The town of Phuket is well worth a visit for the traveler who wants to see more than the regular, beach-going tourist. Phuket town is virtually untouched by foreign hands. While large hotels do operate from and near there, a trip into the city shows that very few foreigners venture into the city.      Phuket town has a great deal to offer. It is a glimpse into the Real Thailand. It has schools, businesses, temples and traffic, just like any other major Thai city. The most interesting to go to the city is during the rush hour traffic (approximately 4:30-6:00 p.m.) when the children are being let out of school. It is at this time that you truly get the sense of being in a foreign country.      The authenticity of Phuket town stretches further. For real Thai cuisine, Phuket town is the best place to go. While the restaurants and food stalls found at the beaches are by no means deficient, they mostly cater to foreigners while many people in Phuket town cater to Thais. While one might have to search a little for a restaurant that fits what one wants, chances are that one will be rewarded with a better, more authentic meal.      Phuket town also offers more of the modern day conveniences that we are used to. It has department stores, a movie theater and business centers.      If one came only for the beaches, then Phuket town is not a necessity. For the traveler who wants to see Thailand, however, this is the easiest and most accessible place on Phuket to do so. CITY TOUR Butterfly Farm and Aquarium Located on Yaowaraj Road. Samkong Village, Muang Dustrict. The farm features life in tropical rain forest including butterflies, insects, some fish and coral from Andaman Sea. Being closest to nature, the farm is suitable for tourists, particularly those interested in nature. Khao Rang Hill offers a spectacular view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands. Khao Rang Hill lies in the northwest part of the city and boasts several excellent restaurants, all featuring high-end thai cuisine and the much-renowned view. Also on Khao Rang Hill is a park for those who wish to exercise or picnic. At the very top of the hill is a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the Governor of Phuket duing King RamaV’s reign. Old Building Built during the reign of King Rama 5, these building portry Thai Characteristic and heritage although architecturally they are blend of Chinese and European Style Connoiseurs have dubbed the buildings “Shino-portuguese” as they are not so tall with accent on depth more than on width. The doors and windows have handicrafted patterns of fine workmanship. If you happen to be on Dibuk Rd., Phang-Nga Rd., and Yaowaraj Rd., look for these buildings and you would be delighted. Siray Island This is a small island lying to the southeast of Phuket Island Distanced just 4 kilometers away, it is currently taken as a single sheet of land with Phuket Island with a small canal serving as a demarcation line. The inhabitants also known as sea gypsies. There is a temple and a large Buddha Image on the apex of this island. Saparn Hin Here lines at the end of a road extending slightly into the sea. It is the site of a 60-year old Mounment set up in memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, and Australian pioneer who brought the first dredger for mining operations in Thailand. For the people of Phuket, this place is for recreations as well as for close relationship with nature. Phuket Orchid Garden and Village Located near Thalang, north of Phuket Town, includes four restaurant pavilions, a playground, handicrafts and shops. Traditional dances and other cultural activities are performed twice daily. Exotic varieties of orchids on display. Tel. 076 214 861 JUNGLE TOUR Elephant trekking These gentle giants have turned their trunks from logging to trekking. There are more than 30 elephant-trekking companies on Phuket Island alone, with siam Safari Tel. 076 290 118, Phuket-Safari Tel. 076 340 906, two of the leaders. Be sure and check that the animals are healthy and well cared for, and that you will have a visually pleasing experience. Contact Elephant Help Tel. 076 280 116 Trekking Khao Phra Thaew National park, north of Phuket Town is one of the few places left on the island where you can experience the tropical rainforest of Phuket as it once was. It’s an easy hike through the park by yourself (be waned, there’s a lot of uphill and down again) or just enjoy the areas around the two waterfalls: Ton Sai, on the west, and Bang Pae, on the east (where the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is located). Tour operators can help you find a guide or consult the one small eco-tour company taking groups throuth the park as well. Touch the Local. Tel. 076 282 811 Horse-back riding Riding along the beach or wending your way along a forest trail, horseback riding can be a more peaceful way to experience the island. There are about four riding clubs on the island from the Bang Tao area south to Rawai. SEA TOUR Diving/snorkeling The undersea world surrounding Phuket Island at almost any depth is home to a vast array of marine life. Although some species of marine life have diminished in number over the years as the Andaman becomes ever-more popular, whale and leopard sharks, along with manta rays, schools of colourful fish, and the fascinating environment of the coral reefs are still common. There are a great number of dive operators on the island, many of whom offer the full range of Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) courses, South East Asia divers Tel. 076 344 022, Dive Asia Tel. 076 330 598, Sea Bees Diving Tel.076 381 765, to name just a few. If the thought of all that water over your head is intimidating, then snorkelling is the sport for you. Along the Kata headland and off many of the islands all along the west coast of Thailand from the Similans to Tarutao, there are plenty of places to float face down, drifting gently along while observing the marine life. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Gamesfishing Surprisingly, Phuket is not yet world-famous for its gamefishing, although this is due more to lack of fast, modern boats than to any lack of fish. In fact, the seas surrounding the island teem with a variety of good gamefish, including sailfish, barracuda, tuna, marlin, botton fish and wahoo. Please practise catch-and-release-fishing, expecially when it comes to sailfish. You get to experience the thrill and excitement of the catch with no one to dispute your story about the big one that got away. Some of the companies that offer gamefishing excursions include Phuket Game Fishing Charter Tel. 076 283 270, Dorado Big Game Fishing Charters Tel. 076 202 679, Aloha Tours Tel. 076 381 220 Sea canoeing/kayaking Phang Nga Bay is famous for its rugged limestone islands jutting from the sea, with their hidden caves and secluded bays. An ideal way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket itself is to head into the bay and explore these unique formations by sea canoe or kayak with operators like, Sea Canoe Tel. 076 212 252, PhuketSea Land Tel. 076 222 900, Sea Cave Canoe Tel. 076 210 434, PaddleAsia Tel. 076 240 893, John Gray Sea Canoe Tel. 076 254 506 Island getaways and day trips Need a break from the fast pace and crowds of Phuket? There are a number of islands around Phuket to explore and enjoy. Most of the beautiful Andaman Sea picture-postcard scenes are taken on these smaller islands. Getting to some of the smaller resorts on these islands is not alwayss easy; all habe to be approached by boat, but that’s often half the fun. Day trips are a great getaway, offering the pleasure of relaxing on a smaller, less-crowded beach. Cruiser Island Resort Tel. 076 383 210, is located on Koh Lon Island in chalong Bay while Raya Island Tour Tel. 076 345 522-3, takes visitors to Raya Island (Racha Island) south of Phuket. You can also join a day toru through operators like Coral Seekers Tel. 076 354 074 or Andaman Speed Tours Tel. 076 234 173, There are bungalow resorts on Kon Mai thon (fairly upmarket), Koh Khai, and Koh yao, among others, and along the Krabi coast lies the Andaman Holiday Resort Tel. 075 644 321-3, Many of these islands offer their own boat service. You can rent a boat yourself for the day and explore to your heart’s content. Speeboat and longtail rentals are both available at the south end of Phuket on Rawai Beach. ISLAND TOUR Mai Ton Island The tiny island of Mai Ton is located off Phuket’s southeast coast and is highly prized for its pristine natural environment, including fine, white-sanded beaches and crystal clear waters. It is an ideal place for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business on the island is the luxurious Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight can take a daytrip from the Ao Makam Deep Sea Port. Coral Island or Hey Island This island off Phuket’s south coast is so well known for its splendid coral reef that it is often referred to as Coral Island. In addition to the great reefs, there are two fine beaches on the north and west parts of the island. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve but limited accommodation, restaurants, and various watersports are available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Raya (or Racha) Islands Raya Island is comprisd of two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket’s southern coast. The first island is called Raya Yai and is the most popular. The clean, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of west Raya Yai island attract daytrippers from Phuket. On the east, Ao Kon Kae Bay is an excellent site for diving. The sister island, Raya Noi, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. There is a small boat anchorage in the bay on the west. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green and the fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommended. Rang Yai Island Off Phuket’s east coat lies Rang Yai Island which has been developed for the activity oriented tourist. Among the many things to do are snorkeling along the coral reefs, sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island’s pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier near the Phuket Boat Lagoon. TOUR AROUND PHUKET Thai Classical Village This a center to exhibit Thai culture. Located on Thepkrasattri Rd., distanced by 2.5 kilometers from the heart of the city, there are buildings to house some 500 people. The decoration is typically rural Thai. The shows include classical dances performed by dancers from various regions including puppetry, southern style, swordsmanship. Thai style boxing and so on. There is a large house for plants holding some 20,000 kinds of orchids and trees. Tourist can enjoy this rare sigh while eating sumptuous meals at a restaurant within the complex. Thai musicians are on hand to please tourists. Phuket Aquarium Located On highway no.4023, about 10 kilometers from the city, in Panwa Cape area, aquatic animals are house in glass compartments for visitors to see closely. Open everyday, visitors are welcome between 10.00-16.00 hours. Gallant Ladies’s Monument This Monument standing at the intersection of Tharua in Thalang District is 12 Kilometers from the city of Phuket. The Monumetnt stands in memory and in recognition of the deeds of two ladies namely. Tao Thepkrasattri and Tao Srisunthorn who made plans to fight and kept the invaders off the island of Phuket in the past. Phuket Sea Shell Museum The Phuket Sea Shell Museum houses what is possibly the world’s most valuable collection of seashells. The museum is near Rawai Beach on the island’s southwestern shores. While the emphasis is on shells from Thai waters, and most specifically Phuket, shells from every part of the world are featured. Wherever they come from, each shell in the museum is the best of its kind – in many cases, the only one of its kind. There are several rarities including the world’s largest golden pearl (140 karats) and one enormous shell weighing in at 250kg!. One of the world’s great museums, the Shell Museum is open daily from 8am till 7pm. Phromthep Cape Distanced by about two kilometers from Rawai Beach, this cape is located at the southern tip of Phuket Island. Easily accessible by car the top part is plain having a high cliff along the edge of the sea. From this vantage point you could look out to the sea and island nearby. Many tourists come here particularly in the evening to see the sun setting below the horizon. They say that Phromthep Cape offers the best view.