There are also several cultural attractions on the island, ranging from intriquing museums to Sino-Portuguese mansions, gaudy temples and colourful markets. Beaches: are the main attraction on Phuket, and even if you are quite satisfied with your venue, it’s rewarding to take a taxi or rental bike to adjacent beaches and soak up a different atmosphere. Patong is the most lively of the beaches and central, and it’s not too far from the more family orientated and less crowded Karon, while Kata, further south, is one of the loveliest in terms of atmosphere and environment. Kamala is another less populated sweeping beach while Surin, further north, still is small but ideal for a modest beachfront lunch. Bang Tao is somewhat remote and nothing special as a beach, but the lagoons and lakes inland are very pretty and are set about with posh resorts with some public access. Promthep Cape: is a popular spot for watching the sunset, though it can get crowded. There is an intriguing shrine covered in elephants of all sizes (a popular merit making spot among locals) and a statue honouring a nineteenth century prince who founded Thailand’s modern navigation school. Wat Chalong: perhaps the most visited of the few Buddhist temples on the island, the temple grounds sport a distinctive, modern chedi (pagoda) that makes for a striking photo with its ornate detail. You can enter the chedi, where there are several Buddhas and colourful murals. In contrast to older temples in Thailand it is spacious, airy and unusual in its design. Centrally located in Chalong, it isn’t difficult to find. Phuket Town: doesn’t exactly attract the tourists but it plays an important role in the administration of the island and does have a legacy that goes back centuries. Thalang Road: should be singled out in Phuket town for its abundance of lovely Sino-Chinese mansions, which offer a clue to the island’s prosperous past and aren’t seen elsewhere in Thailand. The influence of these two nations is unique to Phuket and the unusual blend of architecture can be seen in some of the houses which are open to the public. Khao Phra Taew Royal Reserve: is a designated natural reserve in the island’s northeast. Although much of Phuket is still forested and hilly in terrain, this particular sanctury is protected and includes two waterfalls; Tong Sae and Bang Pae, which are worth seeking out. The lush vegetation and eco-system is wonderful and there are some limited hiking trails. Phuket Fantasea: appeals to all ages with its massive cultural extravaganza that includes a dozen elephants on stage, traditional Thai dance and music, comedian acts and trapeze artisits combined into a spectacular and entertaining evening. With its massive logistical support, the venue packs in over a thousand visitors a night to its purpose-built themed amphitheatre with pre-show amusement park. Located in Kamala, it has deservedly been voted Thailand’s attraction of the year in the past. | 
