3 must-sees in Phuket
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Phuket, Thailand's largest island, has long been a favourite destination with those looking for an unforgettable holiday in Asia. Although it would take you months to explore everything the island has to offer, here is our list of three sights you should be sure to visit whilst in beautiful Phuket.
1) Perhaps the most enchanting area in or around Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is well known as one of the most unspoilt and archeologically fascinating tourist hotspots that you are likely to come across. With huge, sometimes unusually shaped, limestone cliffs dominating the landscape, Phang Nga is unquestionably unique. One of the sights the bay is best known for is commonly referred to as 'James Bond Island'. Made famous by its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun, Ko Tapu (its official name), is simply spectacular. As with the rest of the bay, the island is best seen via boat trip, so as to avoid the worst of the crowds.
2) It is not just the natural scenery that is eye-catching in Phuket, however. A visit to Phuket Town, the island's provincial centre, will reveal to you a capital unusual in its personality and individuality. Unlike many of Southeast Asia's busy tourist centres, much of Phuket Town has retained the atmosphere, as well as the architectural and cultural delights, which first brought it to prominence. One of the highlights of Old Phuket Town is the amulet market. With locals selling antique as well as modern, handmade amulets, particular importance is assigned to those which contain representations of the Buddha. These, in fact, are often worn by Thai soldiers and police officers as a good luck charm.
3) As Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country, there will be plenty of opportunity during your stay to visit some of Phuket's many temples. The Wat Chalong temple, especially, is worth taking the time to explore. You will be amazed by the temple complex's centrepiece, the official name of which is Phramahathatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat! Don't worry if you are concerned about the pronunciation, though - the building is more commonly known as the Grand Pagoda. There are also several beehive-shaped 'ovens' around the site, in which jubilant visitors set off firecrackers as a thank you for their prayers being answered.
Besides those that are listed here, Phuket has many different attractions to offer all kinds of visitors. With everything from Thai boxing to established circus and cabaret shows, you are sure to find that however long you spend in Phuket won't seem long enough!
This article was written by Thom Sanders, on behalf of Qantas Holidays, whose Phuket Holidays make for the ideal Thailand Holiday.
Category Article mustsees, Phuket
