bay is curvy and long and the sand is muddy, not at all suitable for swimming. It is, however, the place where both personal yachts and boats for hire are docked.

Chalong Bay

RAWAI BEACH is located 17 kilometers away from the city. From Chalong five-way intersection, turn into Wiset Road. You will see a fishing village on the left of the beach. On the beach itself, there are boats for hire where visitors can rent them out for the day to islands such as Ko Hey,

Ko Bon, Ko Raya and Ko Keaw Pisadan. The beaches are shallow with no strong wind or big waves, making it suitable for swimming. Hotel accommodations and restaurants are also available on the beach.

PROMTHEP CAPE is 2 kilometers to the right from Rawai Beach. This peninsula, once referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Laem Jaoâ&#x20AC;? by the locals, is located at the southern end of Phuket and is the highest cliff on the island. From the edge of the cliff, there sugar palm trees growing in rows down to the stone formations on the beach and visitors will adore the view of the circling emerald green water surrounding Koh Keaw Pisadan. Laem Promthep is the most beautiful place to enjoy watching the sunset. The road on the right cuts across to Nai Harn Beach.

NAI HARN BEACH is about 18 kilometers away from Phuket town. To get there from Laem Phromthep, just turn left onto the road around the island. The beach is not very long but it is secluded and has clean, white sand. During the monsoon season from May to October, it is not advisable to go swimming as the wind and waves are very strong.

AO SAEN is a small bay on the right of Nai Harn Beach (passing Phuket Yacht Club). The secluded beach has white sand and rock formations, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

VIEW POINT

View Point

is located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi Beaches. From here, the most beautiful view of the 3 bays namely Kata Noi, Kata Beach and Karon Beach can be seen.

KA CAPE is 16 kilometers away from Phuket town. From Chalong five-way intersection, turn in to Wiset Road and turn left 1 kilometer before reaching Rawai Beach. The beach of Laem Ka has soft, white sand and some rocky formations. Overall, it is a good place for swimming.

KAEW PISADAN ISLAND is a small island around the south of Laem Promthep. It is 3 kilometers from Rawai Beach and takes 15 minutes by boat to reach. The island has a temple and an imitation of the Lord Buddha’s footprint.

KATA BEACH is 17 kilometers away from Phuket town. To get there, Take Chao Fah Road and turn right at Chalong 5-way intersection onto Patak Road. Kata Beach is separated into Kata Yai (Big Kata) and Kata Noi (Little Kata). It is an excellent place for swimming and learning to scuba dive as there are corals formations all the way to Pu Island just opposite from Kata Beach. Today, the beach offers all kinds of facilities including hotel accommodations, tour services, shopping and entertainment.

DINO PARK is situated next to The Marina Phuket Resort Hotel on Karon Beach. It is an 18hole miniature golf park in an ambiance of prehistoric times filled with dinosaurs and volcanoes. The golf park is open daily from 10:00 – 24:00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 330 625, (076) 330 043 www.dinopark.com

KARON BEACH

lies 3 kilometers north of Kata Beach. The long, white beach also has hotel accommodations, restaurants, tour excursions and many other facilities as in Kata Beach.

Surf house P huket SURF HOUSE PHUKET surf’s up, all day… everyday! When the waves are out of reach, Surf House Phuket is the place for non-stop surf action, trendy music, internationally inspired food and beverages, and the sights and sensations of the Phuket lifestyle. Surf House Phuket is located right at the stunning Kata beach so you can enjoy the beach atmosphere while surfing the perfect wave. Opening hours : 10:00-24:00 hrs. For more information : (081) 979 7737 info@surfhousephuket.com www.surfhousephuket.com

LOHN ISLAND is a large island at the south near Chalong Bay. It takes just 20 minutes to get there by boat. There is a fishing community and school for the local children and the atmosphere is serene. There are some hotels on the island but day visits are also available.

BON ISLAND is a small island in the south of Phuket. The beach is white and shallow which is good for swimming. There are no lodgings on the island. Visitors can go for a day trip by hiring a boat from Rawai Beach or Laem Ka and the journey takes only 10 minutes.

HEY ISLAND (CORAL ISLAND) is at the southwest of Laem Panwa. It is one of the islands under the forest protection of the Fisheries Department. Visitors can hire a long-tail boat or speed boat from Rawai and Chalong Beaches. There are two beaches on the island, one at the north and the other at the east. They have white sand and 100 meters of coral reefs. And because of the abundance in coral formations, they also go by another name which is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Coral Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Visitors often come for scuba diving and snorkeling. There is a hotel, restaurant and water sports services on the island. For more information, call Coral Island Resort at Tel. (076) 281 060-2. Package tours can also be arranged through travel agents. For day visits, boats for hire are available at Chalong Bay and Rawai Beach.

RACHA ISLANDS OR RAYA ISLANDS CONSIST OF TWO ISLANDS IN THE SOUTH: RACHA YAI ISLAND has beaches on the west between the hills. The area is horseshoe shaped and is called ‘Ao Namta Tok’ (Bay of Tears) or ‘Ao Bungalow’. The water is clear and the sand is white, similar to those found in the Similan Islands. On the hill-top at the south of the island, there is a viewpoint that offers an amazing view of the area. Apart from these, there are also Ao Siam, Ao Tue and Ao Kon Kae at the east that provide good sites for snorkeling.

RACHA NOI ISLAND is located 10 kilometers from Racha Yai Island. It was formed by layers upon layers of corals so there are more rocks here than around the beaches of the west. There is also a small bay to dock boats. Although the area is not suitable for swimming, it is an interesting spot for fishing. Visitors can hire a long-tail boat which will take about two hours or a speed boat which takes one hour from Chalong Bay or Rawai Beach. Tour packages can also be arranged by travel agents or dive schools. Those who wish to stay overnight can do so on Racha Yai Island.

TAPAO YAI ISLAND is found towards the southwest of Phuket. It takes only 10 minutes to get there by boat from Ao Makam. There are hornbills living on the island.

MAI TON ISLAND is a small, peaceful island located on the southeast of Phuket. The beach has white sand and the water is crystal clear, ideal for swimming and fishing. There is a resort on the island but day visits are also possible. You can catch a ferry ride from the Phuket Deep Sea Pier. For more information, call Maiton Resort at Tel. (076) 214 954-7.

COCONUT ISLAND is located on the east side of Phuket. Ferry rides to the island from Laem Hin will take about 15 minutes. There is a small community living on the island and their main occupations are fishing and agriculture.

Coconut Island RANG YAI ISLAND located at the east of Phuket, is a small and quiet island where tour agents bring their clients to spend the day visiting the pearl farm, canoeing, bicycling and playing miniature golf. There is also a seafood restaurant on the island. For more information, call Richie Island Tour Co. Ltd. at Tel. (076) 238 781. Boat rides are available at The Phuket Boat Lagoon or visitors can hire a boat at Laem Hin Pier.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KATHU DISTRICT: PATONG BEACH is 15 kilometers from the city. To get there, take the Vichit Songkram Road or highway no. 4020 for about 9 kilometers and turn left onto highway no. 4029 for another 6 kilometers. Patong Beach is wide and slightly curved so it is a great area for water sports. It also has the widest varieties of services including hotel accommodations, travel agents, shopping and entertainment.

KALIM BEACH is actually a part of Patong Beach and the two are connected by a path to the right of Patong. This beach is small but has interesting rock formations, coral reefs, lodging and restaurants.

KAMALA BEACH is 26 kilometers from the city. From Tao Kasatri Tao Sri Soontorn Monument, turn left passing Surin Beach and Laem Singh. Kamala Beach is approximately 2 kilometers long and has a quiet atmosphere. There are many hotels in the area.

SIMON CABARET is situated on Patong Beach. The cabaret show will wow audiences with spectacular costumes and beautiful stage set-ups. There are three shows a day at 18:00, 19:45 and 21:30 hrs. For more information, please call Tel. (076) 342 114 - 6

KATHU SHOOTING RANGE is located in Soi Kathu Waterfall next to Phuket Water Ski. It is open daily 14:30 – 18:00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 323 996 or visit www.phuketoutdoorshooting.com.

THE PLAY HOUSE is open from Monday to Sunday from 11:00 – 23:00 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 341 500.

WORLD BUNGY JUMP is situated in Soi Gep Sap 2, Sai Nam Yen Road, Patong Beach. Operating hours is from 9:30 – 18:30 hrs. For more information, call Tel. (076) 345 185.

PATONG BOXING CENTER puts on a Thai boxing fight every Monday and Thursday night starting from 21:00 hrs. Both Thai and foreign boxers are there to show off their skills. For more information, call Tel. (076) 345 578

TARZAN BUNGY JUMP is located near the intersection to Patong Beach. For more information, call Tel. (076) 321 351. Open daily from 09.00-18.00 hrs.

PATONG GO CART is around the foothill to Patong Beach. It is open daily from 10:00-19:00 hrs. For more information, call (076) 321 949.

PHUKET WATER SKI is Phuket’s only cable ski facility in a large lake. It is located in Soi Namtok, Amphur Kratu and operates daily from 9:00-19:00 hrs. for more information, call (076) 202 525-7

PHUKET MINING MUSEUM

Phuket Mining Museum is situated at Moo5, Kathu-Koh Kaew Road, Tambol Kathu, Amphur Kathu around the old mining area of Tho Soong. The locale is between Nang Panthurat Mountain to the north and Ket Nee Mountain Range to the east or between Baan Koh Kaew-Bang Koo, next to Lock Palm Golf Course. The museum showcases the glorious past of Kathu when tin mining was once a major trade. Even though decades have past, this part of history will always remain a big part of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Phuket Mining Museum was established in order to promote and preserve local history and natural resources; this is especially important for Kathu as the trade once flourished throughout every corner of the vicinity.

Kathu Local Heritage Center KATHU LOCAL HERITAGE CENTER is situated 7 kilometers from the city. To get there, take Vichit Songkram Road and turn right at ‘Gade Ho’ Temple 3-way intersection towards Kathu Community. Turn left into Baan Kathu School where the center is located. You will find a display of minerals, a recreation of tin mining in the past, equipment used and the way of life back then. The school’s address is Moo 2, Amphur Kathu, Phuket Province. For more information, call Tel. (076) 321 035. The center is open in accordance to the government’s operation hours.

Remnants of mining that remain to be seen reflect the precious way of life of the past that must be preserved to remind the younger generations of the roots of their ancestry. Established in 2008, the museum’s architecture was designed in Sino-Portuguese style. The one and a half storey building features a lawn in the center with arched, European style stucco window frames, reflecting a fine blend of Asia and Europe. Thus, the building is called “Ang Moh Lao Nai Hua Muang”. Venturing inside, a semi-live display can be seen with exhibition area separated into 2 parts. The first is the exterior of the building that replicates mining sites of the past and features various plant species. The interior part portrays the history of tin mining and the lifestyle of the people in a fascinating way. The museum is open daily from 9:00- 16:00 hrs. For more information, please contact Tel. (088) 766 0962, (076) 321 073.

KATHU WATERFALL

is small but surrounded by lush, green surroundings. Visitors will be able to find delicious food in the area. It is 4 kilometers from Kathu Administrative Office and the entrance to the waterfall is near Loch Palm Golf course.

PHUKET FANTASEA on Kamala Beach is a fabulous show offering new dimensions of night time entertainment. The property spreads over 300 rais of land and showcases beautiful Thai culture using high-tech equipment, light and sound system and special effects. What you will find within the property are: - Thai Village, displaying beautiful traditional architecture, is a venue where visitors can buy handicraft, souvenir items and enjoy activities in carnival style. - Cultural parade - Golden Manohra Restaurant is a 4,000-seat venue offering Thai and international cuisine. -Aiyara Palace is a 3,000-seat theater where audiences will enjoy nine amazing sets of cultural shows. For more information and reservations, call Tel. (076) 385 000, Fax. (076) 385 333. Closed on Thursday

P huket Fantasea

FLYING HANUMAN Enjoy a thrilling adventure unlike any other in Phuket as you soar through the air over the hills above Kathu Waterfall. The park is built on a 50-rai piece of land which houses 28 bases of zip line bases. You will absolutely love the thrill of swinging through the air via zip line with the beautiful view of Phuket all around. Operation hours: 4 times daily at 08:00. 10:00, 13:00, 15:00 hrs. Address: 89/16 Moo 6 Soi Kathu Waterfall, Vichitsongkram Road, Tambol Kathu, Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83120 Tel: (076) 323 264 - 5 Fax: (076) 323 233 Website: www.flyinghanuman.com

Flying Hanuman

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THALANG DISTRICT:

PHUKET GATEWAY

is located on 25 rais of government’s land around Chatchai Pier, Tambol Maikao, Amphur Talang. It is close to The Thao Thep Kasatri-Thao Srisoonthorn Bridge near the entrance/exit of Phuket. The gateway is a new attraction and serves as the reception area where both Thai and foreign visitors are greeted. It is built by The Local Administrative Office of Phuket. Apart from the building which features the characteristics of Phuket, the area in the front is landscaped with 29 stone pillars for decoration. The number 2 stands for Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, the two heroines of Phuket and the number 9 stands for King Rama 9. The 29 pillars tell the history of Phuket beginning from the days when tin mining was at its peak, local agriculture, up until the present day when tourism became the leading industry. The building of the pillars was done with the help of Phuket’s Historical Preservation Group led by Assistant Professor Sommai Pinbuddhasilp and Acharn Prasit Shinakarn. The gateway will also be the knowledge center of Phuket’s history and culture for tourists and students.

PRA NANG SANG TEMPLE

THAO THEP KRASATTRI THAO SI SOONTORN MONUMENT is located at Thalang Port’s intersection roundabout. The people of Phuket got together and built it in 1966 in honor of the heroines of Thalang. On the 24th of March, 1967, the statues were placed on the stand which was the very same day the Burmese were forced to retreat 182 years earlier. Later, in the year 1967, it was officially made a monument.

is 20 kilometers from the city. To get there, follow Thep Kasattri Road until you reach Amphur Thalang intersection. It is on the left hand side. The old temple is an important landmark of Thalang because it was used as a fort to fight the Burmese in 1796. Inside the monastery, there are three ancient Buddha statues made from tin and they are called ‘Pra Nai Poong’ or ‘Pra Sam Kasat’. The three statues are hidden inside the bellies of three larger Buddha statues.

THALANG NATIONAL MUSEUM is just on the right of Thao Thep Kasattri Thao Sri Soontorn Monument. It is open Wednesday – Sunday From 09:00 – 16:00 hrs. ( Closed on holiday ) Inside, there are displays of ancient artifacts and art pieces found around the Andaman Sea. There are also exhibitions of war scenes and the way of life of the Phuket people and fishermen. For more information, call Tel. (076) 379 895-7, (076) 311 426

BAAN THAO THEP KASATTRI is situated at Baan Kian, Tambol Thepkasattri, Amphur Thalang. From Thep Kasattri Road km. 19.3, turn into Ban Riang and go straight for two kilometers. After much research, the house which was once the residence of Thao Thep Kasattri was found and signs were made. Near by is Wat Muang Gomarapat Temple which was once the camp where Thalang locals trained to fight. There is also the moat of Thalang and the Burmese Camp.

MUANG GOMARAPAT TEMPLE is situated in Ban Riang, Tambol Thep Kasattri, Amphur Thalang. It is a deserted temple under the management of Pra Nang Sang Temple. Inside, there is half a statue of the Lord Buddha with the parts of the cranium broken-off. The locals believe that it is possessed by the spirit of Poo Thong. Next to the statue were Tung and Tang trees which according to the treasure map, is the site where treasures are buried. It is also believed that the temple is being looked-after by the spirit of a monk who died here during the reign of King Rama 5. Muang Gomarapat Temple is supposedly pre-Thao Thep Kasattri era which occurred during the Thalang War in 1785 A.D. Its lawn was used by soldiers for different purposes such as practicing war tactics, purifying oil, mixing gun powder, etc. One of the temple’s two ponds was infused with herbs which were believed to give the soldiers more strength and power. Also within the grounds is Pra Bhuddha Manee Sri Thalang, a tin Buddha statue with width of 109 inches. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Jakri Sirindhorn had commenced the tin pouring ceremony herself on Thursday, December 19th, 1996. The statue was molded in Pang Kantaraj position suggesting healthy rainfall which explains the reason it is place outside the monastery under the shade of a tree.

PRA TONG TEMPLE

is located 21 kilometers from the city. To get there, take Thep Kasattri Road passing Amphur Thalang intersection. When you get to the Administrative Office, there is a path on the right which leads to Pra Tong Temple. Inside, there is a golden Buddha statue with only the top of the cranium protruding from the earth. According to legend, the original land was a farm area where one day, a boy tied his buffalo to what appeared to be a post. He didn’t realize that the post was the top of the Buddha statue’s head. Sometime later, he fell ill and died. The boy’s father later had a revelation in a dream of his boy’s death so he and the neighbors tried to unearth the statue from the ground but were unsuccessful. In 1785, during the reign of Prachao Padung, the Burmese king led his troop to Siam in the hopes to conquer Thalang. The Burmese also tried in vain to dig up the statue to bring back to Burma but instead were chased away by the people. Later, the villagers decided to construct half a statue and placed it over the original one. The temple also houses Wat Pra Tong Museum which has a collection of ancient artifacts of the Phuket locals such as ‘Jung Sui’ (miners’ rain coat), tin, binding shoes for ancient Chinese women and more.

KHAO PRA TAEW WILD LIFE CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION CENTER covers an area of 13,925 rais or 22.28 square kilometers. It is mainly a tropical rain forest filled with one rare specie of palm trees called the ‘Palm Chao Muang Thalang’ (Palm of Thalang’s Governor) or ‘Palm Lang Khao’ (White-Backed Palm). There are also many types of wild animals such as gibbon, monkey, deer, bear, boar, squirrel, tragulus and birds of various types. It is also the source where Phuket’s fresh water originates. So it is not surprising that Khao Pra Taew is both a tourist attraction and educational area to study nature and the environment. Its major attractions are as follows:

TON SAI WATERFALL is 22 kilometers from the city. To get there, take Thep Kasattri Road and once you reach Amphur Thalang intersection, turn right and go straight for 3 more kilometers. Ton Sai is a small waterfall with heavy gushes of water during the rainy season. It is surrounded by trees of all sizes, making it a great place to hang out and relax. For more information, call (076) 311 998.

MANGROVE FOREST

BANG PAE WATERFALL From the monument of Thao Thep Kasatri and Thao Sri Soontorn, turn right to Tambol Pa Klog for about 7 kilometers. The waterfall is small and surrounded by a lush garden of plants. There is a ‘gibbon care center’ where gibbons in captivity are nurtured back to health and freed once again into the wild.

is located within Sirinat National Park around Chatchai Port. It takes up 800 rais of land area. Plants found here include Rhizophora Apiculata Blume, Ceriopa Tagal, Avicennia Officinalis, Bruguiera Cylindrical and more. There are also various animal species living here and visitors often enjoy the nature trails with signs providing information about the mangrove forest. The area is quite pleasant for a relaxing trip.

SURIN BEACH is located 24 kilometers from the city. From Thao Thep Kasattri- Thao Sri Soontorn Monument, turn left and go straight for 12 kilometers. This quiet beach is on the foothills lined with rows of pine trees. Towards the right side was once a golf course built during the reign of King Rama 7. Surin Beach is steep and has strong wind and waves during the monsoon season, not the ideal place to go swimming.

LAEM SINGH is just one kilometer from Surin Beach. Visitors can get there via the path on the right. The small beach has white sand and some rock formations.

SIRINAT NATIONAL PARK (NAI YANG BEACH) was officially declared as a national park on July 13, 1981. It is located 30 kilometers from the city and visitors can get there by following Thep Kasattri Road passing the intersection on the left for about 10 kilometers. Alternatively, visitors can take the route towards the airport, turn left and go straight for 2 kilometers. The park covers 90 square kilometers or 56, 250 rais of land area. Its beaches are 13 kilometers long and is inclusive of :

Nai Ton Beach NAI TON BEACH Follow the road of the national park and turn left at km. 21-22. Once you reach the intersection to Baan Saku, turn left and go straight for another 3 kilometers. Nai Ton is a beautiful, quiet, curved beach. It is sheltered from the wind which makes it safe for swimming.

NAI YANG BEACH is the location of the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. The area is shaded by palm trees and very relaxing. Further more, there is a large coral reef formation that provides a natural habitat for marine species, particularly the sea tortoises which come to lay eggs around November to February. Sadly though, the number of turtles has diminished drastically and they are rarely seen laying eggs anymore.

NAKA NOI ISLAND is a small island located at the northeast of Phuket. Its beaches are suitable for swimming and relaxation. Visits can be made year round via boats for hire from Ao Por.

DIVE SITE

Naka Island MAI KHAO BEACH Following the Thep Kasattri Road, go straight pass the road to the airport towards Sarasin Bridge. There will be a path on the left which leads to Mai Khao Beach. Turn left and go straight for another 3.5 kilometers. Mai Khao Beach is the area where sea turtles and shrimps come to lay eggs. However, the numbers have decreased significantly as in Nai Yang Beach.

SAI KAEW BEACH is a long, white beach lined with palm trees. It is located next to Mai Khao Beach and stretches all the way to Sarasin Bridge. It is also the northern most beach of Phuket Island.

The “aeronautical coral dive site” located around Bang Tao Bay in Tambol Cherng Talay, Amphur Thalang, is a new attraction for dive enthusiasts in Phuket. The site was created by placing 10 old helicopters and cargo planes on the ocean bed to create habitat for fish, corals and other marine species. Of these, four are Dakota Cargo Planes, model C47, which were given to the Thai Air Force in 1947 by The United States after World War II ended. Back then, the planes were used to replenish supplies and take aerial photographs during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It was a page in international history which The Thai Air Force was very proud to be a part of. The other six are S-58T helicopters used for sending supplies and rescuing soldiers, after which were also given to the air force in 1977. Today, these historical monuments lay to rest at the bottom of the sea in Bangtao Bay where they serve another purpose of provide shelter for marine species large and small. Although they are retired from war scenes, they are none the less a fascinating site for all visitors. The aeronautical dive site is under the care of Tambol Cherng Talay’s Administration. To visit, you could either contact a local dive operator or hire a long-tail boat from Bangtao Beach. The journey takes about 15 minutes.

SPLASH JUNGLE

Splash Jungle

Designed by the very same company that created Disneyland and Sea World, Splash Jungle Water Park is a new and exciting water theme park with colorful, giant slides and fun, thrilling rides. Among their best are the Boomerango, The Super Bowl, The Wave Pool, 335-metre Lazy River, The Aqua Play Pool, Thrills and Spills and many more. Each zone features different themes such as African, Inca, Maya, Asian, Turkish, European, North American and the North Pole. The park is open daily from 10am to 6pm. For more information, please call Tel. (076) 372 111, (076) 372 000 or visit www.splashjunglewaterpark.com

THANYAPURA SPORTS AND LEISURE CLUB (TSLC)

Discover our unique sport-oriented tourism facility with high, international standard. The property is outfitted with world-class equipment complete with training programs even professional athletes will envy. The all-in-one health center with superior service for the pleasure in relaxation offers Thanyapura Spa, organic restaurant for the health conscious, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; club, a variety of shops, Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club. We welcome everyone who find pleasure in exercising, those who enjoy an active lifestyle and wish to maintain a balanced physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you are pursuing a professional athletic career or just playing for fun, a local resident or visitor, TSLC has lots of choices to choose from. Whether you are a fan of football, water sports, tennis, rugby, yoga or working out at the huge gym equipped with Technogym equipment, you will truly enjoy your time here. Tel: (076) 336 000 Fax: (076) 336 069 E-mail : info@thanyapura.com Website: www.thanyapura.com

GOLF COURSES IN PHUKET AND SURROUNDING AREAS:

PHUKET COUNTRY CLUB,

Kratu District, Phuket

Tel. (076) 319 200-204 (076) 321 038-40

Kathu District, Phuket

Tel. (076) 321929-34

LOCH PALM LAGUNA GOLF COURSE

Bang Tao Beach, Talang District, Phuket

Tel. (076) 324 350, (076) 270 991-2

near airport, Talang District, Phuket

Tel. (076) 328 088 (076) 327 440-7

BLUE CANYON

MISSION HILLS PHUKET

Baan Pa-kok, Talang District, Phuket

RED MOUNTAIN

Tel. (076) 310 888

Kathu District, Phuket

Tel. (076) 322 000 (076) 321 929-34

PHU NAKA

near Sil Supara Temple, Muang District, Phuket Tel. (076) 521 913-5

9 SACRED PLACES TO VISIT IN PHUKET 1.PRA THONG TEMPLE near Thalang Intersection, Thep Kasattri Road, Thalang District is home to Pra Phud, the sacred statue which blesses people with wealth.

2.THAO THEP KASATTRITHAO SRISOONTHORN MONUMENT on Thep Kasattri Road, Thalang District, was built to honor the heroines of Thalang.

3.KATHU SHRINE

near Kathu Municipality houses the Lao Ia statue where people come to be blessed with charisma.

4.SANG DHAMMA SHRINE, Pang-Nga Road, opposite from Kasikorn Bank in Muang District is where people pray for the gift of wisdom.

5.JUI TUI SHRINE in Soi Phutorn, Ranong Road, near the Phuket Municipality Market is the house of many angels who are believed to bless visitors with good health.

6.PUD JOH SHRINE located next to Jui Tui Shrine in Ranong Road, Muang District, is where The Guam-Im Goddesses, Tai Soi Ia and Jai Sin Ia reside. People come here to pray for good luck.

7.BANG NIEW SHRINE on Phuket Road on the way to the stone bridge, houses the three Tong Ongs whom are believed to bless visitors career progress.

8.GIEW TIEN GENG SHRINE located at the end of the stone bridge cape in Muang District was miraculously unaffected by the force of Tsunami. People come here to pray to the two angels, Giew Tien Hian Lue and Sam Po Huk for peace of mind.

9.CHALONG TEMPLE on Jao Fah West Road on the way to Ao Chalong intersection in Amphur Muang houses the statues of Luang Por Cham, Luang Por 40 Chuang and Luang Por Gluam where people come to pray for fame and power.

Interesting Guided Tours -Phi Phi Island Tour -Phang-Nga Bay Tour -Similan Island Tour -Hey Island Tour -Raya Yai Island Tour -Naka Noi Island Tour -Rung Yai Island Tour -Kai Island Tour -Sea Canoe Tour -Fishing Tour -Mountain Bike Tour -Diving Tour

LOCAL FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS OF PHUKET: CHINESE NEW YEARBACK TO PHUKET’S PAST FESTIVAL is held during the last three days of Chinese New Year by The Tourism Authority of Thailand and The Municipality of Phuket. It is to encourage awareness for the preservation of old buildings and promote tourism in the city. The festival takes place on Thalang Road, Krabi Road and Soi Romanee which are Phuket’s historical part of town. There will be all kinds of activities and performances revolving around Phuket’s past, local foods and snacks, and Chinese opera performances from mainland China.

ANGEL-WORSHIPPING FESTIVAL is always held nine days after the Chinese New Year which falls on the ninth night of the first Chinese lunar month. It is done to worship the angels and thank them for their protection from harm and. The Chinese Phuket locals would prepare an assortment of snacks, foods and the symbol of the ceremony which are the twin sugarcane plant and a pagoda made of sugar and place them in front of their houses before the break of dawn. The worshipping is done between 3 and 6 am. and is completed only when the sun rises. Today, most people start the ceremony at midnight for the sake of convenience. Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of flickering candle lights along the houses from midnight onwards during this time.

THAO THEP KASATTRI – THAO SRI SOONTORN FESTIVAL is held on the 13th of March each year. There will be celebrations and all kinds of activities to honor the two heroines who led the troop and successfully defended Thalang from Burmese invasion.

TURTLE RELEASE FESTIVAL is done on the same day as Songkran Festival which is the 13th of April each year. The fisheries Department has set the date as the national fishery day in which young turtles are being freed into the ocean. The process is done in various beaches around Phuket.

THE CHAO LAY (FISHERMEN)’S BOAT FLOATING FESTIVAL is held annually during the middle of the 6th and 11th lunar month. The groups of fishermen from Rawai and Baan Saba would celebrate theirs on the 13th and the group from Sirey Island has theirs on the 14th. The fishermen from Laem La (from the north of Phuket) have a special ‘Sadohkroh’ ceremony which is similar to Loy Kratong. They would assemble a wooden boat and place human hair and nails and a wooden human doll inside. The whole thing is then left adrift into the ocean as an act to float away sorrow and bad luck. The ceremony is concluded with a dance around the boat called ‘Rong Ngeng’.

‘POR TOR’ FESTIVAL is celebrated by the Chinese Thais living in Phuket. It is always held on the 7th month of the Chinese calendar which is the 9th month in the Thai calendar. The festival starts with the worshipping of the ancestors and other spirits with turtle-shaped cakes in various sizes. Some are even colored with red paint. The Chinese believe that turtles live long lives so by offering turtle-shaped food, they are both extending their own lives and creating great merit.

FULL MOON FESTIVAL is held on the 15th night of the 8th Chinese lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. The ceremony is done as an act of worship to the Guam-Im Goddess and the moon while asking for the happiness of everyone in the family. Moreover, the round shape of the moon is considered the symbol of unity. To preserve the local traditions and promote tourism, the festival is held at the Queen Sirikit Park during which there will be stalls selling moon cakes, local foods and snacks.

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL is held from the 1st - 9th of the 9th month in the Chinese calendar or equivalent to the international months of September and October. This festival has been practiced by the Chinese living in Phuket since 1825. The main objective is to cleanse the body and soul by practicing Buddhist teachings and refrain from eating meat. During the consecutive 9-day-and-night festival, there are all kinds of interesting events that go on such as fire-walking, ‘Sadohkroh’ (elimination of bad luck ceremony), Buddha image hailing and more. It is considered one of Phuket’s most colorful festivals which always draw both Thai and foreign visitors to the area.

CHALLENGE LAGUNA PHUKET-TRI-FEST is a competition involving 3 types of sports; swimming, bicycling and running where only the fittest dare compete. The event takes place annually around Laguna Phuket on Bangtao Beach. Towards the end of the year, participants from all over the world would come to Phuket to compete in the exciting event.

PHUKET’S TOURISM SEASON COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY is scheduled on the date between November – December and was first held in 1975 on Patong Beach. The ceremony is held to celebrate and welcome the start of the year’s high season and promote collaboration amongst business owners, the government sector and the public. The process begins with morning rituals of alms-offering to the monks followed by fun and games such as water sports competitions, beauty queen pageant amongst foreign visitors and much more.

PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA first started in 1987 in honor of His Majesty King Bhumiphol’s 60th Anniversary celebration. From then on, it became an event which was held during the same period every year. Sail boats would travel from around the world to Kata Beach and compete for the coveted trophy.

KATHU CULTURAL STREET FESTIVAL The main goal of the festival is to preserve local traditions of Kathu. Activities performed throughout the night are held at the central stage and features Chinese operatic shows, dragon shows, acrobats, traditional and local performances, competition in Phuket dialect usage and various shows by students from local schools.

HOT EVENING HANG-OUTS:

RATRI JAZZTAURANT

TIMBER HUT

ANNA’S PHUKET

SANAE-HA

GON NON

PLERN JIT

– Kata Beach, Muang District Tel. (076) 333 538 - located on Rassada Road, Muang District Tel. (076) 210 535-6 - Opposite from Phuket city police station, Chumporn Road, Muang District Tel. (081) 848 2266

BRASSERIE PHUKET

- located on Rassada Road, Muang District Tel. (076) 210 511

LA ONG FONG

Tel. (076) 335 989

- located in the old town, Yaowarat Road, Muang District - located in the old town, Yaowarat Road, Muang District Tel. (076) 218 515 - 22-24 Dibuk Road Tumbon Talad-Nue Tel. (081) 536 1377

BAAN RUENG JIT

- Surin roundabout, Phuket Road, Muang District Tel. (081) 693 2013

COMICS CAFÉ & BAR

- located in the old town, Yaowarat Road, Muang District Tel.(086)662 7766 (076) 219 406

LOCAL FOOD Phuket offers an array of local savories and sweets that are distinctly different from those of other areas. Visitors often bring them back home as gifts from their travels. Some of the favorites include:

HOKKIAN NOODLES These yellow noodles are great when stir-fried with soy sauce. There are stores which have been selling them for years and one of the best noodles can be found at ‘Ton Poh Noodle Store’ located in front of the Clock Tower roundabout on Phuket Road. Ao Geh Noodle Shop on Poonpol Road and Sapam Noodle Shop on Thep Kasatri Road also make excellent noodles. You can also try them cooked in shrimp soup at Somjit Restaurant located by the Clock Tower roundabout or Jirayuwat Restaurant near Pearl Hotel.

Kanohm Jin of P huket

KANOHM JIN (RICE NOODLES) OF PHUKET

MEE HUHN PAH CHAHNG

is also consumed at breakfast time. They are taken with different types of gravies such as ‘Namya’ (spicy fish sauce), ‘Gang Tai Pla’ (fish Kidney Sauce), ‘Gang Pu’ (crab sauce), ‘Nam Prik (chili sauce) and ‘Nam Choop’ (fresh shrimp chili paste). They taste even better with a side dish of vegetables, boiled eggs, ‘Pa Tong Go’ (deepfried flour) and ‘Hor Mok’ (seafood, chili cake). For a taste of Kanom Jin, go to ‘Kwan’ restaurant on Tungka Road, ‘Pah Mai’ restaurant and ‘Pah Ting’ restaurant on Satul Road, ‘Pa Ri’ on Patipat Road and ‘Pah Bo’ on Surin Road, Soi 2.

is stir-fried noodles served with pork spare-ribs soup. There are a few restaurants in Phuket that specialize in the dish. Try the old restaurant in Soi Soon Uthit on Yaowarat Road, another one near Ban Bang Niao Administration Office on Tagua Tung Road and the one on Ranong Road near the entrance to Soi Lorong.

MEE SUA another yellow noodle dish, is the favorite breakfast menu of the locals. They are often consumed with congee or rice soup. To get a taste, try Kou Kwan Restaurant or any other shops in the city.

LO BAH is fried pork sausage marinated in ‘Palo’ herb powder. They go well with fried tofu and dipping sauce.

OH TAO is similar to ‘Hoi Tod’ or fried mussels in flour paste. In this case, oysters are used instead and they are mixed with flour, taro and eggs. One of the popular restaurants that serve this dish is Sapam noodle shop near Ban Bang Niao School.

PHUKET’S DIM SUM

Lo Bah

also known among the locals as ‘Seaw Bouy’ is another popular breakfast menu that goes well with coffee. Restaurants well-known for this menu are ‘Juan Hiang’ on Chana Charoen Road, ‘Boonrat Branch 1’ on Bangkok Road, ‘Boonrat Branch2’ on Dilok U-thit 2 Road, ‘Boonrat Branch 3’ located opposite from Dao Rung School on East Chaofah Road, ‘Laan’ on Poonpol Road, Soi 7, ‘Sritrang’ on Padipat Road, ‘Chokchai Dim Sum’ on Mae Luan Road, ‘Jan Jira’ on Bypass Road, ‘Kanom Jeeb Sam Gong’ on Yaowarat Road and ‘Somjai’ on Dilok-Uthit Road which is open from 4 pm. until midnight.

NAM PRIK GOONG SOHD

Oh Tao

consists of fresh shrimp, shrimp paste, shallots, chilis and lime juice. It is regularly consumed with rice or Kanom Jin. Namprik Goong Siab which contains shrimp paste and dried shrimps, is served with fresh vegetables. They are sold in various places such as Laem Tong Restaurant on Chana Jaroen Road, Khun Mae Ju Store on Thep Kasattri Road, Lai An Lao Restaurant on Ratsada Road, Gee Nguad 47 Store on Yaowarat Road, etc.

TAO SOR OR ‘KANOHM BIA’ (FLOUR DOUGH WITH FILLINGS) of Phuket and other local sweets is sold in the city’s many old shops such as ‘Keng Tin’ located on Phuket Road, ‘Kanom Bia Sai Kai Khem’ shop in Soi Soon U-thit on Yaowarat Road, ‘Khun Mae Ju’ on Thep Kasattri Road and ‘Mae Boon Tahm’ on Surin Road, Soi 4.

OH AEW is a jelly-like dessert made from a mixture of bananas and seaweed served with syrup and ice. The original makers are located in Soi Soon U-thit on Yaowarat Road and around Ranong Road near the entrance to Soi Lorong.

CASHEW NUTS are a major product of Phuket. Cashew nut trees are largely grown both in Phuket and the surrounding provinces which is no surprise their nuts are amongst the top souvenir items visitors bring home for their friends and families. They come in various formsbaked, fried, sugar-coated, etc. Suggested stores to buy these include ‘Sri Boorapa Orchid’ shop on Tagua Tung Road, ‘Methee’ shop on Surin Road and ‘Sri Supalak Orchid’ shop on Thep Kasattri Road.

PHUKET’S PINEAPPLES are sweet and crunchy in texture, quite different than other types of pineapples. They can be found in Phuket’s fresh market and various fruit shops.

SOUVENIR ITEMS

Pearls

In addition to local food items such as Namprik Goong Siab, dried Gang Tai Pla, Tao Sor or cashew nuts, there are other dried seafood products such as Goong Siab (dried shrimp), Goong Hang (dried small shrimp), Ching Chang Fish (dried tiny fish), or Pla Sai Tan (dried or deep-fried fish), shrimp paste, etc. that also make good gifts. They are sold in various stores like ‘Khun Mae Ju’, ‘Gorn Thong’ shop on Thep Kasattri Road and Porntip Sea Store on the by-pass road. Non-food items of Phuket also include:

PEARLS

Batik Cloth

There are a number of pearl farms in Phuket like the ones on Naka Noi Island and Rang Yai Island. Visitors can buy pearls and products from the ocean in stores like the ‘Phuket Pearl Shop’ around Chao Fah-Kwang intersection, ‘Phuket Seashells’ on Chao Fah Road near Rawai Beach, ‘Ko Kaew Pearls’ on Vichit Songkran Road, Phuket Pearls (factory) in Ban Sapam and souvenir shops around Rawai Beach, Laem Promthep, Patong Beach and the city center around Ratsada and Montri Roads.

BATIK CLOTH These colorful fabrics make wonderful gifts for the ladies. Each piece is individually handdrawn with wax, painted and boiled (to melt away the wax). Batiks come in the form of scarves, shawls, hand bags, tshirts, home decorative items, etc.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN PHUKET TOWN Ze Long Thepkasattri Road Kopi De Phuket Soontorn Pochanakarn, Krabi Road Grajok See, Soi Takuapah Raya, Deebook Road NC Kitchen Pang-Nga Road Kaewjai, Pang-Nga Road Siang Sian, Nimitr Road Laemthong, Chana Charoen Road Kota (Kao Mun Kai) Montri Road Koo Kwan Mee Ton Po Anna CafĂŠ, Ratchda Road Tung Ka, Khao Rung Phuket View, Khaorung Uptown, Dilok Road Wattanapon, Padipat Road Tainan, Vichit Songkram Road China Inn, Thalang Road Krua Thammachart, Soi Phutorn Kopi Tiem, Talang Road Wilai , Talang Road Ang Seafood , Phuket Road Dibuk , Dibuk Road Maimorn, Phang-Nga Road

Tel. (076) 220 638 Tel. (076) 212 225 Tel. (076) 211302 Tel. (076) 217903 Tel. (076) 218155 Tel. (076) 224668 Tel. (076) 211439 Tel. (076) 215928 Tel. (076) 224349 Tel. (076) 246320 Tel. (076) 214213 Tel. (076) 216293 Tel. (076) 210535 Tel. (076) 211500 Tel. (076) 216865 Tel. (076) 215359 Tel. (076) 212829 Tel. (076) 226164-7 Tel. (076) 356239 Tel. (076) 224287 Tel. (081) 892 3723 Tel. (076) 211 024 Tel. (076) 221 460 Tel. (076) 258148 Tel. (076) 211 208

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS OUTSIDE PHUKET TOWN

Keanglay, Laem Panwa Tel. (076) 391103 Talay Phuket, Jaofah Road Tel (076 263956 Pae Manam, A. Kathu Tel. (076) 323151 Pongpang, Soi Palai Tel. (076) 282270 Mee Sapam Tel. (076) 239543 Tang Geh, Soi Palai Tel. (076) 282341 Palai Seafood Tel. (076) 381907 Ao Palai Seafood, Soi Palai Tel. (076) 828174 Tab Ouan, Soi Palai Tel. (076) 271134 Pran Talay, Soi Palai Tel. (076) 383243 Mor Mudong, Soi Palai Tel. (076) 242302 Chaiyo Seafood Tel. (076) 393142 Gan-Aeng @Pier, Chalong Bay Tel. (076) 381661 Gan-Aeng 2, Chalong Bay Tel. (076) 381323 Ban Had Rawai Tel. (076) 383838 Salaloi, Rawai Beach Mae Klong Seafood

Suan Son Seafood, Rawai Beach Tel. (076) 288028 Liab Krua Sapum, Baan Sapum Tel. (076) 238196 Laem Hin Seafood Tel. (076) 239357 Toh Pochana, A, Thalang Intersection Tel. (076) 311388 Talay Thong Seafood, Ban Suan Maprao Tel. (076) 377737 Krua Pailin, Kathu Waterfall Tel. (076) 321395 Krua Tung Thong, Amphur Kathu Tel. (076) 321546 Laem Promthep Restaurant Tel. (076) 288656 Nam Yoi Pochana Tel. (076) 240665 Ban Suan Layan Tel. (076) 305566 Rimlae Bo-rae Tel.081 693 4116 Chaiyo Seafood Tel.076 393 142 Mama Tel.076 284 404 On The Rock Tel.076 330 493-7

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS Ruam Jai, Ranong Road Hoesan, Ranong Road Dog Bua (Lotus), Hong Yok U-thit Road Yo Pochana, Yaowarat Road

MUSLIM RESTAURANTS

Ban Sangduen, Koh kaew Gulf Diamond Restaurant, Patong Beach Dubai Restaurant, Patong Beach Orient Restaurant, Patong Beach Ali Baba Food, Patong Beach Casablanca (in Royal Paradise Hotel) Diraham Halal Restaurant, Kamala Beach -Arman Residence,Patong Beach

Tel. (076) 222821 Tel. (076) 256611 Tel. (076) 076355 Tel. (076) 0637051 Tel. (076) 239658 Tel. (076) 345229 Tel. (076) 4869866 Tel. (076) 341222 Tel. (076) 292387 Tel. (076) 340666 Tel. (076) 325837-8 Tel.(076) 294 019

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office 191 Thalang Road, Tumbon Talad Yai, Mueang, Phuket 83000 Tel : (076) 211 036, (076) 212 213 Fax : (076) 213 582 E-mail : tatphuket@tat.or.th