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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sirey 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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Phuket
