Talk:Phuket Island/Listings
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Amphoe Thalang (อำเภอถลาง)[edit]Two Heroines Monument (อนุสาวรีย์วีรสตรี) Phuket’s most famous monument in Amphoe Thalang is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thepkasattri (Kunying Jan) and Thao Sisunthon (Mook), who rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders. As the island's governor has just passed away, organizing Phuket's defense against the Brumese invasion of 1785 was conducted by his widow, Thao Thepkasattri. With her sister's help, they assembled what forces they had, then cleverly disguised local women as male soldiers, thus appearing to increase Phuket's military manpower. After a month's siege, the Burmese tired, lost heart and left. King Tama I awarded Kunying Jan with the royal title of Thao Thepkasattri.<ref>Phuket Town Treasure Map www.phuket-maps.com</ref> Thalang National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติถลาง) This is located near the Two Heroines Monument. In 1985, on the 200th anniversary of the Thalang War, the Thalang National Museum was established. The museum contain permanent exhibition of life in old Phuket, ancient artefacts and remains discovered on the coast and, materials used during war with Burma (Myanmar).<ref>Phuket Town Treasure Map www.phuket-maps.com</ref> It is open daily except national holidays from 8.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. Admission is 30 baht. For more information call 0 7631 1426, 0 7631 3397, 0 7631 1206. Wat Phra Thong (วัดพระทองหรือวัดพระผุด) Situated some 20km from Phuket town past the Thalang district office, 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. Wat Phranang Sang (วัดพระนางสร้าง) This temple is located 20km from town on the Thepkasattri Road at Thalang district. An old and historical landmark of Phuket, the temple was once a fort resisting Burmese invasion around 1785. Inside the old chapel are enshrined the three oldest and largest Buddha statues made of tin. Called the Three Kings, they are positioned in the midsections of another three large statues. Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre (สถานีพัฒนาและส่งเสริมการอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าเขาพระแทว) Its duty is to promote, distribute and wildlife within Khao Phra Thaeo wildlife park. The park is located near Thalang district, 22 kilometres from Phuket Town. 22.28 square kilometers of virgin forest are coverd by this park, which also actively conserves a number of wild animals; they would otherwise be extinct in fast-growing Phuket. It is a center for study of the environment and the forest vegetation is spectacular. Giant trees supported by huge buttresses are thick with creepers and climbers of every description. One species of palm, the Governor's Palm or White Back Palm (palm lang khao in Thai) is especially rare. Gibbons, civet, macaques, squirrel, flying squirrel, bat, flying lemur, chameleon, mouse deer, wild boar, and many species of birds inhabit the forest. Khao Phra Thaeo serves also as one of Phuket's most important water sources. Major attractions include:- Ton Sai Waterfall (น้ำตกโตนไทร) A small falls, over which pours a great volume of water during the rainy season. The trees, watercourses, and pools nearby provide one of Phuket's loveliest scenes. The park headquarters with an excellent view are also at Ton Sai. Bang Pae Waterfall (น้ำตกบางแป) Another waterfall in the sanctuary which is located at Tambon Pa Khlok past the Two Heroines Monument. There is an arboretum and a nursery to rehabilitate captured gibbons before returning them to the wild. Animal sanctuary Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project by the beautiful Bang Pae waterfall. They have a visitor centre manned by Western volunteers and English speaking Thai staff who will talk to you about the project. Talks are free, but please support the project by buying a souvenir, sponsoring a gibbon or giving a donation. Don't have your photo taken with a captive gibbon in Phuket or on the beaches. For nature enthusiasts, the sanctuary has mapped out some walking trails. Further information, please contact the centre, call 0 7631 1998. The Big Buddha of Phuket Formerly, officially known as “Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri” and now called the Mingmongkol Buddha image, it is still referred to as the Big Buddha by everyone in Phuket. Sitting serenely in the meditating posture and on a dominant hilltop between Karon and Chalong it overlooks Chalong Bay and far beyond. So dominant is the Big Buddha that it can be seen from many of the southern parts of Phuket Island as well as nearby islands. At a height of 45 m and width at the base of nearly 25m it is completely covered in white Burmese marble tiles which signify purity. The base of the Buddha is wrapped in giant white marble covered lotus leaves signifying love and happiness. It is the largest white marble Buddha image anywhere in the world and has already become a very popular attraction for tourists and a place of significance for local Thai people and the many who visit from other regions. A smaller Buddha image made from 22 tons of brass and 12 m high sits along side the Big Buddha and joins the many other statues, images, sculptures and bells of worship. The Big Buddha was constructed in devoted to the King of Thailand, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 80th birthday and the smaller Buddha in devotion to the Queen, HM Queen Sirikit. Completion is not far away and will eventually include a 7 hectare Buddha-Utthayan” Buddhist garden landscaped with rock features, grassed areas, flowers, shrubs and natural environment. It will be designed for peace, relaxation and meditation. Some say that the early morning is the best time to visit the Big Buddha, with cooling sometimes cold winds you can watch the sun rise across Chalong Bay and the beauty of the suns reflection in the calm waters. Looking from the other side of Chalong Bay it is an awe inspiring sight to watch the sun slowly setting behind the Big Buddha, slowly forming a silhouette of this remarkable image as its features are darkened. The Big Buddha is atop a 400m hill offering spectacular views of Phuket Town, Chalong bay and the islands beyond. It is found by following the signs along Choafa west road on the left side just over 2km north of the Chalong roundabout or if traveling south less than 1km past Wat Chalong on the right side , look for the ample signs. As the crow flies it is 3km to the Big Buddha from Choafa Road, the road is fairly steep in parts but concreted or sealed so perfectly safe. This is a Buddhist temple and the usual rules of modest dressing, strict respect for Buddha images must be observed and please remove your shoes in areas where you see others removing theirs. At the end of the main reception area you can [after removing your shoes] approach the seated monk, try to make yourself at a lower height than him by stooping or shuffling along on your knees. Watch what the Thais do and do the same, you will then receive a special blessing, and a charm to tie on your wrist. Remember that a female can not receive this charm directly from the monk, he will place it in front of you or ask a male to give it to you. And if you got now the blessing from a monk, you should know something about the 2500 year old Buddhism. The Buddhism monks are learning to see the things as they are and not as they should be, to split yourself from illusions and expectations to get a better human. Work on this simple thing and every day will be your day. Only a short information at the end. The total amount of the building was made from donations and if you enjoyed your visit, then show your gratitude, drink two bottles singha less in the evening and give some donation in one of the boxes around, or write your name onto the backside of a marble plate with them the base of the Buddha will be covered soon. Off-shore islands[edit]There are 39 islands to the south and east off Phuket, featuring forests and mountains, rocky formations, beaches, coral reefs and fishing. The main ports are Chalong and Rawai. Islands with accommodation are listed above, but some others open to day trips include:
Ko Nakha Noi (เกาะนาคาน้อย), just off Ao Po on the northeastern shore, is popular for its pearl farm. There are fine sandy beaches suitable for swimming and a seafood restaurant. Tourists can charter a boat at Ao Po or contact tour agencies for a tour package (generally including lunch). Ko Khai Nok (เกาะไข่นอก), a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach, is suitable for swimming and snorkelling. To get there, one can hire a boat from Si-Re Island’s pier. Do[edit][add listing]Fishing
Boating
Other sports[edit]Golf - see also: Golf in Thailand - Phuket section and Golf The golf courses of Phuket are of international standard. Each one has its own particular challenges and scenic splendour that only Phuket can offer. Discount green fee are available by booking through Phuket golf booking agencies. Karon Beach also has a minigolf course.
Muay Thai training (Thai kick-boxing):
MMA training (Mixed Martial Arts): Mountain Biking - It’s easier than it looks. Most any person can enjoy themselves on a mountain bike, which has gearing sufficient to take the mightiest incline. Trekking – Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park offers the best trekking in Phuket with a well preserved natural environment. May through October is the best time for jungle trekking, when the forest is full of blossoms. The park has a marked hiking route for visitors to follow. Horse Riding
Other sports Other sports and games such as go-karting, bungy jump and paintball are available at Patong.
Surfing You can go surfing in Phuket on most of the Western facing beaches from April to September. Spas[edit]Phuket has evolved into a major center for spas and wellness in recent years. Several world-class facilities have been built around the island, and all of the island’s top resorts are scurrying to either expand or develop their own in-house spa services. Many offer a blend of Eastern and Western, classy to modern techniques in a tranquil environment, often at lower prices than spas with similar standards of service and luxury in the West. You can receive a Thai traditional massage costing as little as 250-300 baht, or indulge in a pampering spa treatment program for 7,000 baht or more. There is something here to suite all tastes and budgets. The more basic facilities may be little more than a shop house with a row of chairs or daybeds for giving massages and facial treatments, and there are numerous other places all the way up to a full-service spa such as spas in 5-star hotels/resorts, where a sensational range of treatments are provided in an elegant setting. Some major spa centers outside hotels include:
Cultural Shows and Entertainment[edit]Phuket Fantasea The very biggest of all Phuket's extravaganzas, Fantasea brings Hollywood-sized, Las Vegas-style entertainment to the island. Remarkable acrobatics, dazzling light work, stunning set design and a host of animal action combine in a song and dance spectacular that brings to life tales of history and mythology that will leave visitors in no doubt that Phuket was at least as, if not more, exciting way back when. Set upon 140 acres in Kamala Bay, this unique cultural theme park houses an immense theatre, a festival village offering carnivals, games and handicrafts, and reportedly the world's largest buffet of Thai and international cuisine. For information, Tel: 0 7638 5111 Fax: 0 7638 5222 or visit [34] Palace of the Elephants: Palace of the Elephants is a modern theater with traditional acoustics. The theater has seating for 3,000 persons. It is a reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace, with interesting elephant statues. Visitors can admire a fascinations show which mixes both culture and illusion fronted by a glorious reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace, with intriguing elephant statues. “Fantasy of a Kingdom” Culture – Illusion Show: Created by international experts and local professionals, the ultimate in Las Vegas-style theatrical productions, this theater puts on a fascinating show combining culture and illusion. The nine themes are: Thai culture, magical illusions, 4-dimensional effects, aerial performance, acrobatics, indoor pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant circus and stunts. The show is from 9PM til 10:15 and reservation is recommended. Festival Village: Home to the Kamala people, this village is a haven for shoppers. Things on sale includes the likes of: silk, leather, handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, souvenirs, unusual items about elephants and Siamese twins etc.. Shoppers can also admire a demonstration of traditional and crafts and enjoy cultural parades, pageants, street shows and elephant rides. Park Operating Hours: 17:30 p.m. – 23:30 p.m. Simon Cabaret: There's not a diva in the West who can compare, and many a catwalk model has turned green with envy at the sight of the lady-boy performers of Simon Cabaret. This hugely popular tourist attraction, on the hill just outside Patong, has been wowing audiences for years with its exotic, hilarious and transvestite cabaret. With sets and choreography that would do Broadway justice, and gowns dripping with diamante, the boys who are girls stiletto-strut their stuff to full houses each night at 7.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Tel. 0 7634 2011-5, 0 7634 2114-6 Fax. 0 7634 0437. Admission is 500-600 baht. [35] Festivals and Events[edit]
Learn[edit]Cooking Classes
Cultural Activities
Meditation & Yoga
Other
--globe-trotter 17:45, 5 February 2010 (EST) Chalong Bay[edit]Sleep[edit][add listing]
--globe-trotter 22:02, 6 February 2010 (EST) |
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