Thailand's only island province, Phuket, is a world-famous tourist destination renowned for its magnificent mountains covered with lush tropical vegetation, its surrounding azure blue sea and stretches of powder-white sandy beaches fringed with coral reefs. Once renowned for its tin mines and rubber plantations, visitors now arrive looking for a place to relax and explore the incredible scenery.
Your island drive takes you to the Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong, considered the most beautiful and ornate temple on the island.
Visit a cashew nut factory, curiously named the Sri Bhurapa Orchid Company. There you’ll see how delectable cashew nut products are made as skilled workers create a mouthwatering variety of snacks and sweets.
Drive to Phuket old town and take a walk on Thalang Road, the old part of town. See the old Sino-colonial buildings which make up this part of town and are stunning example of typically “Old Phuket” Architecture. Here you will also find a variety of shops selling all sorts of goods, from sports equipment to traditional medicine, restaurants and bars.
Phuket also has a large Chinese population, who brought their culture when they emigrated centuries ago. On your way back to the port, stop for photos at one of Phuket’s Chinese Shrines.
