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Phuket

Koh Phuket is the largest Island in Thailand and one of the biggest tourist destinations if not the biggest in the country. The Island is ideally situated to take advantage of Ao Phang Nga to the east and the Andaman Sea to the south and west. There is so much to do that I can only skim the offerings. Most of these can be arranged by your hotel or one of the little travel shops that are everywhere.

There is a large Chinese influence, especially in Phuket Town due to heavy Chinese immigration around 1900 for the tin mining boom.

Beaches: The big three beaches are: Ao Patong: This is the main resort centre of the Island. There are numerous hotels, a nice but crowded beach, lots and lots of restaurants and bars. If you want to party, this is your town. Ao Karon: 5 km over the hill to the south of Patong lies this smaller beach resort town. The beach is a little nicer than Patong and it is less crowded. There are still many restaurants and bars but the nightlife is more mellow. Ao Kata: 12 km south of Patong and just past Karon are the 2 beaches of Kata. This is the smallest of the three towns but it bas the best beaches. Other notable beaches are: Hat Kamala: 5 km over the hills to the north of Patong lies this odd little beach area. Good small accommodations can be found here in this quiet little longstay community. Ao Chalong: On the eastern side of the Island lies this small town filled with ex-pats and longstay tourists. There are some great restaurants and a yacht club that makine visiting here worth it. Ao Bang Tao: There are five luxury resorts on this long nice beach. The resorts are set amidst a series of lagoons and are all interconnected. Hat Mai Khao and Hat Nai Yang: In the far northwest lies these long quiet beaches that belong to Sirinat National Park.

Patong, Phuket

Vegetarian Festival: In late September or early October Phuket is home to this 9 day festival where Chinese Buddhists eat only vegetarian food to celebrate Taoist Lent . There are numerous processions, hot coal walking and many other events. The food stalls alone are reason to go. Many participants parade through the streets with hooks, spears and other objects pierced through their skin which can be a little disconcerting for those not expecting it.

Sailing: Phuket offers yacht charters of all kind. There are day trips, weekenders, crewed and unscrewed. Ao Phang Nga, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Similan and Koh Surin are but a few destinations within easy reach of Phuket. There are a bunch of yachting regattas to participate in if you feel like your crew needs a workout. If you are not already a sailor, there are a number of sailing schools where you can learn.

Viewpoints: There are lots of viewpoints throughout the Island. They are good spots to stop and snap a picture. One of the best is Khao Rang, the western hill at the northern end of Phuket Town. The view is fantastic and the Thai restaurant at the top is excellent.

Phuket Bike Week: Bikers come to Patong from all over the world to partake in the festivities. The festival occurs in mid April at the same time as Songkran making it a truly crazy experience.

Diving and Snorkelling: Phuket is the best base to head out and do some diving. Top diving spots like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Surin and Koh Similan are within easy reach. A host of dive operators are based in Phuket and do day trips as well as longer liveaboards. With the use of hydrofoils, some companies offer day trips to the further out spots. There is decent snorkelling on most beaches on the Island, especially Kata. But for the best you should get on a trip to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Surin or Koh Similan. There are companies offering snorkellers day trips and liveaboards to these destinations.

Phuket FantaSea: Located 15 minutes north of Patong is this culturally themed extravaganza. It is a huge place with a show that is very different, a mix of cabaret, magic and circus. There can be 4000 people here so you might want to skip the food part and just go for the show. Either way, it is a fun but tacky night out.

Simon Cabaret: Never been, not my thing, but many friends raved about it. It is a large transvestite cabaret show near Karon.

Shooting Ranges: Feel like Dirty Harry? I know of 2 shooting ranges where you can rent hand guns and rifles of varying calibre. Kathu Shooting Range is 6 km northwest of Patong on the way to Kathu Waterfall at the cable waterskiing place. Phuket Shooting Range is in Ao Chalong. Both ranges are open 10-5.

Cable Waterskiing: If you are an experienced water-skier then this will be very tame. But if you have kids they will get a kick out of it.

Dino Park: If you have kids, then take them here for an evening of prehistoric fun. Explore the caves and see the volcano and play a little mini golf. Located at Kata Beach.

Horse Riding: There are a couple of riding clubs on the Island. The Phuket Riding Club is located 2 km south of the traffic circle at Ao Chalong. Phuket Bangtao Riding Club is located at the Bang Tao beach area near all the Laguna hotels.

Bungy Jumping: Need an adrenaline kick? Head over to this nice little quarry between Phuket Town and Patong near the Go Karting place. You go up, you jump. What more is there to say.

Go Karting: On the road heading foom Patong to Phuket Town is a little go kart track. There are karts of varying power as well as 2 seaters. Good place to kill an hour or so.

Phuket Town: This Provincial capital is the largest town on the Island. The town's Chinese influence can be seen everywhere. The best shopping on the Island is here. There are a couple of markets selling everything. There are a couple of department stores and many shops selling well made handcrafts and fabrics. If you are looking for food, Phuket Town has some great restaurants as well as a good night market. The nightlife is interesting and very different from the beach resort towns. Phuket Town might not be a good place to stay but a night out on the town is a must.

Phuket Town Fishing Fleet

Elephant Trekking: There are a few places where you can go on an elephant trek. Elephants are great animals with their own strongly distinct personalities. This is definitely an experience not to be missed.

Phuket Zoo: This small zoo is located between Ao Chalong and Phuket Town. The zoo is well maintained and has a nice friendly feel. The amount of different animals and birds is very impressive for a small enterprise. Well worth popping in, especially if you have kids.

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World: At this breeding centre, located 1 km to the north of Phuket Town, you will learn all about butterflies and other local insects. There are thousands of them in this huge jungle aviary. Open daily from 9-5. Baht 300.

Kayaking: Some of the best tours around Phuket are done in a kayak. Ao Phang Nga, Krabi and Koh Surin are but a few great places to go for a paddle. Trips can be as short as an afternoon or as long as a week. There are lots of companies so shop around for what you want. You can also rent a kayak on most beaches and off you go.

Phuket Aquarium: At the far eastern end of Ao Chalong out on Cape Panwa sits this aquarium and aquatic breeding centre. The aquarium features great displays of salt water fish and surprisingly to me, freshwater fish. For the kids, there is a touch pool with starfish and other reef life. There is a lot of marine research done here as well as a breeding centre. Well worth the trip. Open daily from 8:30-4. Baht 100.

Pearl Farm: For something a little unusual try taking a tour of a pearl farm on one of the small Islands off the east coast. The farms give you a small lesson in how pearls are farmed and valued.

Cashew and Rubber Plantation: Cashew and rubber are important industries on the Island. Visiting one of these plantations will give you some insight into the local economy and give you some knowledge of cashew and rubber harvesting and processing. There are various tours that can be booked. There is also Methee Cashew Nut Factory in Phuket Town that you can go see. If you like cashews, they sell fresh ones prepared by different methods..

Golf: Phuket has some great golfing including the world class Blue Canyon Country Club.

Sirinat National Park: This small park is loacated in the northwest corner of Phuket. The park has an excellent mangrove forest, the longest beach in Phuket and the nicest coral reefs in the province. Sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from November to February. There are Turtle Releasing Festivals in April during Songkran. There is a small restaurant and visitor centre that is open 8-8. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary encompasses the last remaining segment of rain forest and the ecosystem that goes with it. Located 20 km north of Phuket Town, the sanctuary has some nature paths, a couple of waterfalls, picnic areas and a small restaurant. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre is also housed within the sanctuary. The centre takes abandoned Gibbons and tries to rehabilitate them and re-introduce them to the wild. The baby gibbons make very cute pets but are not so manageable when they are fully grown. The Centre also accepts volunteers.

Thalang National Museum: The south is usually short on museums as most people are thinking of the beaches. If you have time, this is a nice museum to Learn about Phuket's history and art. The museum is 200 metres east of The Two Heroines Monument, dedicated to 2 sisters who rallied the Islanders to repel The Burmese in the late 1700's. There is a festival for them on March 13. Open 9-4. Baht 30.

Fishing: Lots of fishing charters are available from all over the Island. WAHOO. If you like fishing, you won't be disappointed.

Por Tor Festival: This Chinese festival is in late August. The idea is to feed the dead hungry ghosts who escape on this day every year from the underworld. The preferred foods are cakes made in the shape of a turtle. The turtle represents longevity to the Chinese.

Sea Gypsy Village: Don't bother it is a tourist trap.