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Each of Phuket's many beaches is blessed with a character and charm
very much of its own. From busy fun beaches offering a range of
water sport activities, to secluded coves of fine white sand backed
by verdant hillsides and visited by little more than the bubbling
surf of the Andaman, there is bound to be at least one to suit the
mood and mindset of every visitor to the island.
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Patong Beach
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(15 km from town)
Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting,
shopping and recreational options along its 3-km long cresent
bay. Windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing
number among the many popular daytime activities. Patong is
equally well known for its vibrant nightlife, among which
seafood restaurants feature prominently.
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Bangtao Beach
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Bangtao 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.
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Kata Beach & Karon Beach
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Kata Beach (20 & 17 km from town)
Beautiful Kata is a scenic gem, its clear water flanked by
hills, and picturesque Bu island sits offshore. Kata retains
a village feel at its northern and southern ends and is perhaps
more family-oriented, its beach more peaceful than Patong
Karon Beach (20 & 17 km from town)
The second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches. Large resort
complexes line the road behind of the shoreline, but the long,
broad beach itself has no development. The sand is very white,
and squeaks audibly when walked upon. The southern point has
a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu Island.
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Panwa Beach
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(10 km from town)
The southernmost tip of this cape is home to a Marine Biological
Research Centre and Phuket's Aquarium where visitors may inspect
several hundred exotic, grotesque, and flamboyantly colourful
marine species found in the teeming waters of Phuket and elsewhere.
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Kamala Beach
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The beach is a favoured spot for witnessing sunsets. The
northern end of Kamala Beach is suitable for swimming.
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Pansea Beach
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(24 km from town)
Pansea is a mouth-wateringly scenic enclave dominated by two
deluxe resorts: Amanpuri and the Chedi. Film stars or VIPs
like to stay there, as they can get away from the crowds.
There are just a few restaurants and shops nearby.
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Maikhao Beach
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(40 km from town)
Many kilometers of deserted beach characterize Mai Khao where
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
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. How to get there: Go to the northern tip of Phuket;
the beach lies along the road's length.
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Coral Island
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Koh Hey, 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 of the island.
Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodation,
restaurants, various watersports and diving are all available.
Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also
available.
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Phi Phi Islands
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Of the two islands, Phi Phi Don is the larger and more developed.
The smaller, Phi Phi Le, recently took the title role in the
film adaptation of The Beach - starring opposite Leonardo
Di Caprio.
Despite misinformed protests and bad press regarding environmental
damage to the island during filming, Phi Phi Le is, in fact,
in better condition now than before filming began. International
environmentalists report that the removal of two tons of tourist
rubbish before filming could begin, did not adversely affect
the island's delicate ecological balance.
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Similan Islands
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From the north to the south, the archipelago comprises Koh
Bon, Koh Ba Ngu, Koh Similan, Koh Payu, Koh Miang (actually
two islands), Koh Payan, Koh Payang, Koh Ku Yong. Except for
park officials and occasional tourist groups, these petite
islands are mostly uninhabited.
The waters around the islands are home to a considerable
variety of fish and crustaceans, and other marine life flourishes.
The water in the area is as clear as glass and makes an excellent
deep water dive site.
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Besides sun, sea and sand, Phuket is a multifaceted destination
and offers ample scope for fascinating exploration. Phuket Town
is interesting for its surviving examples of old Sino-Portuguese
architecture - reminders of the island's long and interesting history
- and for its shopping and entertainment possibilities.
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Wat Chalong
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This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Por Cham, who
helped the people of Phuket put down the Angyee, or Chinese
Coolie Rebellion, in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There
are also statues of Luang Por Chaung, and Luang Por Gluam,
abbots of the temple during later times.
How to get there: Wat Chalong is about 8 km outside town.
Take Vichit Songkram Road to the Bypass Road and turn left,
and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong is on the left.
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Old Phuket
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The beginning of the tin boom in the 19th century led to
construction of many fine mansions and shops, that are still
well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region,
is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean
chracter. Shops present a very narrow face onto the street
but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Road,
have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving.
Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket,"
with similar structures are Phangnga, 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.
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Sapan Hin
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A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now
used for parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located
where Phuket Road 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 the 60th
anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. A sport center is located
in the park.
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