Poachers illegally hunting the gibbons, during the past ten years, has led to the numbers of Gibbon being reduced alarmingly. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP), a division of the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WAR), aims to save gibbons and their rainforest habitat. Visit the GRP at the Bang Pae Waterfall, Pa Khlok, and find out more about how you can help.
It's hard to miss this 45 meter (148 feet) tall marble statue peering down at you as you journey through the south of Phuket. Big Buddha sits serenely atop the hill at the end of Soi Yot Sane 1, which runs off the West Chao Fa Highway in Chalong. Though the statue itself is big enough to be taken in from afar, it's worth heading up to its base to both enjoy the view and learn more about it. Find out just how much concrete and white jade marble did it take to construct the enormous statue, along with many other factoids about its upkeep. Donations to the project are welcomed and, as this is a holy site, conservative dress is strongly encouraged.
Phang Nga Bay straddles the three main districts of Krabi province, and is one of the busiest day-trip spots out of Phuket. There are two popular spots here - with its signature rocky pinnacle, James Bond Island is spectacular and was so named because 'The Man With The Golden Gun', one of the James Bond films, was shot at this island. Ko Panyi, a remarkably beautiful village, the whole of which is built over the water on stilts, is the other attraction that is perfect for a quick lunch and some souvenir shopping.
Located on the outskirts of Phuket Town, Wat Chalong is the largest and most visited Temple of the area. Featuring a gilt statue of Luang Por Chaem and Luang Por Chuang, the temple is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. Chaem and Chuang are monks known for their heroic effort in helping quell the Chinese Coolie rebellion of 1876. The temple has impressive architecture and gives great insight on Buddhism and its practices. For peace of mind and Thai history lesson, visit this sacred spot.
Phuket Trickeye Museum is a fun museum known for its collection of interactive 3D paintings. The collection includes an array of permanent and temporary exhibits which not only lets your creative thoughts flow but also changes the way you visualize art. People usually come here to take photograph themselves as a part of the scene or the picture, leaving with funny and unforgettable memories to cherish.
Situated on the southern tip of Phuket, Kata Beach overlooks the massive Andaman Sea. It is a popular spot for tourists, as well as, locals looking to get some fresh air, take a stroll or go for a swim. At the many cafes and restaurants situated by the beach, you can relish local delicacies while watching the sun slowly set into the sea. While here, you can engage in various water sport activities as well.
This centrally situated establishment operates as an agency for all manner of island tours, both on land and in the surrounding ocean. Sea canoing, scuba diving, game fishing, safaris and jungle treks, includes a show, dinner and return transport to the Srivichi Room at the Thainaan Restaurant. They also offer a Jeep rental service as well as a limousine service around the island. Go and discuss your particular requirements and the chances are they will have the ideal solution.
High Class Adventure is a tour company that offers two of the most comfortable and best-equipped boats in South-East Asia, the MV Ugly Duck and MV Shortcut. They cruise through some of the most beautiful dive sights in the world, including the Similan Islands, Surin Islands and Riechkieu Rock. Tours range from half-day sightseeing to two-week live on-board trips. Keep you eyes peeled for a sight of many wonders of the deep, including Mantas and Devil Rays, Whale Sharks and Silver-tips.
Abundant with serene landscapes and amazing scenery, Phuket is considered by many to be 'Asia's most popular beach destination'. Ranging from the pristine white sands fringed by azure ocean that have earned it this moniker to the wildlife-rich rainforests of its interiors and the neon-lit main drag of Patong City, the island defies being pigeonholed into any one category. Phuket City's Old Town is a charming blend of old and new, and the cafe and store-lined main street, Thalang Road, is a vibrant display of Sino-Portuguese architecture. With its night markets, vibrant nightlife scene, tranquil forests, and stunning limestone karst scenery, Phuket draws an eclectic crowd from nature lovers to self-proclaimed party animals.
The life-size statues of heroic sisters, Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soontorn, stand side by side on this decorated marble plinth located at Tha Rua. Built by local residents, and opened on 23 May 1967, an annual fair commemorates the bravery of these two girls who were instrumental in the defeat of the Burmese in 1785. By disguising hundreds of women in army uniforms and parading them through the town, they tricked the enemy into believing that they were troop reinforcements from Bangkok. This eventually forced the Burmese to withdraw.
Located on Pa Khlok Road, to the east of the Two Heroines Monument, this museum gives an insight into Phuket's colorful history. There are numerous artifacts and an exhibit depicting the famous battle of Thalang showing the part played by two sisters, Kuhnying Jan (or Thao Thep Kasatri) and Thao Sri Suntorn, who succeeded in repulsing the attacking Burmese army. There are also artifacts depicting details of early, everyday life on the island and the cultural aspects of the Sea Gypsies.
Bang Tao Bay lies between Kamala and Surin to the south and Nai Yang to the north. It is a large, open bay with one of the island's longest beaches. Once the site of a tin mining operation, it is today occupied largely by the Laguna Beach Resort. Upmarket health and sports facilities abound, including a golf course and Phuket''s most famous herbal spas. At the southern end there are smaller and less expensive hotels and a number of restaurants. There is also the Canal Village Shopping Center, which is home to a Jim Thompson silk emporium, Albatross Cafe & Pub and numerous handicraft shops.