Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has a long and colorful
history as well as amazing natural beauty. Once an important source of tin and
rubber, Phuket Island was a frequent stop for Portuguese, French, Dutch and British
traders. Today, people from around the world visit the island via cruise ship.
Most of the island is covered by mountains and forest, which
still produce rubber and palm oil. For a rare experience, visit Khao Phra Taew
National Park, the last virgin rainforest in Thailand. You can take a guided
hike through the lush jungle, watching for wildlife and stopping for photos at
crystal-clear waterfalls.
The island has lovely beaches, too, especially the sandy
beaches along the western coast. Some of the most popular are Patong Beach,
which offers watersport rentals and seasonal surfing; Karon Beach, a wide beach
with a coral reef to explore; and Kamala Beach, where you can swim, sun and
shop at a local market if you are there on a Saturday.
If you’re interested in Buddhist traditions, Phuket has 29
Buddhist temples and monasteries. The largest and most ornate is Wat Chalong,
where many Thais come to be blessed and receive a good luck charm.
There’s a shrine to the Hindu deity Brahma at Promthep Cape,
the southernmost point of Phuket Island. Take an excursion there to see the
shrine, visit a lighthouse and take in the breathtaking views.
James Bond fans will want to visit Phang Nga Bay National
Park, where hundreds of stunning limestone cliffs rise over the sea. The famous
final scene of the Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed here.
For some adventure, you can paddle a canoe through the bay’s dramatic limestone
sea caves.
Another popular excursion, especially for families, is to
visit a herd of gentle elephants and ride them on a guided tour through a
tropical forest. Children especially love meeting the adorable baby elephants!
Cruise itineraries that include Phuket often call on other
ports in Southeast Asia, and possibly Australia, India and the Middle East,
too. Phuket’s tropical climate means it’s warm and humid all year long: the
driest season is December through March, although it can rain even then, so
bring along a lightweight rain jacket.
To find cruise itineraries that include a call on beautiful
Phuket Island, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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