Attractions...
Thalang National Museum
Ancient artifacts from Phuket's long history are on display, including exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang involving the Two Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the Sea Gipsy culture. Open daily except holidays 8.30 am to 4.00 pm. Located close to the 'Two Heroines Monument' on the Pakhlok Road.
Wat Phra Tong
This temple enshrines a golden Buddha image that sprang up from beneath the earth long ago. The story tells of a young boy who tied his buffalo to what he thought was a post. After doing so, he fell down in agony and died. The father of the boy dreamed that the reason his son had died was for the sin of tying a filthy buffalo to a sacred object, that what the boy thought was a post was in reality the golden peak of the Buddha's conical cap. He told his neighbors the dream and they all went out to dig up the statue but had no success. Later, at the time of Thao Thepkrasatri's heroic defense against the Burmese in 1785, the invaders tried to succeed where the villagers had failed; their intention was to take the Buddha image back to Burma. Sacred objects and slaves were then the most sought after spoils for armies. The surmese, however, were unable to retrieve the golden Buddha despite several attempts; they were finally driven off by a swarm of angry hornets. After this, the villagers decided to protect their miraculous statue by covering the part that stuck up from the ground with a plaster cast of Buddha's head and shoulders's which is the way it is today. Located north of the traffic light on the outskirts of Thalang Town. A large sign indicates the entrance.
Wat Phra Nang Sang
The grounds of this historic temple are where the Battle of Thalang took place in 1785. Inside are three very old statues of the Buddhawrought in tin; they are the largest in the world and date from a time when tin was regarded as a semi-precious metal. The bellies of the three big statues each contains a smaller statue, from which derives their name, "Monks in the Belly" in local vernacular. or "The Three Kings" in formal language. Located on Thepkrasatri Road, in Thalang Town at the traffic light.
Surin Beach
Surin Beach is situated on the west coast of Phuket island at the end of Sri Sunthorn Rd., about 24 kms from Phuket Town.
Take Route 402 until you reach the Two Heroines Statues, then turn left for another 12 kms.
A curving bay beneath the foothills on the north of Kamala and bordering on a hillside, Surin Beach has a powdery white sand beach but the precipitous incline means powerful surf, a treacherous undertow and turbulent water, including huge waves. The beach is not suitable for swimming or any water sports during the rainy season.
The beach is another not-to-be-missed spot for witnessing the brilliant sunsets of Phuket.
Two of Phuket's most luxurious resorts are located at the northern end of the bay, where the well heeled can spend several hundred dollars per night for a room, or up to several thousand dollars per night for a private seaside villa. More reasonably priced accommodations can be found at the southern end of the bay.
Laem Sing Beach - an introduction
Only 20 minutes north of Patong, Laem Sing Beach is located on a steep mountain range, hidden from the road and relatively undiscovered by tourism. There is a small parking area and only a few handmade signs, making it a place easily missed by the masses.
After a short walk down a narrow footpath, you arrive at the little bay, winged by round-shaped granite boulders. There are some two hundred meters of flashing white sand and picturesque rock formations in the ocean, which offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities on the island.
There are no streets, buildings or cars, allowing for a feeling of serenity and peace rarely found on other Phuket beaches. For refreshment however, snacks, drinks and perhaps beach chairs are available from the few walking vendors.
Nai Ton Beach
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of sand. There is some accommodation but virtually no other business. Normally very quiet throughout the year.
Nai Yang Beach
This is where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnickers. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of these has however, dropped off greatly. First class accommodations are available and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers.
Maikhao Beach
North of the Phuket Airport are many kilometers of deserted beach characterizing Mai Khao where there is little tourist business. The water is fine for swimming during the dry season; the rainy season brings big waves and strong currents that are dangerous. This lonely beach is another area where sea turtles come to lay eggs. It is also home to what the Thais call a sea cicada, which is a form of marine life.
Bang Tao Beach (Laguna)
Five exclusive and luxurious resorts have been developed along the shore of Bang Tao Bay.
The Banyan Tree, Dusit Laguna, Laguna Beach Club, Sheraton Grande Laguna and Allamanda are a complex of five star hotels which together comprise the Laguna Phuket complex, and they offer their guests the best of everything, at premium prices.
Unlike some other resorts, the Laguna Phuket complex has paid careful attention to maintaining the delicate environment. The beaches are clean and excellent for swimming, sailing and windsurfing from November to May, but can be subject to dangerous riptides and undertows at other times of year. Among other activities available to guests are horseback riding, a famous spa, a large water park, a beautifully maintained golf course, and a day camp for children.
In addition to the expensive hotels, there are more reasonably priced accommodations around Bang Tao Bay, including some guesthouses and bungalows.
