Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Phromthep Cape
Dramatic, swirling shades of red, purple, and orange appear on the horizon during
the sunset crescendo at
Phromthep Cape
. The hilltop viewpoint also has restaur-
ants, an outdoor market, an elephant shrine, and a lighthouse.
Mangroves
These fantastic trees, with their tangled and exposed roots, can be found along
Phuket's muddy shorelines. Sea canoe tours offer the best way to see the mangroves
up close. Above ground, the trees provide homes to crab-eating macaque monkeys,
while underwater they serve as nurseries for crustaceans and fish. The trees them-
selves are picturesque - and somewhat mystifying, because they survive in salt wa-
ter.
Similan Islands
One of the top scuba diving destinations in the world, the
Similan Islands
are
home to a variety of colorful and rare marine life, including magnificent coral reefs.
Above water, the sight is just as spectacular, with unspoiled, unpopulated beaches.
Overnight snorkeling or diving trips allow visitors to sleep in tents, or very basic bun-
galows, on the beach.
Sirinat National Park
Located in northwest Phuket,
Sirinat National Park
protects some of Phuket's
last mangroves, as well as a number of pristine beaches, including Mai Khao Beach -
home to nesting sites for sea turtles. An elevated nature trail guides visitors through
the mangrove forests, with signs explaining the various species.
