Phuket Attractions - Kata Beach , Karon Beach, Rawai Beach and more Tourist Attractions Point at Muang District - Phuket Island Thailand

Phuket Attractions - Muang District

Located on Thepkasattri Road, approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City is an extraordinary place for culture lovers. The village provides stunning classical Thai dance performances, sword-fighting, Thai boxing, southern customs and elephant shows. Handicrafts and traditional mining techniques are also featured.

The orchid farm outside is worth exploring. The performances are at 11.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. The fees are 400 Baths for adults and 200 Baths for children. Call 076 214860 for more information.

Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the Zoo features a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed daily. The entrance fee is 400 bahts for adult and 200 bahts for children. Call 0 7638 1337, 0 7638 1227 for more details.

Literally translate as “Brahma’s Cape”, Laem Phromthep is perhaps one of Phuket’s most important landmarks. There is a saying that you haven’t been to Phuket unless you visit Laem Phromthep. It is here that visitors soak up the sun and savor the breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the island’s southern-most tip.

The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as it is a popular observation point at sunset. Laem Phromthep is located approximately 2 kilometers from Rawai Beach.

Phuket’s most popular and famous temple, Wat Chai Tararam, or Wat Chalong, was built in 1837. Located approximately 8 kilometers from the city, the temple houses the famous “Luang Po Cham”, a monk who helped the locals fight the Ang Yi rebellion during the reign of King Rama V (in 1876). A recent addition to the temple is a 61.4-meter high chedi containing the Phra Borom Sareerikatat relic, a piece of the Lord Buddha’s bones brought over from Sri Lanka. The chedi is a mixture of southern, central and northeastern architectural styles and is the first in this region to house the holy Buddha’s relic.

A public park located by the sea at the end of Phuket Road, Saphan Hin is a recreational park for both locals and tourists. The Tin Mining Monument dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first dredge to Phuket in 1909, is located inside the park. The Saphan Hin Sports Center is also located here.

Phuket Submarine operates 5 dives daily and carries forty eight passengers into the waters southeast of Phuket. The dives will be to a depth of the thirty meters. The submarine is fully air conditioned and boasts the latest technology available in tourist submarines. Large 72 centimeter viewing ports and LCD screens enhance the viewing experience for the passengers. Schools of tropical fish and soft coral formations are a highlight of the dive site. The Submarine tour takes approximately two hours with 40 minutes spent underwater. For more information, please contact : Phuket Submarine Col Ltd. 64/423 Mu 7, Ratsada Harbour, Amphoe Mueang, Phuket 83000. Tel. 0 7625 3206-8, 0 7625 3215

Located in the compound of the Rajabhat Institute of Phuket, the Center features an exhibition of Phuket’s intriguing history. Highlights of the daily lifestyles, traditional houses, household utilities and Thalang’s history are exhibited. A library is located on the ground floor where books on the history, culture and arts of Phuket can be found. Call 076 211959 for more details.

Located approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection, the farm proudly presents a unique collection of tropical creatures such as butterflies and insects. The farm opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The entrance fee is 150 bahts for adults and 60 bahts for children. Call tel. 0 7621 5616, or 0 7621 0861 for more information.

An interesting site to visit where visitors can explore the daily life of Chao Le as it is the oldest and biggest community of Phuket’s sea gypsies. With an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, the island is located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Phuket and is separated from the main island only by the small Thachin Canal. The mountain-top temple on the island houses a big Buddha image in the reclining position. The island is not an ideal place for swimming, but is perfect for discovering the sea gypsies’ way of life, especially at Laem Tukkae.

A small peaceful island located southeast of Phuket, Ko Mai Thon is famous for its unique corals, crystal clear water and relaxing ambience. The island is ideal for diving, swimming or even fishing. Accommodations are available for those wishing to stay in this enchanting, secluded den. A one-day trip is also provided by travel agencies. There are boats to Ko Mai Thon from Rawai Beach.

Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and other water sports. As the island is not affected very much by the monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year round. Ko He has become a popular one-day tour from Phuket as it is only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral Island by tourists. Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are available, contact the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information.

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A small hill located northeast of the town, Khao Rang offers a fascinating view of Phuket City. Inside the park is a fitness park, restaurants and souvenir shops. The statue of Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, (Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong) the Governor of Phuket between 1890 and 1909 is also situated here.

Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Harn, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag! Despite having a rather limited selection of accommodations, they range from budget bungalows to the top-class Yacht Club. Check with the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information and room rates. This beach can be reached by songthaeos, which leaves from the intersection of Ranong Road and the fountain circle. The fare is 25 bahts / person / trip. In addition, visitors can also charter tuk-tuks which costs a lot more at 150 bahts to 200 bahts / trip.

Located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach’s signature that drawing travelers’ attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available.

Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. The beach is located approximately 20 kilometers from the town and can be reached by taking either s or buses from Ranong Market in Phuket City. Transportation is available from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and costs approximately 20 bahts / person / trip. The final destination of s are in front of Kata Beach Resort. Taking a taxi to the town is another option. It costs approximately 200 bahts to Phuket City and 150 bahts to Patong Beach.

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Located approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the sea’s eco-system. Also worth visiting is Koh Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the island’s rich coral reef enjoyable.

Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches. Accommodations on Hat Kata are set amidst tropical and cliff settings. Visitors can choose to stay in budget to top end accommodations according to their preference. Well known hotels located here are Club Med and the Boathouse. For more information on how to get there, please refer to the transportation section in Hat Karon.

Located approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial beach with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phuket ’s Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Hat Laem Ka, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Koh Lon, and Koh Ngai. Laem Phromthep, Phuket’s landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Accommodations range from budget bungalows to middle range resorts. Getting to the Beach is easy by songthaeos, which cost approximately 20 bahts / person / trip. Songthaeos depart from the stop at the circle of Ranong Road, while chartered tuk-tuks will cost more at 150 bahts / trip.

A small island located approximately 3 kilometers from Rawai Beach, south of Laem Phromthep where a replica of the Lord Buddha’s Holy Footprint is enshrined. This quiet, white, sandy beach complimented by rich coral reef is a major tourist attraction. The island can be reached by taking a 30-minute boat trip.

A relatively large island located south of the city close to Ao Chalong. Tranquil and undisturbed, the island is perfect for those wishing to unwind and recharge. A typical fishing village and a school are located on the island. Accommodations are available. To get there, visitors can take ferries which depart from Ao Chalong from 8.00 a.m. Alternatively, they can charter long-tailed boats. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.

A relatively large island located south of the city close to Ao Chalong. Tranquil and undisturbed, the island is perfect for those wishing to unwind and recharge. A typical fishing village and a school are located on the island. Accommodations are available. To get there, visitors can take ferries which depart from Ao Chalong from 8.00 a.m. Alternatively, they can charter long-tailed boats. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.

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The island consists of Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands located south of Phuket. Koh Racha Yai (Big Racha) has an enchanting beach located on the west between the valleys that resembles horseshoes. The area is known as “Ao Bungalow” which is famous for its white powdery beach and crystal clear water. Visitors can marvel at the delightful panoramic view of the whole island from the vantage point at the peak of the mountain located south of the bay.

This Cape is located approximately 16 kilometers from the town center at the extreme southwest end of Chalong Bay. Ideal for swimming, the beach is clean, quite and dotted with rocks.

This bay, which has the island’s largest and most visited pier, is located 11 kilometers south of town. From this pier, holidaymakers can get chartered boats to some nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with dive shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants. Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience, swimming is not recommended here. Accommodations are available at the Phuket Youth Hostel.

The most famous observation point of the 3 beaches, Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, is located on the road half-way between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach. From this spot, an intriguing view of the 3 beaches and Koh Pu has constantly impresses visitors.

Located at Cape Panwa, southeastern-most end of the island is an extraordinary aquarium that displays hundreds of exotic and colorful marine species found in the sea around Phuket. The aquarium opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Call 076 391126 for more information. To get by public transportation, take a local bus from the town’s fresh produce market.

An 18-hole mini-golf course is located beside Marina Cottage on Karon Beach. The golf course is set in a prehistoric atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy golfing in a world out of time. Take an adventurous trip to the world of Dinosaurs at the Dino Park, an entertainment and dining complex. Call 076 330493-7 or visit www.dinopark.com for more information.

Source: Information by Tourism Authority of Thailand

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