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- Khao Rang: A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be observed by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the city's northwest. There are also a few restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
- Antique Buildings: The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops 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 on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Rd., 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 (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Jahngwaht), and Nakorn Luang Thai Bank.
- Phuket Butterfly Farm and Insect World: Tropical species of butterflies, other insects and reptiles are on display. Located in Sam Kong, about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket. It opens daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. tel. 66 (0) 7621 5616, 66 (0) 7621 0861.
- Phuket Aquarium: More than one-hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the waters around Phuket. Open daily, 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. the aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission is 50 baht for children and 100 baht for adults. A Songthaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Soht, or Fresh Market.
- Sapan Hin: A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located where Phuket Rd. 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 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. The Sport Center is located in the park.
- Sirey Island: Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Klong Ta Jin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometers island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Koh Sirey, on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies, or Chao Lay, are on Koh Sirey at Laem Tuk-Kae. Swimming is not good because of the muddy bottom. There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.
- Chalong Bay: Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay. Chalong Bay has a long, flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebb-tide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but useless for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well known for their seafood. Charters to various places can be arranged from there, and it is the center of the island's yachting businesses. To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd. or Jao Fah Tawan Okk Rd. to Chalong Circle, often called the Ha Yaek, or Five Ways, because it is a fiveway intersection. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.
- Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Conservation Deve-lopment and Extension Center: 22.28 square kilometers of virgin forest are covered by this park, which a center for study of the environment. Forest vegetation is spectacular: Giant trees supported by huge buttresses are thick with creepers and climbers of every description; it looks like a Tarzan movie set. One species of palm found, the Governor's Palm or White Back Palm (Palm Lang Khao in Thai) is especially rare. Langurs, barking deer, mousedeer, deer, bear, wild boar, monkeys, gibbons and many species of birds inhabit the forest. Khao Pra Taew serves also as one of Phuket's most important water sources. There are two waterfalls of note;
Ton Sai is a small falls over which pours a great volume of water during the rainy season. The trees, watercourses, and pools nearby provide one of Phuket's loveiest scenes. The park headquarters and a small restaurant with an excellent view are also at Ton Sai. Located near Thalang Town, 22 kms. from Phuket Town. Go to the traffic light and take the road running east; look for posted signs indicating Khao Pra Taew.
Bang Pae is well-known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project to return domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small waterfall with a shady forest and thick foliage surrounding. To get there, go to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road running east, Pa Khlok Rd., 7 kms. to Bang Pae, look for the posted signs.
- Mangrove Forest is in Sirinat National Park near Ta Chatchai on Phuket's northern tip, the mangroves saltwater swamps with unique eco-systems much prized by scientists searching for clues about adaptation and evolution cover about 800 rai. Anyone with an interest in horticulture will be interested in the many unusual perennial plants found here: mountain ebony (kohng kahng bai lek), red cycas (prohng daeng), black myrsina (samae dahm), the Lady's Nails quisqualis (leb mue nang), and various creepers and climbers are among the more significant. There are also many mangrove-dwelling animals with unique evolutionary characteristics. A nature trail has been cleared for the convenience of visitors with signs indicating and explaining the various species.
- Ka Cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island. Located at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of the point is Laem Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. It is good for swimming, but watch out for coral close in. The extensive coral reefs off shore make for interesting snorkeling mornings, when the waters are clear. Bungalows, Thai food, and boat charters to the island are available. Ka Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.
- Promthep Cape: "Prom" is Thai for the Hindu “Brahma” signifying purity, and “Thep” means “God”. Promthep is a headland stretching in the sea and forming the extreme south end of Phuket. It has been a prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay Peninsula's west coast.
- Sehn Bay is a small bay with many rocks and corals. Snorkeling and diving are good, but swimming without a mask could be dangerous among the corals. For sunbathers, this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Harn offers some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies food and drink. Cheap bungalows are located just west of the beach. To get there go through the parking lot of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club Hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km.
- View Point: From this point, the bays of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon, and also Poo Island can be seen. It is one of the island's best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Harn.
- Mai Ton Island: This tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port.
- Tapao Yai Island : 10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makham on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Jao Fah Rd. to the Sakdidet Rd. intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200 meters to the Koh Tapao ferry pier.
- Kaew lsland: A fine beach, natural surroundings, and coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai, south of Prom Thep. There is also a giant statue of the Buddha. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat from Rawai.
- Lohn Island: This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Koh Lohn leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.
- Surin Beach: Evergreen trees rim this small, curving bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala. Surin is home to Phuket's first golf course, a nine-hole course laid out more than sixty years ago during the reign of King Rama Vll. It is now largely in disuse except as a park. The steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous place to swim during the rainy season. Located at the end of Sri Soontorn Rd., the road running west from the Two Heroines Monument, 24 kms. from Phuket Town. Accommodations and restaurants are nearby.
- Singh Cape: The name means Lion's Point in English - in this case, the mythical, stulized lion of Chinese literature, not the African variety; there have never been any lions found in Thailand. The beach is in a small, curving bay with rocky headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among Phuket's most beautiful. Located about 1 km. south of the entrance to Surin Beach. Look for signs indicating the path down to the beach.
- Sirinat National Park: This National Park covers 90 square kilometers near Phuket's airport and includes 13 kilometers of Nai Yang Beach. The park stretches all the way to the island's northern tip.
- Rawai Beach: Site of a Chao Ley or Sea Gypsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats. The waters are good for swimming; snorkeling on the reefs off shore. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.
- Nai Harn Beach is a popular swimming beach an yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime. Nai Harn is just north of Promthep Cape.
- Kata Beach The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low-rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Koh Poo, about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities, for every price range, include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime.
- Kata Noi Beach: South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.
- Karon Beach:The second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most upscale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.
- Coral Island or Hey Island: This island off Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports, and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. There are also package tours available.
- Raya (or Racha) Island has two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
- Raya Noi Island: This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai Island, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi Island are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not advised.
- Koh Rang Yai is lying off Phuket's east coast, this small island has been developed for the out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. For travel to Koh Rang Yai, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier, just outside Phuket Town before the town of Sapam or from Phuket Boat Lagoon.
- Patong Beach: This is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the years, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island's two cities. The famous bay and 4 km. beach remain as they were, with development limited to the area back of the beach road. There, however, virtually every kind of entertainment imaginable awaits visitors, with bars catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in many places, and there are also discotheques. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. Whatever one's culinary disposition, a restaurant catering to it will be found. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to help visitors plan their vacations. Some of the options available are listed below, but Patong is thick with everything. There's saying locally, "If you can't find it in Patong, it doesn't exist in Phuket," which, it not entirely true, about sum it up.
- Kalim Beach: This beach is really a continuation north of Phuket's strand, from which it is separated by some rocks. It is not yet developed and thus affords some privacy. Back of the beach are accommodations. The waters contain extensive coral reefs.
- Kamala Beach: Kamala is a Muslim fishing village north of Patong. Tourist development on the beach much of which is covered by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming. Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is beautiful and about 2 kms. in length. There are accommodations ranging from guesthouse to international class, and a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala is the perfect place to get away from it all and has little to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong. Regular bus sevice to and from Phuket Town during daytime; tuk-tuk service available to Patong, 5 kms. away on the new road.
- Naka Noi Island: This small, quiet island with fine sandy beaches lies just off Phuket's northeast shore. Water are suitable for swimming. One item of interest at Koh Naka Noi that not found in many other places, is its pearl farm. Boats can be hired from Ao Por Pier, off Pa Khlok Rd., for travel to Koh Naka Noi, and package trips are available at tour agencies, generally including lunch and a visit to the pearl farm.
- Bangtao Beach: Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a luxury resort. Most of it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five-hotel development with golf course. There are, however, accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end. Dry season swimming is excellent, and at the bay's north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities are available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Cherng Talay. Located off Sri Soontorn Rd. in Cherng Talay for access to Laguna; the south end of the bay may be approached by taking the road north from Surin Beach. To get to the far north end from Sri Soontorn Rd., take the road leading to Laguna, but do not enter, continue on to the town of Ban Don where there is an intersection of asphalted roads, and take the one leading west toward the sea. This road leads also to Nai Ton Bay and makes a very pleasant drive. Along the way are some small bays with good swimming and no development.
- Nai Ton Beach: This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of sand. There are some accommodations but virtually no other business; it's often nearly deserted. Located between Bang Tao Bay and Nai Yang. From Thep Krasattri Rd., turn at the first traffic light north of Thalang Town heading west, which is the Nai Yang Rd. (so called because it passes through rubber plantations, or yang in Thai). Look for signs indicating the turnoff to Nai Ton.
- Nai Yang Beach: This is where the National Park offices are located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnickers for which activity this is a very popular spot. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well-known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of these has, however, dropped off greatly. First class accommodations are available, and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers that visit. To get there take Nai Yang Rd. and look for signs indicating the park entrance.
- Mai Khao Beach: Many kilometers of deserted beach characterize Mai Khao. There is little tourist business. The water is fine for swimming during the dry season; the rainy season brings big waves and strong currents that are dangerous. This lonely beach is another where sea turtles come to lay eggs. It is also home to what the Thais call a sea cicada, which is a form of marine life. To get there go to the northern tip of Phuket; the beach lies along the road's length.
- Sai Kaew Beach: This strip of sand is really just the northern portion of Mai Khao Beach and has much the same character. Located west of the bridges spanning the channel between Phuket and Phang-Nga provinces.
- Phuket Cultural Centre: Shows of Thai dances from different parts of Thailand which performed 2 times daily at 11:30 and 17:30 (except Monday close). Located in Sam Kong, about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket. The admission is 550 Baht. tel. 66 (0) 7621 4860, 66 (0) 7623 7400.
- Phuket Sea Shell Museum: Perhaps the world's most valuable collection of seashells has been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Phuket and That waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured. Wherever they originate, each shell in the Shell Museum is the best of its type, very often the only of its type. Displays have been created in a logical order, and visitors can see at once differing characteristics among related species. There are numerous rarities and freaks including the world's largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils that represent the earliest life-forms, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. One of the world's great private museums, the Shell Museum opens daily from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. For details call 66 (0) 7638 1888.
- Thalang National Museum: Ancient artifacts from Phuket's long history are on display; the oldest were found on the west coast. In addition there are exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang involving the Two Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the Sea Gypsy culture, open daily except holidays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is 30 baht. Located just east of the Two Heroines Monument on the Pa Khlok Road tel. 66 (0) 7631 1025, 66 (0) 7631 1426.
- Chalong Temple is about 8 kms. outside town. Take Vichit Songkram Rd. to the Bypass Rd. and turn left, and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong will be on your left. This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Por Cham, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Ahngyee, or Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Por Chuang, and Luang Por Gluam, other monks, who were abbots of the temple during later times, and who are the objects of respect and recipients of offerings by Phuket people generally.
- Pra Nang Sang Temple: The grounds of this historic temple are where the Battle of Thalang took place in 1785. Inside are three very old statues wrought in tin of the Buddha; they are the largest such in the world and date from a time when tin was regarded as a semi-precious metal. The bellies of the three big statues each contain a smaller statue, from which derives their name, ‘Monks in the Belly' in local vernacular, or ‘The Three Kings' in formal language. Located on Thep Krasattri Rd. in Thalang Town at the traffic light.
- Pra Tong Temple: This shrine encloses a golden statue of Buddha that sprang up from beneath the earth long ago. The story is of a young boy who tied his buffalo to what he thought was a post; it was in an area at that time given over to the raising of animals. After doing so, he fell down in agony and died. The father of the boy dreamed that the reason his son had died was for the sin of tying a filthy buffalo to a sacred object, that what the boy thought was a post was in reality the golden peak of the Buddha's conical cap. He told his neighbors the dream and they all went out to dig up the statue but had no success. Later, at the time of Thao Thep Krasattri's heroic defense against the Burmese in 1785, the invaders tried to succeed where the villagers had failed; their intention was to take the statue back to Burma. Sacred objects and slaves were then the most sought after spoil for armies:
Holy statues brought good luck to their possessors, and the slaves were used for work, and to populate places that lacked inhabitants a frequent problem for rulers in Southeast Asia, who had a great deal of land but very few subjects. The Burmese, however, were unable to retrieve the golden Buddha despite several attempts; they were finally driven off by a swarm of angry hornets.
After this the villagers decided to protect their miraculous statue by covering the part that stuck up from the ground with a plaster cast of Buddha's head and shoulders which is the way it is today. Located north of the traffic light on the out skirts of Thalang Town. A large sign shows at the entrance.
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