|
Phuket is often called the ‘Pearl of the South’ and Thailand’s
largest and most popular island, thriving on tourism. Most people
visiting Phuket head for the beaches with its white sand and
sparkling blue water. Diving is very popular with a varied marine
life, take a trek through the forested hillsides or walk the
beautiful shoreline. If it is an idyllic tropical island you are
looking for then you will find it all in Phuket. Wat Chalong
is Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple, renowned for its healing
powers. Wat Phra Nang Sang, the oldest Buddhist temple on
Phuket, is also known as the ‘Temple of the White Blood’ because of
a woman who, according to folklore, bled white blood. A large
percentage of the population are descended from Chinese immigrants
who came to work in the tin mines during the nineteenth century.
Consequently, there are a number of Daoist shrines to be seen
around the island, mostly in Phuket City. One of the most important
shrines worth a visit is Put Jaw Temple, dedicated to the
Daoist Goddess of Mercy. The temple has been recently renovated and
is actually over 200 years old.
There are a vast amount of activities to do in Phuket, if
you are looking for some adventure then take the opportunity to
learn scuba diving, go elephant trekking or sea
canoeing. If you are here to relax, visit one of Phuket’s many
spas, have a relaxing massage or play golf.
Horseback riding, snorkeling, Thai boxing, charter
a speed boat, the list is endless. Want to see a show? Then
you have to go and see the famous Simon Cabaret. This hugely
popular tourist attraction has been impressing audiences for years
with its transvestite cabaret, performed by the famous ‘lady boys’
of Thailand.
If you have come to Phuket to shop you will find a wild array of
goods to buy in the bazaar style streets of Patong, mainly fake
designer items, bargain hard! Visit the traditional Thai markets for
cheap clothing, shoes and jewellery, Central Festival for quality
designer goods, and Phuket Town for boutiques and specialty shops
selling unique jewellery, traditional handicrafts, gems and
antiques.
You can read more about Phuket on Jamies Phuket Blog. |
