Phuket Things to Do & Places to Go

Features : Decemver 2008

Things to do in Phuket

Maybe you have just come to Phuket to soak up the sun and relax on the island’s legendary beaches, enjoy the endless choice of restaurants and shop in the local bazaars or in the first class department stores. These days though, we find that visitors are increasingly adventurous and for this reason we at ‘Shop WINDOW on Lifestyle’ have put together a selection of more exotic and unusual activities. Here's things to do in Phuket, the small island that reigns as the tourist capital of South Thailand.

View Antique Buildings:
A hundred years ago, Phuket City had a prosperous economy based on tin-mining and even back then was an international centre with a large expatriate community of Chinese and Europeans. They built beautiful homes in the style called Sino-Portuguese – terraced townhouses with narrow frontages and accommodations which stretched back from the road. The interiors often include walled gardens and fountains and are beautifully furnished with antiques and Chinese inspired decorations. Rommanee Road is a fine example which has been fully restored. Visit Talang Road, Yaowarat Road and Dibuk Road where these old structures are home to a thriving latter-day community of shops and restaurants. The Provincial Hall, the Phuket Courthouse and the town branch of the Siam City Bank are further examples of architecture from the past.

Phuket Butterfly Garden:
This is a place of endless educational possibilities. Here you can learn more about the miraculous miniature world of insects and butterflies. Relax in the garden where there are literally thousands of butterflies filling the air or busy seeking pollen among the tropical blooms.

Located in Soi Paneung in the Sam Kong area, the garden is a 5-minute drive from Tesco Lotus. Take the road towards Phuket City and it is on the left hand side. There is a large sign indicating the turning. Entrance for children under 10 years is 150 baht, adults and kids over 10 years pay 300 baht. Open daily from 09:00 until 17:00 hours (last admission).

For more information
Tel. +66 (0)76 210861
www.phuketbutterfly.com

Join the crowd at the weekend market:
The most popular weekend marketin Phuket Town is officially calledChao Fa Variety but is universally referred to by its Thai name Talad Tai Rot. There will also be a bewildering choice – everything from clothes to electronics. The market opens at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays – when it is cooler. Parking can be a problem.

Try a Home Stay:
Ecotourism in Phuket Would you like to experience our local cultural flow and way of life? Try a 'home stay'. An example is Kho Yao Community Based Ecotourism Club. The tours can include the experience of traditional fishing for prawns and fish with a hinged floating basket or net. Try your hand at the printing of batiks. You could also visit the fruit orchards or a coconut plantation where monkeys do the work.
For more details about Koh Yao Homestay
Tel: +66 (0)76 597428, +66 (0)89 723 5367.
Email: kohyao07@gmail.com.
Website: www.kohyaohomestay.com

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Things to do in Phuket