Phuket, Thailand
Description
View cruises with Phuket, ThailandHailed as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea," this island off Thailand's long southern coast boasts a colorful history. A crossroads for trade, Phuket has been a melting pot of Thai, Malay, Chinese and Western influences. Its importance over the past 500 years stemmed from the island's natural resources, which include tin, hardwoods and rubber. In the past half-century, Phuket has enjoyed wide popularity as one of the premier travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Travelers are drawn to the island's beaches, crystalline waters, and dramatic, forested hills.
Points of Interest
- Wat Chalong
- Promthep Cape
- Phang Nga Bay National Park/James Bond Island
- Elephant Trekking
- Khao Phra Taew National Park
- Snorkel (Aqua Adventure)
- Phi Phi Island
- Phuket City
More about Phuket, Thailand Points of Interest
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Wat Chalong -
Phuket's most important Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong is the biggest and most ornate of Phuket's 29 Buddhist monasteries. Many Thais come here to be blessed by the monks and receive a good luck charm.
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Promthep Cape -
The southernmost tip of Phuket, the cape is regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Phuket, with a shrine to the Hindu deity Brahma, a lighthouse and museum and breathtaking sunsets and views.
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Phang Nga Bay National Park/James Bond Island -
Phang Nga Bay National Park boasts idyllic views of hundreds of limestone cliffs rising over the sea, and an oddly shaped rock, the setting for the famous final scene of The Man with the Golden Gun.
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Elephant Trekking -
Ride on an elephant along a trail through the rubber and local plantations. Elephant trekking is a not-to-be-missed experience, especially for children.
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Khao Phra Taew National Park -
Khao Phra Taew is the last virgin forest in Thailand, encompassing 5570 acres of breathtaking waterfalls, a myriad of giant trees and wild animals, and a gibbon rehabilitation centre.
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Snorkel (Aqua Adventure) -
Put on your snorkeling mask and fins and wade into the phenomenally clear waters of the Andaman Sea where colorful schools of fish play amongst the coral.
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Phi Phi Island -
A duo made up of Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, these tranquil islands are great for climbing the massive rock formations and snorkeling within the sparkling National Park-protected beaches.
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Phuket City -
Witness an array of old, preserved Chino-Portuguese buildings in the Phuket Town, some of which have now been converted to small guest houses and cafes.
