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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. |
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Chalong Bay
Phuket's
principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay. Ao
Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebbtide,
waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very
picturesque but not for swimming. Most visitors to the
islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the
bay's restaurants are well known for their seafood.
Charters to various places can be arranged from there, and
it is the center of the island's yachting businesses. To
get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd., or Jao Fah Tawan Okk
Rd., to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of
restaurants are located on the short road leading to the
beach from the circle. |
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Ka cape
Ka cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island.
Located at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of
the point is Leam Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with
rocks and boulders. The extensive coral reefs offshore
make for interesting snorkeling mornings. Bungalows, Thai
food, and boat charters to the islands are available. Ka
Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle. |
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Khao Rang
A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the
island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained
by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the city's
northwest. There are also several restaurants featuring
spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise
enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for
picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya
Ratsada Nupradit the model Governor of Phuket during King
Rama V's reign. |
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Phrom
Thep Cape
 Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma" signifying purity, and "Thep"
means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the
sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has
been prominent feature for mariners since of early
seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose
journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's
west coast.
From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has
tall cliffs on the south, and was formerly called by local
villagers "Leam Jao" (The Gods' Cape). From the cliffs
running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm
trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and
breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point :
it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From
Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch
Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han
Beach. |
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Saphan Hin
 A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now
used for parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located
where Phuket Rd., 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. The Sport Center is located in the park. |
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Sehn Bay
A small bay with many rocks and corals. Snorkeling and
diving are possible. For sunbathers, this secluded,
curving strand north of Nai Han offers some privacy. A
small open air restaurant supplies food and drink. To get
there go through the parking lot of the Phuket Yacht Club
hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km. |
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Thai Village and
Orchid Farm
A show of Thai dance, handicrafts, culture, elephants and
a demonstration of old time tin-mining takes place among
the orchids. Located in Sam Kong, about 3 kms. from
downtown Phuket. The morning showing starts at 11:00 a.m.
the evening showing at 5:30 p.m. Tel. (076) 214860, 237400 |
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Viewpoint
From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and
Karon, and also Poo Island. It is one of the island's best
views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for
visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and
souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The
viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Han Beach. |
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