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Left to right: Phuket is a bustling tourist destination with all of the trappings one would expect but traditional wooden boats, perfect sunsets and breathtaking scenery are the real reasons to come to this little slice of paradise. Koh Ta-pu or James Bond Island as it is commonly referred to after it’s appearance in “The Man with the Golden Gun” is synonymous with Phuket and on every visitors bucket list. World famous Patong beach is the heart of the tourist district day and night but it’s still possible to have it almost to yourself at certain times.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Absorbing the incredible scenery should
be high on your to-do list in Phuket. In the north, Phang-Na Bay is the place to see distinctive sheer limestone karsts rising vertically out of emerald-green water. Famous spots in the bay include James Bond Island and the village of Koh Panyee. The best way to avoid other tourists
and enjoy the spectacular scenery is to become part of it, taking a boat trip from the northern end of Phuket and spending
a leisurely day cruising through these dramatic islands, stopping at quiet beaches, and using the mother ship’s canoes to explore the caves and rooms within these karsts. Cruising is calm in protected Phang-Nga Bay with many safe places to anchor. Similar to the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, these landscapes will leave you with unforgettable memories.
One of Phang-Na Bay landmark island karsts, James Bond Island (Koh Ta-pu
or Nail Island) put itself on the map by starring in the James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. The remarkable village of Koh Panyee built over the water on stilts is another karst island worth visiting. Avoid lunchtime if you can, when many tourists congregate to eat and shop for handicrafts. Below vertical limestone cliffs, hundreds of huts, shacks, restaurants
and shops, a school, a mosque and a health centre perch above the shallow surrounding sea, held aloft by thousands of timber and concrete poles. This Muslim community once depended on fishing but now relies on tourism.
In the south, for stunning 180-degree ocean and island views go to Laeme (Cape)Promthep viewpoint. A hilltop position away from town lights, the view is especially striking at sunrise with the rays shining between the island karsts. Get there before 5.30-6am depending on the time of year. The spot draws crowds of tourists every evening at sunset.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Old Phuket Town is a great place to admire the region’s architectural style, described as Sino-Portuguese with a strongly Mediterranean character. Especially on Dibuk Road, shops have very narrow
street frontage but stretch back a long way. The beginning of the tin boom in
the 19th Century led to construction of these well-preserved shop houses behind their old Chinese fretwork-carved wooden doors, plus many fine mansions. Other Old Phuket streets with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi. A walking tour of the area is easy, with many small cafes, bakeries and eateries
along the way, perfect for a half day. The best way to get there from Phuket Town is by motorcycle taxi. On Krabi Road, one of the most attractively maintained Sino- Portuguese buildings houses the recently renovated Phuket Thaihua Museum, with displays including a photo exhibition
and video media telling the history of the Chinese people in Phuket, mining, local costumes, Sino-Portuguese architecture, local foods, tradition and culture of Phuket. Daily 9am-5pm.
North of Phuket City next to the Heroines’ Monument is Thalang National Museum honouring Thalang’s Two Heroines and serving as a repository for historical, archaeological and cultural heritage of Phuket and preserving the Andaman’s cultural heritage. It provides an introduction to the history of Thailand; Phuket Island and early inhabitants of
the Andaman; the Battle at Thalang; the Chinese and the development of Phuket; the Phuket people; and a gallery of change. Daily 9am-4pm.
BUDDHAS & WATS
Sitting atop Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata is the landmark 45-meter white marble Big Buddha marble statue, sitting serenely in the meditation posture and visible from anywhere in the southern
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