Phrom Thep Cape
Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma" signifying purity, and "Thep"
means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and
forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent
feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the
sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all
along the Malay-peninsula's west coast. From Rawai Beach turn
right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and
was formerly called by local villagers "Leam Jao" (The Gods'
Cape). From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is
a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep
water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point
: it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From Promthep
Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous
sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han Beach.
Khao Rang A great view of
Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the
offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang
Hill, on the city's northwest. There are also several restaurants
featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for
exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for
picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada
Nupradit the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
Phuket Viewpoint
From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon,
and also Poo Island. It is one of the island's best views. A large
public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors
sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is
nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Han Beach.
Ka cape
Ka cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island. Located
at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of the point is
Leam Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. The
extensive coral reefs offshore make for interesting snorkeling
mornings. Bungalows, Thai food, and boat charters to the islands
are available. Ka Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.
Antique Buildings
The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to
construction of many fine old mansions and shops still well
preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is
described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean
chracter. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but
stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Rd., have old
wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming
what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are
Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the
area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style
buildings of note are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket
Courthouse (San Changwat), and Nakhon Luang Thai Bank.
Sehn Bay A small bay with
many rocks and corals. Snorkeling and diving are possible. For
sunbathers, this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Han offers
some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies food and drink.
To get there go through the parking lot of the Phuket Yacht Club
hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km.
Chalong Bay
Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay. Ao
Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebbtide, waters
recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but not
for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart
from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well known for
their seafood. Charters to various places can be arranged from
there, and it is the center of the island's yachting businesses.
To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd., or Jao Fah Tawan Okk Rd.,
to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of restaurants are
located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.
Thai Village and Orchid
Farm
A show of Thai dance, handicrafts, culture, elephants and a
demonstration of old time tin-mining takes place among the
orchids. Located in Sam Kong, about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket.
The morning showing starts at 11:00 a.m. the evening showing at
5:30 p.m. Tel. (076) 214860, 237400
Saphan Hin
A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for
parks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located where Phuket
Rd., meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the Tin Mining
Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory
of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the
first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969
on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket.
The Sport Center is located in the park.
Bang
Pae Waterfall
Best known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project to return
domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small waterfall
with a shady forest and thick foliage surrounding. To get there go
to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road running east, the
Pakhlok Rd., 7 kms. to Bang Pae. Look for the posted signs.
Ton
Sai Waterfall
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 headquarter and a small
restaurant with an excellent view are also at Ton Sai.
Located near Thalang Town, 22 kms. from Phuket Town.
Kathu
Waterfall (Nam Tok Kathu)
The Kathu Waterfall is flowing down on the side of Kaoh Kamala
(Kamala mountain) in the rainy forest. Last year the area was
upgraded in a way to offer some facilities to go up to the
mountain with a staircase of a level about 130 m.
During the rainy season (from july to december), the waterfall is
more active. During the high season, there's less of water
flowing down, but the coolness of the place is still to be
enjoyed.
Already on the first level you can be sitting in the shadow and
have a view over the waterfall. At the second level, some stairs
up, you can find nice places adjusted with tables and benches
beside the river.
On the mountain there are little paths everywhere and it's a
pleasant and not too risky way to discover the rainy forest, a
beautiful and preserved area.
Phrom Thep Cape
