Kathu Waterfall
: Kathu Waterfall is a pleasant location for a
picnic and swimming among the moutains of the central
district of Kathu. From the parking lot, cross over
the bridge and ascend the steps to the lower falls
some 250 metres up. To reach the higher falls, one
hundred metres further up, climb the steps cut into
the side of the hill. At the top are beautiful pools
that during monsoon is the best season to view, but
by the dry season, from March-May, the dwindle to
mere trickle.
Phuket National
Museum, Tha Rua : Aninteresting collection of
local artefacts, and spend an hour to learn about
the history and culture of southern Thailand. The
museum exhibits a striking collection of ancient remains
and artefacts relating to the history of Phuket and
the surrounding provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi.
The ethnic diversity of Phuket as a maritime crossroad
is apparent in the exhibits on the 'sea gypsies' and
many other people who have played a part in the history
of Phuket. Stone implements and bones of prehistoric
cave dwellers have been carefully reassembled. Other
displays relate to life in old Phuket during the boom
days of tin mining.
Khao Phra Taeo Royal
Wildlife Forest Reserve : The mountainous north
of Phuket shelters Khao Phra Taeo, a reserve with
more than two thousand hectares of tropical rainfoest.
There are some fine jungle hikes in this national
park, along with waterfalls and rare wildlife.
Head north along Thepkastri
Road to the southern outskirts of Thalang, then turn
east along the road to Ton Sai Waterfall. These falls
are naturally seen at their best during the rainy
season (May to November).
Among the unsual flora
to be seen in the park is the Langkow or White Backed
Palm, a fan-shaped leaf which is only found here and
at Khao Sok National Park. Rare fauna include gibbons,
slow loris, civets, langur, mouse deer and squirrels.
Various trails lead
east from Ton Sai Falls towards 'the park's three
highest peaks, Khao Prathiu (384m), Khao Bang Pae
(388m) and Khao Phara, the highest of all at 422m.
Laem
Promthep : No trip to Phuket would be complete
without taking in the breathtaking panoramic vesta
from the southern tip of the island. The best time
to visit is as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea.
Laem Promthep means
"Brahma's Cape", name from the Hindu creator.
Being a magnificent headland, southwest to the Andaman
Sea is rocky Kaeo Yai island - a good snorkelling
point.
From time immemorial,
Cape Promthep has been a prominent landmark for mariners
approaching the island. Today, it is more famous as
a viewpoint to watch the glowing golden ball of sunset.
The view is particularly
compelling for photographers, as the bay reflects
images of coral reefs as the waves in changing hues
wash upon the rocky boulders marking the shoreline.
Close to the cape is
a modern lighthouse with a elevated platform for sightseeing.
Steps lead to the summit of the rocky hill which dominates
the cape, offering a fine vista over the near perfect
half-moon bay of Nai Harn Beach.
