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Phuket isn't just sun, sea and sand. The island with its forest
covered hills is home to the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park; has
it's own marine biological station, and a significant history reflected
in the architecture and streets of Phuket town. Take a look at another
side of Phuket.
Khao Phra Thaeo National
Park
 Phuket's
last area of virgin rain forest. You can spend a morning or evening
walking along the waterfall, or, for the energetic, there's an
eight-kilometre hiking path which goes right through the park.
Guides are available. Much of the wildlife tends to stay out of
sight, but stay still for a while and you'll soon hear the telltale
sounds of all sorts of animals. If you're lucky, you may even
be treated to the sight of one or more of the more unusual creatures.
A small museum and information centre is located near the bottom
of the falls. Sightseeing tours call at the park.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
Gibbons are among humankind's nearest relatives, and when young
make adorable pets. When mature however,they outgrow their cuteness
and can become aggressive and even inflict injury. Thailand's
wild gibbon population suffers from the poaching of baby gibbons
for illegal sale as pets, the killing of fiercely protective mother
gibbons, and the abandonment or killing of matured aggressive
pets. The project in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, near Bang
Phae Waterfall, saves pet gibbons that have been abandoned or
are at risk of being put down, and trains them how to survive
in the wild. You'll find it fascinating, and your donation and
T-shirt purchases will help keep the Rehabilitation
Project, the only one of its kind in the world, going.
Go trekking and enjoy the park as well. Rent a car or go with
Adventure Safaris Tel: 341 988.
A volunteer program is also offered so please contact the project
for information. Tel: 260 491, Tel/Fax: 269 492, E-mail: gibbon@poboxes.com
Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
 This
large open-air enclosure, landscaped with waterfalls, houses thousands
of vivid butterflies amid lush greenery. Explanations of the fascinating
life cycle of butterflies and tours of butterfly breeding rooms
are included in the display. Follow the signs from the intersection
of Patong Road and the airport bypass road. Open Daily 9.00am-5.00pm.
71/6 Moo 5 Soi Paneang, Phuket Sam Kong (2 km. from Phuket Town)
Tel: 76 215 616, 210 861-2 Fax: 76 210 860
E-mail: phuketbutterfly@hotmail.com
Marine Biological Research Centre
The aquarium here features saltwater and freshwater fish. Local
experts also hatch and breed young sea turtles, an endangered
species, for release into the sea. This is Thailand's major marine
biological research station, undertaking work on tropical reef
ecosystems, commercial fisheries, and other related projects.
Located on Sakdidet Road, Makham Bay, Cape Panwa. Tel: 391 126.
Open 10.00am-4.00pm daily. One of Phuket's best value attractions
at only 20 Baht.
Historical and Cultural Sites
Old Chinatown
 The
inner heart of Phuket Town is for the most part a "Chinatown".
Walking is the only way to appreciate the local Chinese heritage
Look for the fine latticework, colourful ceramic tiles and
other traditional design elements in the terraced facades along
Krabi-Thalang Road and Dibuk. Sino-Portuguese mansions can
also be found throughout the town. One fine example stands diagonally
opposite the Phuket Merlin Hotel on the Mae Luan-Yaowaraj intersection.
Thai Temples
 Wat
Chalong, one of the biggest temples on the islands, is an
important part of Phuket history. In Thalang, Phuket's first capital,
Wat Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Temple) and Wat Phranangsang
(Built-by-a-Royal-Lady Temple) are worth a visit. Wat Phra Thong
has a large half buried Buddha image and according to legend,
those who try to dig it up will die. Wat Phranangsang is Phuket's
second oldest temple and is part of Phuket's history, credited
with being the rallying point for the island's two heroines in
the war against the Burmese. It's also called the "Temple
of the White Blood" - find out why from amulet seller, Khun
Santi.
Night Markets
The island has two major night markets. In Patong, the night
market, extending all the way down the Beach Road and into small
secondary soi (lanes) sells mainly handicrafts, silk scarves,
luggage and wooden toys and sportswear. For something really different,
try the night market in Phuket Town close Robinson's Department
Store, which offers Muslim, Thai and Chinese cooked meals and
sweets. Simply point at what you want to take away or eat right
there - most vendors have tables and chairs and are perfectly
happy to share the business with other vendors. What they don't
have, they'll get for you from another vendor. Enjoy. (For daytime
colour, try the fresh market in Phuket Town or the fishermen's
market on Rawai Beach - but not for those with sensitive noses).
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