 Thai
Temples
While Phuket's temples, or "wats", lack the grandeur
of religious sites in Bangkok and Northern Thailand, there are a
number of wats and Chinese shrines throughout the island that offer
a glimpse into the beliefs and practises of the local people.
Wats are best visted in the early morning, when devotees can be
seen giving alms to the monks, and the sound of Pali chanting reverberates
the main halls.
Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong are the most visited temples.
Phuket Orchid Garden & Thai Village
Located on a former tin mine, Phuket Orchid Garden & Thai Village
has four restaurant pavilions, a playground for children, handicraft
shops, workshops and a twice-daily cultural show (at 11am and 5.30pm).
Also has a large orchid nursery. Just off Thepkasattri Rd at the
north end of Phuket City. Open daily 9am-9pm. Admission: 400 Baht.
 Khao
Phra Thaeo National Park
Phuket's last significant virgin rain forest is a designated national
park located in the northern part of the island. Spend a morning
taking a leisurely walk up by the Ton Sai waterfall, or, if you
want to spend the day walking in the quiet majesty of a tropical
forest, there's an eight kilometre trek right through the park from
Bang Pae to Ton Sai.
Guides are available at the park, and for 8 kilometres definitely
advisable! Much of the forest's wildlife tends to stay out of sight,
but stay still for a while and your guide will point out the telltale
sounds of all sorts of animals. If you're lucky, you may even see
some of the forest's unusual creatures.
Phuket Zoo
 The
Phuket Zoo houses a wide variety of species in the animal kingdom,
from Monitor lizards to tropical birds, butterflies to camels. Also
has crocodile, monkey and elephant shows several times a day. On
Soi Phalai, off Chao Fa East Rd, near Chalong. Open daily 8.30am-6pm.
Admission: foreign adults 400 Baht; foreign children 200 Baht; Thais
80 Baht.
Snake Show
Thailand is home to more than 50 species of snakes, including several
poisonous varieties, and a spine-tingling (and safe) way to see
them is at a snake show. Watch as seemingly fearless snake handlers
charm, caress, harrass and even kiss various species of snakes,
including spitting vipers and, most startlingly, King cobras.
Shows are held throughout the day at various spots around the island
including the Phuket Shooting Range in Chalong, just west of the
Chalong circle, the Andaman Cobra Show on Soi Ta-iad, off Chao Fa
East Rd, and at the small Snake Farm near Simon Cabaret, just south
of Patong. Prices: adults 300 Baht; children 150 Baht.
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