This center has a collection of old artifacts that helps tell the cultural history of Phuket and southern Thailand. Visitors might want to request a guide, since most of the information is in Thai (for further details see Phuket Cultural Centre).
Paying tribute to Phuket’s rich tin mining heritage, this museum has dioramas of early mining techniques, caves, and workers in action. Other exhibits show tin dredging operations and a model of an opium den.Kathu-Ko Kaeo Road, Kathu district • Open 8am–4pm Mon–Sat • Adm
Unveiled in 1967, this monument depicts the sisters who stalled a Burmese invasion in 1785 by sending women dressed in army uniforms into the field. The Burmese forces, thought that these were reinforcements from Bangkok, and withdrew.Thepkasatri Road, north of Phuket Town
Originally built as a Thai-Chinese school, this 100-year-old structure (for further details see Phuket Thai Hua Museum) today serves as a museum, exhibition space, and function hall. Visitors can walk through the schoolhouse, which has old photographs and vintage books on display.
Dedicated to Thailand’s post office, this museum is housed in an 80-year-old building in Phuket Town. Old telephones, scales, tele-type machines, and stamps can be seen here, along with displays on the history of the Thai post office since its beginnings under King Rama V.Montri Road, Phuket Town • 07621 1020 • Open 8:30am–4:30pm Mon–Fri, 9am–noon Sat
Housing a private collection, the Phuket Seashell Museum has more than 2,000 varieties of seashells, including a 550-lb (250-kg) exhibit, as well as the world’s largest golden pearl.12/2 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai • 07661 3666 • Open 8am–6pm daily • Adm • www.phuketseashell.com
Phuket’s national museum (for further details see Thalang National Museum) has displays on the Battle of Thalang, tin mining, sea gypsies, and the history of the Chinese on Phuket. A magnificent 9th-century Vishnu statue, discovered in the 20th century, stands in the main hall.
Located in a waterfront park, this monument is dedicated to Edward Miles, the Australian ship captain who brought the first tin dredgers to Phuket in 1909.Near Phuket Town, Phuket Road
This 148-ft (45-m) tall Buddha (for further details see Big Buddha Viewpoint) sits high atop Nakkerd Hill, with sweeping views stretching from Chalong Bay to the Andaman Sea. Carved from white Burmese marble, the Buddha sits cross-legged on a podium decorated with lotus flowers.
In this magnificent wood-panelled hotel lobby, visitors will find a fascinating collection of vintage photographs of old Phuket Town and Thai royalty, classic Thai movie posters, opium pipes, tin mining equipment, and traditional Chinese wedding hats.74 Rassada Road, Phuket Town • 07621 1333 5
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