OVERVIEW

See the island’s immense natural beauty on a panoramic drive through the countryside with occasional stops at attractions that reflect the culture. Few settings are quite so inspiring as Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on Phuket, from which you will gaze out over the island-dotted Andaman Sea. You will enjoy a different perspective of Phuket’s gorgeous landscape from the alabaster Big Buddha statue atop Mount Nagakerd. It faces Chalong Bay, where you will find the Buddhist temple Wat Chalong. A gilt statue of a heroic monk that helped quell the Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876 is on display inside. To further enhance your understanding of the local religious beliefs, you will browse JuiTui Chinese shrine, a shrine decorated with statutes of Chinese gods. Its red and gold colors are meant to bring good luck and joy. Free time will also be allotted for shopping at a high-end store that carries exquisite jewelry, Thai silk clothing and fine porcelain.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the island’s natural beauty, especially from atop Promthep Cape at the southern tip.
• Visit two Buddhist temples and a Chinese shrine where Taoism is practiced.
• Shop for luxury goods such as Thai silk, cultured pearls and porcelain.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy an exciting and comprehensive taste of the rich and colorful culture of Phuket.

Begin with a scenic drive to Wat Chalong, the largest and the most strikingly ornamented of Phuket's 29 Buddhist temples. Its intriguing history features a monk believed to have formidable healing powers. To this day, Thais from all over the country flock to Wat Chalong to pay homage to the monk and regain their physical and spiritual powers. Stop at Promthep Cape. Experience a stunning view of the perfect half-moon bay of Nai Harn Beach and the scattered islands dotting the Andaman Sea once you’ve climbed the steps through the rocky hill.

Visit the Phuket Thai Village located on an old tin mine site with a tranquil lakeside setting. During an elaborate performance, you will be charmed by Thai Classical Dances, with performers dressed in opulent costumes and intricate head pieces made of sparkling gold and colored stones. The drumming of the thaporn or Thai drum, and the sweet melodies of the Phee, a Thai flute, will carry you further into the past. Enjoy a thrill to the complex style of Thai boxing. You will also stop at a souvenir shop before return to the ship.