close at hand
island touring
When the ‘James Bond’ team filmed part of Man with the Golden Gun in Phang Nga Bay, Phuket achieved international fame. Soon, hotels were built, small towns rose and the population quadrupled. Talang was the major town until 150 years ago. Today, the most colourful streets can be seen in the capital, Phuket Town, from shopping to dining and resort staff will be pleased to make recommendations and reservations. Its central market bustles from early morning to noon, and the Butterfly Garden and the Aquarium are popular options. Phuket has two museums, one in Phuket Town and the other in Talang, the latter with some excellent maps and, inexplicably, a large collection of artefacts from the Mollucas. There are about 30 Buddhists temples on the island, among them, Wat Chalong, with its gilt statues of two revered monks; Wat Phra Thong with its half-buried Buddha statue and Wat Phra Nang Sang which includes 3,000 year old Buddha heads and some interesting allegorical frescoes. Phuket also has several Islamic Mosques. Private-car tours of the island’s countryside sights can be arranged. Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy the four-hour morning trek into the rainforest through the virgin jungle of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and elephant treks are available.
festivals
Aside from Thailand’s own festivals, Phuket celebrates two major events uniquely its own. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which generally takes place in October, coincides with the Chinese calendar’s ninth lunar month. Each year, devotees at the six major Taoist temples abstain from alcohol, meat, sex and drugs. Temple ceremonies, parades and music are daily events. So, too, are fire walking, bladed-ladder climbing, serious body piercing and more. The annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta takes place each December. One of Asia’s leading regattas, it enjoys the royal patronage of the King of Thailand. Coming from all over the world, competitors embrace the wide blue spectrum, from world-class sailors to weekend pleasure boaters. The races themselves take place offshore from Phuket’s major beaches. There’s also a big run to the Phi Phi Islands. Plenty of parties for sailors and landlubbers alike take place throughout the King’s Cup Regatta.
shopping
Souvenirs can be found in shops around the island. Seashells and coconut art are plentiful. Nielloware, the black silverware finished with intricate designs, is produced here. Thai silk, antiques and pearls of high quality can also be found.