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Kamala is a great place to relax, but if you'd like to see the
rest of Phuket and beyond you might like to take a local tour. There
are tour
counters at most of the hotels, or tour agencies in Kamala village
offering a range of excursions from budget to upmarket. Generally,
more expensive tours travel in smaller groups and offer a wider
or more exclusive range of options. Some take you sightseeing to
offshore islands like Phi
Phi or to the amazing scenery of nearby Phang
Nga Bay, or to the forest interior of Khao Lak.
Other tours are more centred on activities like scuba
diving, fishing or kayaking.
Tour desk/agencies will happily advise and book your preferred choice
and arrange for pickup/delivery from your hotel direct. Here's a
selection to give you an idea of what's on offer...
Much busier than Kamala, Patong has all the action. Everything
from Thai boxing matches to tenpin bowling, mini-golf, Bungee jumping
and lots of shopping, as well as the nightlife.
Only 15 minutes drive. Great for a night out.
Phuket Butterfly Farm & Insectarium - Phuket Town
Thousands of multi-coloured butterflies fluttering on flowers and
plants with lots of info. about their butterfly life-cycles and
their vital contribution to the natural environment.
Go bug exploring next door. Super Insectarium with a large collection
of tropical insects including some scary looking beetles and a scorpion
pit. ( About 35 minutes drive)
Thai Village - Phuket Town
Located in a tranquil, lakeside setting of an old tin mine, the
shows present a comprehensive sample Thailand's cultural life with
an emphasis on Phuket and the South. Impressive sword fighting,
bamboo fighting and Thai boxing. Also a selection of Thai dances
from every part of Thailand, an depiction of the Shrine Decoration
Ceremony, the Manorhra Dance, and the finale, a colourful Thai wedding
ceremony. Also includes a show of working elephants and demonstrations
of southern crafts by local artisans. You can buy locally made goods
at their workshops.
Thai Orchid Garden - Phuket Town
just next door to the Thai Village, has over 40,000 beautiful orchids
that can be purchased and shipped home as gifts. Located in Sam
Kong, not far from Tesco Lotus. Two shows daily, 11 am and 5:30
pm Tickets 220 baht, children 110 Baht.
Reservations 076 214-860/61 or book a package including lunch through
a travel agent. (About 35 minutes drive)
Snake Farm - Patong
Definitely worth a visit. Fascinating and adrenaline pumping -
especially if you're on the front row! To see the snake handler
kiss a cobra on the head will take your breath away. You'll learn
a lot about snakes, find out what to do in case of a snake bite
and get to feel the squeeze of a python. Located in Patong near
the Phuket Palace Hotel, at the corner of Soi Nanai and the road
to Karon/Kata. Any tuk tuk driver or motorbike taxi will know where
it is. (About 15 minutes drive)
Chalong Temple - Chalong
Locally revered and of historical importance in the reign of King
Rama V.
The temple is visited by many tourists every day. (About 40 minutes
drive)
Dino Park - Kata Village
Themed mini-golf on the Jurassic Park theme. Lots of sound and
light special effects, and well designed course with dinosaurs,
waterfalls and an erupting volcano. Best to visit in the evening
when it's cooler and you can see the full effects, especially the
the volcano. An 18 hole course. Hamburger stand with bar and music
in the evenings. Family entertainment. Green fee 200 baht for 18
holes. Located next to Marina Cottage in Kata Beach. (About 40 minutes
drive)
Go Kart Racing - Patong
Wannabee Michael Schumachers can try this figure of eight circuit
which covers a distance of around 600 metres. There are 16 Go-Kart
ranging from 100cc to 230cc Double seaters and smaller Go-Karts
available for children.
Cost 800 baht for 30 minutes. Located about 2 km from Patong Beach
on the main highway to Phuket Town. (About 25 minutes drive)
Mini Golf - Patong
In Patong, Nutty Park has a 9 hole tropical mini golf course
with the last hole out in the swamp! Part of a complex which includes
"Rock'n Bowl" - great tenpin bowling and
the World Bungy Jump. Open Daily 10.00 a.m. – 09.00
p.m. Outside Patong in Kata Beach is the Dino Park. Mini
golf meets Jurassic Park in this themed mini-golf course with dinosaurs,
waterfalls and an erupting volcano.
Cable Skiing - Katu
A relatively new sport, similar to the traditional water-skiing
from behind a boat. Lessons are available and even relative beginners
can start to perform spectacular aquatic maneuvers. You can also
try Wakeboarding, requiring a slightly different technique.
Both are available at Katu (not to be confused with Kata)
Cable-ski park which offers great value and instruction at reasonable
rates. Small restaurant where you can watch the action.. Take the
road out of town to Phuket and turn left at the big intersection.
Follow the signs to Katu Waterfall. Phuket. Open 9 am to 9 pm. Tel.
076 202 525. (About 30 minutes drive)
Paintball - Chalong
Rambo still rules! Jungle style Paintball at the Top Gun Paintball
in Chalong. You can play in selected areas or use the whole site.
Depending on how many people you have. There are different scenarios
to play so you can keep coming back to the same place and have a
new experience every time. Lockers and shower available after that
heavy attack from your friends.
Price around 500 Baht includes uniform, mask, paintgun, paintballs
(40 rounds) and referees. If you want to buy 40 extra rounds, it
costs 250 Baht. Open daily 9 - 6 pm. (About 40 minutes drive)
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