Phuket Beaches

Mai Khao Beach
9 kilometers of deserted beach characterize Mai Khao where there is little tourist business. The beach is part of the Sirinat National Park and protected. 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 area 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 just the north 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.

Nai Yang Beach
This is where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnicker. 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. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look for signs indicating the park entrance.

Rawai Beach
Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gypsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is just ok for swimming and protected by the Coral island in front. Rawai is 7 km west of Chalong Circle.

Nai Thon Beach
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a 900meter long fine strip of the sand. There are some accommodations but virtually no other business. The beach is good for swimming outside the monsoon season and a coral reef at the southern end provides good snorkeling. Located between Bang Thao Bay and Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach can be reached by taking Thep Krasatri Rd. Turn at the first traffic light north of Thalang Town to Nai Yang Rd. Look for signs indicating the turn-off to Nai Ton.

Bang Tao Beach
Bangthao 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 Beach Resort, 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 available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale. The beach is located off Sri Sunthon Rd., in Choeng Thale. As 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 Sunthon Rd., take the road leading to Laguna, but do not enter, continue on to the town of Bandon where there is an intersection of asphalted roads, and take the one leading west toward the sea. This road leads also to Nai Thon Bay and makes a very pleasant drive. Along the way are some small bays with good swimming and no development.

Layan Beach
This beach is at the northern end of Bang Tao beach where the beach meets a river and a lagoon. The area is home to many birds and other wildlife who enjoy the peacefulness of the lagoon. The many small tracks which cover the hillside of the beach are well known by climbers and bird watchers. You can reach the beach by walking pass the Laguna Phuket Resort or by following the highway and turning in to Nai Thon beach at the road sign. Layan Beach Resort & Spa Village is the only resort on this beach.

Nai Harn Beach
A popular swimming beach and 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 Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape. Cafes and bars on the beach serve excellent food for reasonable prices. Accommodation

Ao Sehn Beach
This remote bay is Northwest of Nai Harn Beach and a little secret of Phuket because it is not easy to reach. The beach is small, clean and features many rocks. it is a perfect place for a picnic. To get there you must pass the gates of the Le Royal Meridien Yacht Club, drive through the parking deck on the left side and follow the way through the Hotel Complex until you reach a small road which goes for app. 1 km Northwest.

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 VII. 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. The beach is mostly frequented by Thais and the locals on weekends and on the southern end you can find some small snack and souvenir shops. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented there. Surin is most famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Located at the end of Sri Sunthon Rd., the road running west from the Two Heroines Monument, 24 km. from Phuket Town. Accommodations and restaurants are nearby.

Kamala Beach
Kamala is named after the 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 km. 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. There are no palm trees so shadow is only provided by some beach umbrellas you can rent. The FantaSea Phuket Themepark is located here which offers daily evening shows. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime; tuk-tuk service available to Patong, 5 km. away on the new road.

Sing Cape
The name means Lion's Point in English. The beach is in a small, 100 meter long curving bay with rocky headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among Phuket's most beautiful spots. The beach is good for swimming and quiet. In the high season you might find some small food stalls and bars for refreshment. Located about 1 km. south of the entrance to Surin Beach. Look for signs indicating the path down to the beach.

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 is know as a center of entertainment with restaurants catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. All kind of watersports are on offer here and the beach is good for swimming so you should be careful in monsoon season. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to help visitors plan their vacations.

Kalim Beach
This beach is really a continuation north of Patong beach, from which it is separated by some rocks. It is not yet developed and thus affords some privacy. The beach itself is a mixture of sand and small rocks. At the back of the beach are accommodations. The waters contain extensive coral reefs which you can reach by foot at low tide (you must wear shoes as some of the rocks are very sharp) The northern part is battled by monsoon winds and from June to September you might have some big waves suitable for surfing.

Freedom Beach
This beach can only be reached by a 10 minute trip with a longtail boat around the southern corner of Patong. It is one of the most beautiful beaches with fine white sand. It is a private beach, but as long as you not arrive in a jet ski access is granted by the owner. There is a coral reef which invites for snorkeling and a restaurant with some beach chairs. To get there rent a longtail boat at Patong.

Karon Beach
The second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the beach itself, 3 km 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 up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town. In the monsoon season it can be dangerous for swimming because of the currents so watch out for the red flags which are put up when it is to dangerous.

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 Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities for every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. There is 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.

Pansea Beach
This is a small exclusive bay encircled by rocks which houses only two resorts: The luxurious Amanpuri and The Chedi. The resorts are blocking the entrance to the beach but you can reach it by walking through The Chedi as all beaches in Thailand are public.

Nakalay Beach
Nakalay is app. 5 minutes from Patong and occupied by only one resort which covers the whole bay - The Thavorn Beach Bungalow. It is suitable for people who like it quiet but still want to be near the entertainment area of Patong.

Relax Bay
This wonderful little bay is part of the Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort and not freely accessible. It is located between Patong and Karon beach.

Nui Beach
This little remote beach can be reached by a small path. Follow the sign on the left side on the beach road from Nai Harn to Kata. You can drive only the first hundred meters through a coconut plantation then you have to walk for another 2 km through dense forest and a hilly area. It is a small adventure to reach the beach but well worth it as there are few people due to its remote location. Its a nice place for swimming. There is no accommodation or else at this beach.

Chalong Bay
This quiet bay is used as anchorage by many yachts and tour boats because it is protected from strong winds. Many trips to the nearby islands starting here so it is crowded between sunrise and 9am, when the boats leave, and between 4pm - 5pm when they return. In the evening the beach restaurants are a favorite place for tourists coming back from watching the sunset at Promthep Cape.

Yanoi Beach
This little beach is one of the best kept secrets on Phuket which offers beautiful rock formations and good snorkeling at the reef in front of the beach. To get there follow the road from Promthep Cape to the west. Between Promthep and the wind energy plant watch out for a small restaurant with a small parking lot. A few meters behind the restaurant you can see the beach.

Phuket Islands

Lon 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. Boats to Ko Lon 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. Coral Island is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various water sports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available.

Mai Ton Island
This tiny island of 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. For details contact (076) 214954-7.

Taphao Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Chao Fa 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 Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.

Raya (or Racha) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
- Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving. Accommodation
- Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, 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 are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.
- To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

Rang Yai Island
Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package tours are provided by Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies. map

Sire Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies, or Chao Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because of the muddy bottom. There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.

Nakha Island
This small, quiet island with fine sandy beaches lies just off Phuket's northeast shore. Waters are suitable for swimming. One item of interest at Ko Nakha Noi not found in many other places is its pearl farm. Boats can be hired from Ao Po Pier, off Pa Khlok Rd., for travel to Ko Nakha Noi, and package trips are available at tour agencies, generally including lunch and a visit to the pearl farm.

Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Islands are located about 48 Km southeast from Phuket, 42 km south from Krabi Town and 40 km from Ao Nang Beach and can be reached by boat In between 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the type of boat you take. Boats leave from Phuket, Ao Nang and the Chao Far Pier in Krabi Town everyday. The characteristics of the islands are steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising vertically from the seabed and hidden bays concealing petite, pristine beaches and calm clear waters.

Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi, is one of the largest islands surrounding Phuket and can be reached in one hour by boat from Phuket. The island is situated within a very short distance to the well-known destinations of Koh Bileh islands, Krabi, Phang Nga (James Bond islands). The tourism has not been developed on a large scale on the island, Thai life style remained unchanged and peace and privacy abound. South of Koh Yao Noi it has its twin island, Koh Yao Yai, which is even bigger and wilder and offers wonderful spots for trekking. Accommodation: Koyao Island Resort, Paradise Koh Yao Resort.

Similian Island
Similian Islands (Koh Similian) is a group of islands located approximately 100 kilometers north-west of Phuket. There are a total of nine granite islands covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by chalk white beaches and crystal clear blue water, that offers some of the best diving in Thailand and the world. There is a big variation in the underwater environment to be found here that are not offered on any other places around the world.

Koh Bon Island
Koh Bon is located north of Similian Islands and offers world-class diving. The dive site is on the southwestern point and consists of a 33 meter wall facing the small cove, and a step-down ridge that carries on to depths of over 45 meters. Koh Bon is one of the better places to see manta rays, especially towards the end of the season when there is more plankton in the water. In that area you also have the islands Koh Tachai, the Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock.

Phuket Waterfalls

Ton Sai Waterfall
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 loveliest scenes. The park headquarter and a small restaurant with an excellent view are also at Ton Sai. Located near Thalang Town, 22 km. from Phuket Town. Getting there: At Thalang town take the road running east at the traffic light. Look for a sign to Kao Pra town.

Bang Pae Waterfall
Best 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. The most beautiful part of this waterfall is the cliff, where the water runs through, with a height of 16.7m cascading down to a stream for the distance of about 524 m. There are some pools where people can go swimming along the stream. Many wild animals such as wild boars, porcupines, mouse deer, crabs, birds and many insects usually come out to feed in the shady and fertile area of the waterfall. A little dam was built downstream for irrigation and agricultural purpose. This shows that all life is able to benefit from this waterfall. Note: The walk can be difficult and people with handicaps should not go there.

* Bang Pae and Ton Sai waterfalls are located in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park 22km north of Phuket Town on the way to the airport.

What to see:
Birds:
You may see various kinds of birds feeding around, on the trees or on the ground. Two types of birds, native and migratory birds, are found in this area. The native ones can be found year round building their nests to lay eggs. These types of birds include Asian Fairy-bluebird, Green Leafbird, Red-Billed Malkoha, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Brahminy Kite. The migratory birds, such as Forest wagtail, Blue-Winged Pitta, Siberian Blue Robin, do not nest here and are only found from October to March.

Crabs:
If you carefully look in the little stream or puddles while you are on the walking through the forest, you will see a tiny reddish creature with two little claws, one a little bit bigger than the other. Its body is about 1-2 centimeters wide with long legs, which enable it to move quickly. This animal is a crab, with the scientific name Phricotelphusa limula The Phricotelphusa crab lives underneath the stones in the shallow part of a fast-running stream. Crabs only crawl to either their left or right side and have very sensitive eyes that make them quickly crawl to their stone-shelter after being disturbed. Like many other crustaceans, crabs are often omnivorous and act as scavengers, helping to clean up the ecosystem.

Squirrels:
There are various kinds of Squirrels but ones that are easily seen are Malayan Black Giant Squirrels, the Red-Bellied Squirrels and the Grey-Bellied Squirrels (Black-Tip Tail Squirrel). The Malayan Black Giant Squirrels are the largest squirrel you will see. They have a black head and yellowish orange hair on their cheeks, neck and chin. The hair on their backs is black in colour. As the name sugggests the Red-Bellied Squirrels have red or brown hair on their bellies. The rest of their body and tail hair is brownish grey or brown and they have one big black band on their back. Greenish brown and black striped bushy tails are the characteristics of the Grey-Bellied Squirrel. Palm Lang Kaw (Kerriodoxa): The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as the world's most endangered palm species. In Thai it is called Palm Lang Khao, Tang Lang Khao or Palm Jao Muang Talang. It is an endemic species to Thailand that is very rare and deforestation means it is now endangered.

Getting there: To get there go to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road running east, the Pakhlok Rd., 7 km. to Bang Pae. Look for the posted signs.

Kathu Sai Waterfall (Nam Tok Kathu)
The Kathu Waterfall is flowing down on the side of Kao Kamala (Kamala mountain) in the rainy forest. The area was upgraded in a way to offer some facilities to go up to the mountain with a staircase of a level about 130 m. During the rainy season (from July to December), the waterfall is more active. During the high season, there's less of water flowing down, but the coolness of the place is still to be enjoyed. Already on the first level you can be sitting in the shadow and have a view over the waterfall. At the second level, some stairs up, you can find nice places adjusted with tables and benches beside the river. On the mountain there are little paths everywhere and it's a pleasant and not too risky way to discover the rainy forest, a beautiful and preserved area.

Getting there: Take the main highway from Patong to Phuket town and turn left to the road to Kathu at the first intersection. Follow the road for app. 1.5km, turn left again at the signpost and after 2km you will be at the falls.

Phuket Museums

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 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 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. For details call 381266, or 381274. Admission Fee is 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children.

Phuket Rare Stones Museum
Located at 58/34 Thepkasatree Rd., Km.5 (about 700 meters from Super Cheap Store), It is a new tourists ' attraction where you see art, and you see life. The most enjoyable part of visiting the Phuket Rare Stones Museum is that after the brief look at all stones, you select 5-6 your most interesting ones. Spending 5-10 minutes with each of the selected stones, the picture will be floated out from the stones as you imagine. Each stone can conjure up a different picture in each person's imagination. That is the art part. The deeper you imagine, the more you will see, and that can be the life part. Open everyday 09:00-18:00 hrs. Admission Fees : Adult 200 Baht, Child 100 Baht.

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 Gipsy culture. Tel. (076) 311025, 311426; open daily except holidays 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Located just east of the Two Heroines Monument on the Pa Khlok Rd.

Phuket Aquarium & Marine Biological Center
More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water 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 5 Baht for children and 20 Baht for adults. A Songtaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Sot, or Fresh Market. Tel. (076) 391126.

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 Changwat), and Nakhon Luang Thai Bank.

Phuket Temples

Around Phuket island you can find scattered Chinese Temples, Buddhist Wats and Muslim mosques. Here below are the most visited.

Chalong Temple (Wat Chalong)
Phuket's most popular, biggest 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.

Phra Nang Sang Temple (Wat Phra Nang Sang)
Located on Thep Krasatri Rd., in Thalang Town at the traffic light it is Phukets oldest temple (app.250 years). 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 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 contains a smaller statue, from which derives their name, "Monks in the Belly" in local vernacular. or "The Three Kings" in formal language.

Phra Thong Temple (Wat Phra Thong)
The temple is a popular attraction for both visitors and local residents. Located in the temple is the upper half of a large Buddha statue which seems to emerge from the ground. Legend has it that during the invasion of Thalang town in 1785, the Burmese made several attempts to excavate the statue in order to take it back to Burma. Each time they dug into the ground, swarms of hornets would swoop on them and they had to give up in the end. Later, the visible part of the statue was covered with gold by the villagers and has remained as such until today. The temple is located approximately 20 kilometers from Phuket City. Travel along Thepkrasattri Road, upon reaching the Thalang District Office, turn right and proceed directly to the temple.

Phuket Animals

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World
On display is a wide range of Magnificent Butterflies, a colourful tropical garden and houses of abundant insects... Locate in Phuket town at a district called Samkong. You can find the home of butterflies set in a natural rainforest. A trip to the Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insectarium will give you an experience with nature that you'll never forget. An educational journey through the rainforest & a trip into paradise. Great for all ages. Entry Fee : Adult 200 Baht - Children Below 10 Yrs 100 Baht Open Daily : 9.00 A.M.-17.30 P.M. Tel. (076) 215616, 210861

Phuket Aquarium (And Phuket Institute of Marine Biology & Research Centre)
More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water around Phuket. 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 Songtaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Sot, or Fresh Market. Tel. (076) 391126. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Khao Phra Thaeo
Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Center
22.28 square kilometers of virgin forest are covered by this park, which also actively conserves a number of wild animals; they would otherwise be extinct in fast-growing Phuket. It is 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. One species of palm found, the Governor's Palm or White Back Palm (palm lang khao in Thai) is especially rare. Languor, barking deer, mouse deer, deer, bear, wild boar, monkeys, gibbons, and many species of birds inhabit the forest. Khao Phra Thaeo serves also as one of Phuket's most important water sources.

Gibbon Rehabilitation Center
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Center is a center of saving many kinds of rare gibbons. You will find the center if you head out of Phuket Town towards the airport and turn right at the Heroines monument. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) is a research division of the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WAR) working in co-operation with the Royal Thai Forest Department (RFD). It was established in Phuket in January 1990, with the support of the RFD, by the organization Asia Wildlife. It is a project dedicated to help return domesticated gibbons to the wild. The GRP became the research arm of WAR in 1994. It is currently the only Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in the world. learn more

Phuket Zoo
South of Phuket town on Soi Phalai, on the east side of Phuket island, you can find Phuket Zoo. It's area covers 62 rai and is a fun place to see a large collection of animal and reptiles such as lovely rabbits, 60 kinds of birds, more that 100 kinds of butterflies and more than 6,000 crocodiles. In addition, animal performances such as clever elephants and monkeys make visitors enjoyed and amazed. Meanwhile, those get the exhilarated and exiting feeling in fighting between men and crocodiles without weapon. The zoo is open daily 8:30 am - 6:00pm

Snake Farm and Cobra Shows :
Phuket Snake Farm - Patong Beach At the snake farm, just like in a zoo, you will get a general idea of how many different kinds of these boneless creatures that exist. A man will show different snakes and a woman will in her best English explain the effects of the venoms. You also will get the chance to pet a living cobra and have a very close look at its teeth . Show times: 10am, 12am, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm daily
Kinnaree House - Chalong Similar to Phuket Snake Farm Show times: 10am, 12am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm daily

Phuket Monkey School
Trained monkeys show of their skills such as picking coconuts, diving, basketball playing and counting.

Crocodile World & Elephant Land
Located at Chana Charoen Rd. at Phuket Town. A tropical garden showing elephants, crocodiles, alligators birds and snakes. Daily shows in the morning and afternoon. Open daily 9am - 6pm

Phuket Natural Parks

Sirinat National Park
This park which covers an area of 90 square kilometers is located on the road to the airport, 37 kms from Phuket town. It has long secluded stretch of beautiful beaches, Hat Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang, Hat Mai Khao and Hat Sai Kaeo, where gigantic sea turtles go ashore to lay their eggs from November to February

Located within the park:

Mangrove Forest
A forest situated in Sirinat National Park near Ta Chatchai on Phuket's northern tip. Much prized by scientists are the mangroves--saltwater swamps with unique eco-systems. There are many unusual perennial plants to be found here so anyone with an interest in horticulture will be enjoyable. Among the more significant there are; mountain ebony (kong kang bai lek), red cycas (prong daeng), black myrsina (samae dam), the Lady's Nails quisqualis (leb mue nang), and various creepers and climbers. There are also many mangrove-dwelling animals with unique evolutionary characteristics.

Mu Koh Similian National Park
In a area of 50 km of the west coast of Phang-nga in the Andaman Sea, you can find this group of 9 small islands. Because of the great natural beauty found on the islands and because of the extensive surrounding coral gardens beneath the waves it is among one of the loveliest places on Earth. The island also are undeveloped and unspoiled, with a numerous species of fish, crustaceans and other forms of sea-life abound. Water clarity and diving are excellent here. Similan is corrupted from the Malay Sembilan and means nine. From north to south in order the islands are : Ko Bon, Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Pahyoo, Ko Miang (two islands), Ko Pahyan, Ko Payahng and Ko Hu Yong.

Mu Koh Surin National Park
This is a group of five islands situated close to the marine boundary between Burma and Thailand in Khuraburi. Because of its distance from the coast it so far has been little visit and it is a protected area. The shallow channel between the two principal islands - about two meters at high tide-has one of the most remarkable panoplies of coral reef life to be found anywhere. Scuba gear is by no means necessary to get a good look at the reefs, a mere snorkel and mask is sufficient. It is making this a perfect destination for those who would like to have the experience of diving but have no time for a scuba course. Accommodations at the National Park are Spartan, but the modest inconvenience of roughing it will be amply rewarded by the experience supplied.

Ao Phang Nga National Park
A national Park in the districts of Phang-Nga Town and Takua Thung with a total area of 250,000 rai (1 rai = 1,600 sq. meters). Phang-Nga Bay's bizarre landscape, which includes more than 120 singularly strange looking islands get a lot of visitors coming here for viewing. There are many places where boats can be rented to travel to Phang-Nga Bay, where you also can see the famous James Bond Island.

Khao Lamphi National Park
This national park, also called Hat Thai Muang National Park in Thai covers a total area of 45,000 rai. Khao Lamphi is a phrase indicating the end of the mining district, and indeed this area was formerly, from ancient time to modern, one of the great repositories of in the world. Mining has ceased, and little trace remains to the untrained eyes except in the name.

Phi Phi National Park
Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park is situated very near Krabi. The Park contains extensive mainland beaches, over 80 lesser islands, and two islands of outstanding physical yet contrasting beauty which epitomizes everyone's ideal of the perfect tropical island.