JW MARRIOTT Phuket RESORT & SPA

Phi Phi Islands

 

The Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman sea. Phi Phi Islands national park contains two big islands – Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le, and four smaller islands nearby – Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai.

 

Koh Phi Phi features a vibrant nightlife, with Tonsai Beach containing dozens of beach bars and restaurants and lively Tonsai Village consisting of a maze of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Phi Phi Le was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Beach. Maya Bay was a suitable choice as it epitomizes the stunning beauty of these islands: a bay of pellucid aquamarine water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that harbours an arcing, white sand beach. The waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands are filled with exotic marine life, including docile leopard sharks, and Snorkelling and diving day Trip rival lounging on the Beach as top activities on Koh Phi Phi.

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Sirinart National Park

 

On the northeastern side of Phuket, this national park comprises of a coastal pine forest, white sand Beaches spread across Hat Mai Khao, Hat Nai Yang and other smaller bays, and expansive coral reef. Hat Mai Khao is particularly impressive and is popular with tourists due to its expanse of fine sand. The National Parks association due to it being a nesting area for Local sea turtles. Nai Yang beach is a vast swathe of sand, shaded by pine trees and lined with Accommodation and restaurants. Visitors here can swim, chill or pitch their tent beachfront, under the stars.

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Surin Beach

 

Lying between Bang Tao and Kamala Beach, in the Choeng Thale sub-district, this stretch of pristine, powdery sand is flanked at both ends by small rocky capes which just out into the ocean. Rows of coconut trees keep the beach nicely shaded and there’s a great view out over the calm waters. When the wind gets up and there are bigger waves, wave boarders and surfers flock to this beach. There’s a manned lifeguard tower here though, just in case anyone gets into danger.

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Lame Sing

 

Located just one kilometer from surin Beach, Laem Sing is a relatively small quiet beach perfect for a break from the crowd. Laem Sing has a white sandy beach that glitters in the sun and is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks.

Chalong Temple

 

This impressive temple stands in Thanon Chao Fa, Chalong sub-district and is an important place of worship for devout Phuket locals as well as Buddhists from further afield. In the past, the learned, venerable monk and expert on traditional Thai medicine and mindfulness, Luangpho Chaem, would spend the entire Buddhist lent period here, along with Luangpho Chuang and Luangpho Glueam, both of whom were talented and well-versed herbalists. Even though these three important figures are no longer with us, many Buddhists still visit the temple to pay respect to their images which are housed in the chapel here.

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Phuket Old Town

 

Comprising of the Thanon Klang, Thanon Dibuk, Thanon Phang nga, Thanon Yaowarat, Thanon Krabi and Soi Romanee roads, the area is steeped in History and in bygone days was inhabited by settlers from many different nations and ethnic groups, including Chinese, Indians, Europeans and Muslims who came to trade or put down their roots. These early settlers built terraced homes in a style that later became known as ‘Sino-European’ architecture. Way back in the reign of King Rama IV, the tin mining industry flourished but these days the mines are preserved as museums and many local buildings have been converted into accommodation, dining spaces, coffee shops and souvenir shops. There is also a large market and walking street which is organized every Sunday along Thalang Road to give visitors the chance to sample the multicultural charms of the old town.

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The Big Buddha

 

Located in front of the Nak Koet Buddhist Park, this Buddha image, in the attitude of subduing Mara, is a stunning piece of contemporary art which measures in at 25.45 meters wide and 45 meters in height. The image is made from reinforced concrete and covered in white and jade ‘Suriyakanta’ marble, imported from neighboring Myanmar and weighing in at a massive 135 tonnes. The image was named by three venerable and highly revered monks: Somdet Prayansangwon, Somdet Prasankarach and Sakolmahasangparinayayok in 2007 and designated as a dharma site which also affords great views over Chalong Bay from the front face of the image and of Kata, Karon and other smaller bays to the rear.​

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Phuket Thai Hua Museum

 

Located on Thanon Krabi, in the Talat Nuea subdistrict, the museum was opened in 1934 and consists of a two-storey Sino-Portuguese building which originally served the purpose of a school offering classes in Hokkien Chinese, the first and only of its kind in the province. The lower floors are currently used for exhibitions related to the lifestyles and history of Hokkien Chinese migrants in Phuketand visitors can find out about their unique customs, beliefs, and traditions here, as well as their relationship with the Phuket locals.

Promthep Cape Viewpoint

 

This breathtaking sunset viewing spot is located in southern Phuket and famous for its now iconic lighthouse, which casts light beams that can be seen far out to sea. There is an exhibition housed inside which details the origins and the construction process which led to the lighthouse’s fruition and a display showing the sunrise and sunset times as well as the standardized time for Thailand. Restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stalls can be found dotted around the cape and there is a paved pathway which leads down to the spot where views of nearby Ko Kaeo Phitsdan and Ya Nui beach await.​

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Kata Karon Viewpoint

 

The most famous observation point of the ​three ​beaches, Kata Not, Kata and Karon, is located on the road half-way between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach. From this spot, an intriguing view of the 3 Beaches and ko Pu has constantly impressed visitors.

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Karon Viewpoint

 

Located beside the 4030 highway, this spot is widely regarded as boasting the best views that Phuket has to offer. From the summit, visitors can gaze down over three crescent shaped bays; Kata Noi, with its pristine white sand, Kata and Karon. The spot is referred to by locals as ‘Jud Chom View Sam Ao’ or Three Bay Viewpoint.

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Hat Nai Han

 

Popular with tourists looking to go sailing or yachting, this crescent-shaped bay is shielded from winds by the surrounding mountain range. Sunset boat trips are especially popular and visitors flock to take photos of the impressive yachts moored in the bay. The windmill viewpoint is situated on a lofty ridge between the Nai Han and Ya Nui beaches and is home to a shrine and recreation area where visitors can chill and enjoy the evening view.