Half Day Phuket Explorer Tour (SHA PLUS)

Wats - or Buddhist temples - are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the majority of Thais are Buddhist and partly because they are so beautiful. In Phuket alone, there are 29 Buddhist temples spread around the island. Wat Chalong has been extending a warm welcome to visitors for over a century. Locals come to pray and Westerners come to learn something about Buddhism. The temple is open from seven in the morning to five in the afternoon.

Karon Viewpoint (which used to be Kata viewpoint) is one of the most frequented viewpoints in Phuket. From here, it is possible to take in views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches. Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, the viewpoint is busy most days of the year and is a staple of many tour itineraries. Called locally ‘Khao Saam Haad’ (Three Beaches Hill), the local municipality for some reason has officially renamed it ‘Karon Viewpoint’. It’s located just to the south of Kata Noi Beach and looks out directly out to the Andaman Sea but most people have their cameras trained due north at the undeniably impressive eight-kilometre vista of the three west coast beaches with Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in the foreground and the distant Hilton Arcadia on Karon Beach in the background.

Phuket's Big Buddha is one of the most important and revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 metres tall, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach. The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island, with sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay and more. Relatively easily reachable via a winding 6-km road leading from Phuket's main artery route, it is a must-visit island destination.

Taste Test Phuket's Cashews and Cashewy Juice A tour of a cashew nut factory in Phuket is a must for cashew nut lovers. The Cashew nut is a native produce that is grown in Phuket and other provinces of Southern Thailand, and are relatively cheap compared to prices in Western countries. During our last visit we organized a taxi driver to take us to the Sri Bhurapa Orchid. The Sri Bhurapa Orchid was the first cashew factory in Phuket which has developed from a small business in 1943.

Chinpracha House belonged to Phra Pitak Chinpracha, who traveled to Thailand and built the house in 1903. He was in tin mining business and trade under the brand of "Lian Bie". Presently, Chinpracha House is over 101 years old and it is still taken care of by his heirs. Later, they felt that the house should be opened for the general public to experience its exquisite beauty. It was then opened as a tourist attraction and learning source. Chinpracha House is in Sino-Portuguese architectural style. Inside display Phra Pitak Chinpracha’s daily utensils and there are also Baba-Nyonya dresses for tourists to try on and take photos.