Page 20 - Flipbook

MANY HOLIDAYS IN ONE: (top to bottom) Another amazing vista, this time the view of Mue Koh Angthong. It is still possible to see shades of traditional life amongst the more tourism based attractions, from traditional long tail fishing boats to ladies going shopping in much the same way that they have for hundreds of years. Swim, eat, shop or unwind in the most tranquil surrounds imagineable at Sukhothai.
Heroines Monument is one of the most visited landmarks in Phuket and tells
the story of how sisters Lady Chan and Lady Mook led the local people – the majority of whom were women – into battle with the Burmese intruders. After the war, Lady Chan helped locals rebuild their lives by getting into the tin-trading business, as well as other things – quite remarkable in a time when Thai women were used to traditional roles as mothers and housewives.
The Bang Neow Shrine is a highly regarded place of worship in Phuket, and features many smaller shrines in one elegantly decorated shrine, although fire has caused it to move locations a few times. The walls tell stories of Chinese literature and the adjoining building
is turned into a vegetarian kitchen and canteen for the duration of the annual Vegetarian Festival.
The grounds of the Shrine, not far from the main market, are very impressive and display photos of the temple when it was one standalone construction back in 1911, with no walls or side-buildings. As one
of the oldest spiritual centres in Thailand and having been through numerous renovations to acquire its three large alters and statues of Chinese gods, it's a must-see destination for all new visitors to Phuket.
Just outside of town, the beautiful Kathu Shrine is well known as the original home of Phuket's Vegetarian Festival and much work has been put into renovating it over the years using traditional techniques
and materials. According to rumour, a Chinese opera group came to Phuket from mainland China and members began to get sick after abandoning their vegetarian diet. On beginning a diet ceremony in the Kathu Shrine, they got better and locals have been carrying it on ever since.
And, of course, you can’t go past Phuket's Big Buddha. Known to Thais as the
Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, it rests on top of the Nakkerd Hills, and at 45 metres high it’s easy
to spot from a distance. As one of the island's most revered and spiritually important landmarks, plus one that offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Phuket, it shouldn’t be missed.
SHOPPING IN PHUKET
Quirky Phuket Old Town is a showcase for the regular just as much as the absolutely bizarre. Whether it’s fruit and veg, clothing, textiles or books you’re