Places of Interest in Muang District

Kao Rang  A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Kao Rang Hill, on the city's northwest. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiast, 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 Jahngwah), and Nakorn Luang Thai Bank.

Phuket Aquarium  More than one-hundred species of sea life are on display at the apuarium,many of them taken from the waters around Phuket.Open daily,8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.,the apuarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission is 5 baht for children and 20 baht for adults.A songtaew(local bus) can be taken from the Talad Soht, or Fresh Market.

 

Sapan HinA land reclamation protion project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilites at Sapan Hin,locatedc where Phuket Rd. meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the The Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australia who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of 60 th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. The Sport Center is located in the park.

Sirey Island Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Llong Ta Jin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer 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 Gipsies,or Chao Lay,are on Koh Sirey at Laem Tuk-kae.Swimming is not good becarse of the muddy bottom.There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.

Cholang Temple is about 8 kms.outside town, Take Vichit Songkram Rd.to to Bypass Rd.and turn left,and drive for about 10 mins.Wat Chalang 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 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 genarally.

Chalong Bay Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay.Ao chalong has a long flat,shallow,muddy bottom; at ebbtide, waters recede as much as one kilometer.It is very picturespue but useless of swimming.Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well hnown 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 Towan Okk Rd.to Chalong Circle,often called the Ha Yaek,or Five Ways,because it is a five-way intersection. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.

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 Thai waters, which are among the most sough-affter 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 dolden pearl(140 karats),large sections of sedimentary roch containing shell fossils that represent the earth's earliest life-forms, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms.One of the world's great private museums, the Shell Museum is open daily  from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.

Rawai Beach Site of a Chao Lay or sea Gipsy willage, many restaurants and bungalows,shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats.The waters are okay for swimming;snorkeling on the reefs off shore.Rawai is 7 kms.west of Chalong Circle .

Prom Thep Cape 'Prom' is Thai for the Hindu 'Brahma' signifying puritym,and 'Thep'means 'God'.Promthep is a headland stretching is to the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been a prominent feature for mariners since of early aeafarers from the sub-continent,remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's west coast.    From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and sas former-ly called by local villagers 'Laem Jao' (The gods'Cape). From the clffs runnng down to the boulders at the sea swirl in the diip water and breakers harl themselves in vain against the rocky point: it is one of  Phuket's most From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Harn Beach. 

Sehn Bay A small bay with many rock and corals. Snorkeling and diving are okey, but swimming without a mask could be dangerous among the coral. For sunbathyers, 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 the Phuket Yacht Club hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km.

View Point From this point can be seen the bays Kata Noi, Kata, Karon, and also Koh Poo Island. 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.

 

Kata Beach The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low-rise. The water 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 Island, about 0.5 km. off shore. Facilities, for every price range, include hotels, bunglows, 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 delevelopment. 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.

 

Nai Harn Beach A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dru season. The beach fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Nai Harn is just north of Prom Thep cape.

 

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 Makam Deep Sea Port.

 

Tapao Yai Island 10 minutes form Phuket by ferry from Ap Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill.

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 coast. Boat to Lohn Island leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.

Coral Island or Hey Island This island of 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. Hey island is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurant, various watersports, and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai beach and Chalong bay. There are also package tours available.

Comment

taxi service around phuket, tranfer, tour in phuket toephuket@hotmail.com 20 October 2006 21:36

What rubbish is this ? gogoghotmail.com 25 May 2006 12:44

Kata, Karon, Nai Han, Nai Yang, Babg Thao suffered less damage (less than 10%), and have already recovered one week only after the tsunami. info@andamanonline.com 19 January 2005 12:38

please help me,i am due to marry in 8 weeks time in phuket on karon beach,can any one let me know if phuket-discovery is still operational i have attempted to e-mail and telephone them direct but to no avail,does anyone know if karon beach was badly effected by the tsumani disaster,or if anyone can provide any information on the front village hotel,how operational it is how badly it was effected by the disaster,and if any one has info on phuket-discovery i will be entirely greatful,tthankyou for all your support and assistance may god bless all those in the areas effected and all who have suffered my heart goes out to all of yoou,jo jo.brooks1@ntlworld.com 15 January 2005 04:37

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