Phuket is one of the premier tourist destinations in Thailand where hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come every year to enjoy the idyllic beaches and pleasantly sunny weather. However, there are also interesting cultural things to do in Phuket that make a nice change from the beach.
Thalang National Museum in Phuket
Thalang National Museum is the largest museum in Phuket. This museum deals primarily with the history of Thai people in Phuket and includes displays of traditional handicrafts of southern Thai people.
There is also a statue of the Hindu God Vishnu which dates back to the 9th century. The Thalang National Museum in Phuket is open daily from 9am to 4pm and admission costs 30 baht.
Chalong Temple in Phuket
Chalong Temple is the biggest and oldest Buddhist temple in Phuket. Located 8km south of Phuket town, a visit to Chalong temple is a good way to spend an hour or so. The temple is large and colourful set in peaceful surroundings of gardens.
Foreigners are also welcome to make offerings at the temple.
Sea Gypsies in Phuket
The Sea Gypsies of Phuket are an interesting group of people who lead a way of life that is fast dying.
There are, however, still several enclaves where sea gypsies can still be found living their traditional way of life that relies on fishing. Sea Gypsies can still be found in Phanga and Rawai on the southern tip of Phuket. They live in small simple villages and are the indigenous people of Phuket.
Bungee Jumping in Phuket
Phuket has its own bungee jumping facility which is becoming increasingly popular. Located in Kathu which is near Patong, the Jungle Bungee Jump Company offer jumps from a height of 50 metres above the water. Jumping is not cheap, however and will cost you 1,400 Baht per jump.
