What to see

Rawai Beach is one of Phuket south coast significant beaches. It’s not a swimming beach but a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views. Enjoy delicious seafood restaurants along the beachfront or take a longtail boat to nearby islands. The beach offers a unique local feel and is perfect for a peaceful holiday.

This is a sheltered secluded beach. The main appeals of Friendship Beach are the views across Chalong Bay to Cape Panwa, Lon and Coral Island. The sea is shallow and tidal but has a fascinating sea garden to explore many different types of habitats such as star fish, crabs, and corals. Fishing and kayaking are possible and recently the beach becomes popular for kite surfing activities.

One of the most interesting sections of population in Phuket is Sea Gypsy. The Sea Gypsies don’t have any written language. There are numerous shell shops and seafood stalls where the fisherman sell their catches of the day. Restaurants located around that area will cook the seafood clients bought freshly from the stalls at a very reasonable price.

Laem Phrom Thep is the place to be. It is definitely a place not to be missed especially during the evening where the sun reaches the horizon, pass the tip that reaches out from the mainland. It is a curved tip that slightly declines towards the tip that is 1 kilometer long. Tourists are allowed to go by foot to the tip to watch the sunset or can even watch from the land with the view of the sunset, the tip and the view of Kaew Yai Island and Mun Island.

Chaithararam Temple, or known as Wat Chalong, dedicated to two highly venerable monks (Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang) who led citizens of local Phuket fighting against Chinese rebellion in 1876 and with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured.The most recent major addition was the construction of a special chedi, 61.39 meters high, to house a fragment of bone from the Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka in 1999.

Phuket Seashell Museum is located near Rawai Beach, more than 2,000 species. Ammonite Fossil or the ancient octopus of more than 350 million years old. Mr. Somchai Patamakanthin, the owner of the museum, who has collected seashells for over 40 years. This museum provides a detail and interesting information of every shell displayed there.

The Phuket Zoo is filled with different animals of different species such as birds, tigers, butterflies and camels and many more. The zoo is surrounded by the green nature of different tropical trees. There are shows performed by the animals, showing their talent such as Elephant shows, Monkey shows and Crocodile shows. The zoo is located in the middle of the Phuket Town and Chalong Bay. The zoo’s opening hours is from 08.00h – 18.00h every day.

Patong Beach is located 15 kilometers towards the North-East of the Phuket Town and towards the South of Kamala Beach, is a curve shaped beach . Patong is also known for its white well sorted sand grains suitable for strolls. There are also many activities available like Windsurf, Parasail, Banana boat, Jet ski and many more. At night, Patong is the place to spend for a nightlife, shopping center and restaurants that attract both tourists and Thais.

Nai Harn Beach is next to Laem Phrom Thep, towards the North. Near the beach, is a big pond, known as the Harn Pond. Nai Harn Beach is a long beach compared to Sen Bay which is close by. This beach is where tourists go to sunbath. The sand is not too white and is fine grained. The beach has many souvenirs shops. Near Nai Harn Beach is a small bay called Sen Bay. It is not advised to go swimming during May – October when the weather is not suitable.

Huge Buddha image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata Beach. Because of its size, 45 metres high and 25 metres across at the base, it is easily seen from far away. The Buddha image reflects not only the faith of local people and visitors in Buddhism but also beautiful art and architecture. Plus, this place offers 360-degree views of the island.

Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier. It is the center of Phuket yachting and diving businesses.Chalong’s most noticeable feature is its 720-metre long, seven-metre wide jetty. A parking area, restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks, open-air waiting areas, and one-stop customes, immigration and harbor master service have been built to serve visitors.