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Phuket Attractions

Most people invariably go to Thailand for its beaches - if that is the case for you, Phuket is the perfect destination. The beaches offer opportunities for a variety of water sports, swimming, snorkeling, yachting and the rest. There are beaches scattered all over the island, but the main (largest) ones are Rawai Beach in the south, Patong Beach on the west, and Surin Beach on the north. Make sure to check before traveling whether the beaches are safe - during the monsoon season, travelers are advised to steer clear of water-related activities. During the rainy season, you can take advantage of Thailand's beauty in other ways - Phuket has some of the country's largest waterfalls, which only get larger during monsoon. Ask your hotel or hostel where and when you can see them. Phuket also houses beautiful cultural treasures inland that are well worth a daytrip or two. The Chalong Temple, located near the south of the island in Chalong Bay, is Phuket's largest temple. Locals come to this Buddhist temple to pray and offer their respect to Buddhist monks who were active in the Chinese Miners Rebellion in the late 19th century. The "Big Buddha" is a frequently visited landmark in Phuket. This monumental figure, sitting 45 meters above ground, is located atop the Nakkerd Hills near Chalong Bay. While there is no direct and easy way to get up to the figure, many hikers make a trip of it. (Be aware however that the trek up usually takes about an hour.) While the majority of the population is Thai-Buddhist, there is a Chinese population from migrant workers who came to Thailand during the 19th century. Their mark was left indelibly in the form of Chinese temples. The oldest such temple in Phuket is the Put Jaw Temple, built around 200 years ago. It is located near the main city of Phuket Town. A lesser-known shrine is the Shrine of Serene Light. Although it was built in 1889, relatively few people know about it because it is in a concealed location. Look for it in an alley past the On On Hotel in Phuket Town.