Phuket

Setting off through lush forests across the island to the local pier, you’ll embark a local motorised boat for your adventure to Phang-Nga.

Towering limestone stacks rise like pinnacles out of the calm shallow waters. Witness a spectacular high cliff that appears to be split in two, the halves supported by leaning against each other. This sight of rare and exquisite beauty, is Khao Ping Gun, ‘James Bond Island’. Your boat will circumnavigate the island, so that you can enjoy the stunning scenery.

From here, you’ll sail on to Panyi Island, the location of a 150 year-old Thai Muslim fishing village, built on stilts in the sea and connected by wooden bridges. During a walk of around 30 minutes, you’ll see how the local people live, their mosque, a school and stop off at a few souvenir stalls.

Returning to the local pier by boat, enjoy a Thai buffet lunch, before your 2 hour drive back to Patong, including a short visit to a local store for shopping.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Promthep Cape for a panoramic view from this rocky headland that stretches into the sea at the southern tip of Phuket Island. Journey to Wat Chalong, the largest, most important and ornate of the 29 temples in Phuket. The architecture is typical of ‘wats’ throughout Thailand. This particular monastery is associated with 3 revered monks who were famous for their work in herbal medicines.

A stop will be made at Rang Hill Viewpoint, before continuing to Phuket Town. During a panoramic drive, you’ll see the old Sino-Portuguese buildings, which have been preserved to this very day, along with local Chinese temples. Last, but not least, a short shopping stop will be made at a reputable local store, where you’ll find a variety of souvenirs, handicrafts, Thai silk and precious stones, including local pearls.

No visit to Phuket would be complete without a visit to its highly adored Wat Chalong. Marvel at the biggest of Phuket’s Buddhist monasteries surrounded by 8 sema stones, various temples and chapels. Inside the Temple, you’ll see the bronze statues of 3 famous monks along with a pagoda filled with Buddha relics and images.

At the ‘Island Safari’, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, including riding an elephant (please refer to the essential information). Your visit includes a short cooking demonstration and an elephant show.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the tour, as well as a short shopping stop to buy those all important souvenirs.

Phuket Town is best explored on foot and, upon arrival; you are free to do as you please. The town offers many tourist facilities, including some great shopping. There are also elaborate Thai temples, public markets, Chinese shrines and shop houses in the downtown Phuket area.

This bustling town is the provincial capital of Phuket. Centuries ago, Chinese merchants settled here, and then contact with Portuguese traders led to the development of a particular style of architecture known as Sino Portuguese, still visible in the town today.

You’ll be dropped off close to the Robinson Department Store, located right in the heart of Phuket Town. This store offers numerous kinds of merchandise. Within the same complex, there are local food shops and, nearby, are various local shops selling clothes, CDs and leather goods.

You’ll be dropped off close to the Robinson Department Store, located right in the heart of Phuket town. This store offers numerous kinds of merchandise. Within the same complex, there are local food shops and, nearby, are various local shops selling clothes, CDs and leather goods.

Visit one of the most enchanting spots on the island, Promthep Cape. Here, you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding landscapes and islets.

Wat Chalong is the largest, most important and ornate of the 29 temples in Phuket. The architecture is typical of ‘wats’ throughout Thailand. This particular monastery is associated with 3 revered monks who were famous for their work in herbal medicines.

A highlight of the tour is a delightful performance at the Phuket Thai Village and Orchid Garden lasting approximately 1 hour. The show features many colourful costumes and folkloric dances and offers a glimpse of traditional life and culture of the southern Thai people.

A short shopping stop will be made at a local store before your return to the ship.

Visit one of the most famous Chinese temples in Phuket, the Jui Tui Chinese Shrine. Dedicated to the vegetarian god, Kui Wong, the shrine attracts many believers and worshippers during the annual Vegetarian Festival. Marvel at the building’s beautiful architectural style.

Enjoy a walk through the vibrant and colourful local market and watch the hustle and bustle of the locals, as they shop for their cooking ingredients.

Baan Chin Pracha dates back to 1904 and is one of the oldest and most beautiful Chinese mansions remaining on the island. The furniture was imported from China, the marble floor from Italy and the lights from England. The owners are the descendents of some of the first settlers from China. Enjoy refreshments of tea or coffee during your visit.

A brief stop will be included for shopping, where you will have the opportunity to buy some souvenir items, handicrafts, Thai silk, porcelain, and semi-precious stones.

Relax as your transfer takes you to the hotel resort of the Radisson Plaza Panwa Beach Hotel, where, you can use the facilities of this leading hotel located at picturesque Makham Bay.

Sit by the pool side, soaking up the sun or take a dip in one of the pools before enjoying a buffet lunch. The resort is right by the sea so you can also enjoy the beach too.

Drawing on the natural beauty of the secluded bay beachfront, this tropical 5-star resort offers total harmony, a stylish contemporary décor, and features 3 swimming pools including a life-style fitness centre and a well-being spa. You will also have a chance to do some shopping before returing to the Patong Beach.

A 45 minute drive will take you to the Siray District and the location of the Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation, whose main objectives are to protect children from all types of abuse and to provide immediate help and support. Their work also includes informing children and the community about human rights, by providing education and to give access to public health services to the underprivileged children. This non-profit making organisation also cooperates with other charity entities for the benefit of the community.

Other objectives of the foundation include protecting and assisting disadvantaged children, who were affected by the 2004 tsunami in the 4 southern provinces of Thailand and to provide accommodation and welfare protection. The aim is to enable the children in need to grow up in a good environment and integrate into society as normal citizens later on.

During your visit, you will have a tour around the facilities and have opportunities to interact, teach or play with the children as well as assisting with the serving of their lunch.