Introduction of Phuket

What comes into the mind of travellers when we talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket must definitely be one of the answers. Especially when we think about the island in which there is plenty of accommodation and all kinds of facilities. In addition, a number of various activities can also be found on this island.

In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to Thanlng the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thaland town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local resedents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as 'Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, repectively. There are still hightly respected by Phuket residents even today.

When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving weath. The island's long history has shaped the distintive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life.

Below are the attractive places in Phuket:

Phuket Aquarium

Phuket Aquarium is part of the internationally renowned Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), located on the southernmost tip of Cape Panwa on Phuket Island. It is surrounded by breathtaking scenic bays and islands and is the perfect destination for a family excursion.

Enter the aquarium and find yourself in an amazing underwater world with over 150 different species from freshwater and marine habitats, most of them local species from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The aquarium`s interactive displays take you on an environmental journey through rivers, lakes and precious, endangered coral reefs, mangroves and estuaries. All information is provided in Thai and English and includes both common names and interesting facts about the animals.

 The Aquarium makes education fun with its many different displays of marine life, habitats as well as  environmental and conservation issues: Learn about the relationships between the animals, encounter our big guys like electric eels, octopuses, sea turtles and sharks and admire the babies from our ocean nursery like the famous “Nemo” or the cute cuttlefish!

 Another highlight is a walk through our large tunnel tank: Immerse yourself in the ocean being surrounded by huge sting rays, groupers, wrasses, sharks and swarms of snappers. Reach the end of the tunnel and you are greeted by eight massive man-sized Giant Groupers in their 110-ton tank that have been living in the Aquarium for over 20 years!

 Phuket Aquarium was established in 1983 as unit of the PMBC, a research and monitoring center under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Aquarium has developed into a major destination on Phuket Island and attracts about 300.000 visitors per year, including 40.000 tourists.

 Its mission is to increase the public awareness and understanding about marine and coastal environments and to promote the sustainable management of our coasts and oceans.

Operating: 8am-4.30pm, Daily

Address: 51 Moo, 8 Sakdidet Rd.A. Muang, Phuket, Thailand

Thalang National Museum

The museum was formed by Phuket People with the cooperation of the Fine Arts Department as a place to honor the Thalang's Two Heroines, and a repository of historical.

Archaeological and cultural heritage of Phuket and its surrounding area along the Andaman Sea. It was inaugurated on March 14, 1989 by HRH Princess Sirindhorn and continues its role in preserving the Andaman's cultural heritage, providing education program for local and foreign visistors since then. Today Thalang National Musem is also one of the cultural attractions of Phuket..Musuem divided into 5 rooms as below:

Main Hall: Thailand :an Introduction

Gallery 1: Phuket Island and Early inhabitant of the Andaman

Gallery 2: The Battle at Thalang

Gallery 3: The Chinese and Development of Phuket

Gallery 4: Phuket People

Gallery 5: Changing Gallery.

Otherwise, visitors can see outdoor exhibition of Sea Gypsy's Village which present their living style such as houses, boat, fishing tools.

Operating: 9am-4.30pm, Daily

Address: Srisoonthorn, Thalang district, Phuket 83110

Koh He 'Coral Island'

Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and other water sports. As the island is not affected very much by the monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year round. Koh He has become a popular one-day tour from Phuket as it is only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral Island by tourists. Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are available.

Operating: 7am-5pm, Daily

Address: Koh He 'Coral Island', Tambon Chalong, Amphoe mueang, Phuket

Hat Nai Han

Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Han, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag! Despite having a rather limited selection of accommodations, they range from budget bungalows to the top-class Yacht Club. Check with the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information and room rates. This beach can be reached by songthaeos, which leaves from the intersection of Ranong Road and the fountain circle. The fare is 25 baht / person / trip. In addition, visitors can also charter tuk-tuks which costs a lot more at 150 baht to 200 baht / trip.

Operating: 6am-6pm, Daily

Phuket Thaihua Museum

The Thai Hua School at Krabi Road, Phuket, is the oldest Chinese school in Thailand, founded in 1911. Built in 1934, it is a splendid example of European-Sino-Thai architecture of the 1930s, when Phuket architecture began to depart from the Straits Settlements style.

Reinforced concrete is used for canopies, brackets and a hanging staircase, while the decorative forms of the earlier period are also incorporated. The front gate is made of cast iron imported from Yates, Haywood & Co, Upper Thames, London.

When the school moved out to new, larger premises in the late 1990s, the Alumni Association initiated a project to conserve the old school building. Public archaeology in and around the building revealed the foundations of old classrooms, built in 1926.

The old Thai Hua school was used as a venue for community consultations in the planning process. It was used as an exhibition space during the annual Old Phuket Festival. In 2002, the Alumni Association resolved to turn the Thai Hua School building into a community museum. In mid-2005, The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, of Thailand’s Cultural Ministry, decided to refurbish the Thai Hua School into an art gallery and musuem.

The purposes were to promote Phuket’s artists and learning center for next generation.

Operating: 9am-7pm, Daily(except Wednesday)

Address: 28 Krabi Rd., Thaladnue, A.Muang, Phuket 83000