| Attractions
(Island)
Keaw Island
A
fine beach, natural surroundings, and coral are on this little
island 3 kms. from Rawai, south of Phrom Thep. There is also a giant
Buddha Statue. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat from Rawai.
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Lon Island
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by
regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The
mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut
planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast.
Boats to Ko Lon leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier |
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Coral Island or
Hey Island This island off
Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is
often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the
splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh
Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants,
various watersports and diving are all available. Boats leave from
Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available. |
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Mai Ton Island
This tiny island off Phuket's
southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural
environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters; ideal
for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is
the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight
may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port.
For details contact (076) 214954-7. |
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Taphao Yai
Island 10 minutes from Phuket
by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is
home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket
Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn left
on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in
the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200
meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are
available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076)
214917.
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Raya (or Racha )
Islands Two islands running roughly northeast to
southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
Raya Yai Island
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in
by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe
called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach
and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket.
From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint
from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae
Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
Raya Noi Island
This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the
result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than
beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters
at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming
is not recommendable.
To get there contact a
charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for
details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the
travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour
companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya
Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is
not blowing.
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Rang Yai Island
lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been
developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities
are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking,
playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. To
travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier
from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package tours are providede by Richy Island
Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies |
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Sire Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha
Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island
is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill,
has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the
surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gipsies, or Chao
Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because
of the muddy bottom. Thre are some popular seafood restaurants on
the eastern shore. |
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Nakha Island
This small, quiet island with fine sandy beaches lies
just off Phuket's northeast shore. Waters are suiable for swimming.
One item of interest at Ko Nakha Noi not found in many other places
is its pearl farm. Boats can be hired from Ao Po Pier, off Pa Khlok
Rd., for travel to Ko Nakha Noi, and package trips are available at
tour agencies, generally including lunch and a visit to the pearl
farm. |
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Phi Phi Islands
This island group is one of the loveliest to be found
anywhere, and makes a fine day-trip destination out of Phuket. The
beauty of the two Phi Phi Islands has made them world famous. But
fame and easy access (Phi Phi is only a 45-minute jaunt from Phuket)
has its price: hundreds of visitors land on Phi Phi's shores every
day, crowding this tiny island oasis. The upside of this is that the
bulk of these visitors come at 10 a.m. and leave by 3 p.m. Staying
the evening at one of the island's many bungalows is recommended, if
you want to enjoy the tranquillity of the island in the early
morning and evening. |
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James Bond
Island This famous landmark first found its way onto the
international map through its starring role in the James Bond movie
"The Man With the Golden Gun ". And this is where they seem to take
all of the tourists - all at one time. The entire area surrounding
this island with its signature rocky pinnacle is indeed spectacular,
but most of the tours bus visitors up the main highway for an hour
on the same well-worn itinerary. An integral part of that tour is
lunch at Koh Pannyi.
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Koh
Pannyi (Sea Gypsy Island) This is a remarkable
village, the whole of it built out over water on stilts and with a
giant rock monolith guarding its rear. At lunch time, up to 3,000
tourists on the James Bond Island tours are brought in to eat and
shop for handicrafts. As soon as the tourists leave, the community
closes up its restaurants and trinket shops and transforms itself
from a tourist trap into a quiet community of fishermen.
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