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A sample half day tour would start after lunch at your resort and
you would drive to Phuket's most famous temple, Wat
Chalong.
This temple is thought by Thais to protect the island from all
harm. During World War II when bombs were dropped in the Andaman
region, Phuket was spared and the locals attribute Wat
Chalong with having the power to deflect even these bombs.
The temple complex is built in the Theravada tradition with an
ubosot which houses the Buddha images. This temple is surrounded
by eight sema stones or boundary markers and is the most holy part
of the complex.
Nearby is another building which houses images of three famous
monks who are believed to have had supernatural powers. A battle
more than a hundred years ago between two rival factions of Chinese
laborers ended up at Wat Chalong and the abbot, Luang Por Chem,
was able to bring peace to the warring factions. This abbot has
been worshipped ever since for bringing prosperity to those who
pray to him. You will see Thais and even visitors from other Asian
countries, apply thin sheets of gold to him image in respect to
the powers of this monk.
A short drive nearby is Phuket's largest elephant trekking company,
Island Safari. Avis customers are entitled to a twenty per cent
discount on all safari rides. What is a visit to Thailand without
a ride on one of the country's 5,000 elephants?
Twenty-five of these large animals wait at Island Safari to give
fifteen minutes rides around the elephant camp or a thirty minute
safari around the jungle, nearby lagoon and through a canal.
For those who want an even bigger adventure, there's a full hour
safari that will take you up into the mountains to visit a rubber
plantation and deserted tin mine.
The elephant is Thailand's national animal and back when the country
was called, Siam, the elephant proudly graced the national flag.
Today, these Asian pachyderms work primarily in the tourism industry
since logging, their primary source of work, was banned in the country.
Island Safari also offers a full range of other outdoor activities
as sea kayaking and instruction in Muay Thai or Thai boxing.
Continuing to the far south of the island, you will come to Rawai
Beach, home of the Chao Lay or Sea Gypsy people who have lived on
Phuket for at least seven hundred years. The sea gypies have their
own culture which originates near Borneo. They support themselves
by fishing. You are welcome to stop by the shore and have a refreshing
drink while shopping for shells and other crafts.
By late afternoon, it's time to head up the mountain to Promthep
Cape, the most southern point of Phuket. Here you will discover
a futuristic lighthouse built to honor King Bhumibol's golden anniversity
as the ruler of Thailand. This is a popular spot for Thais to gather
to have dinner while watching the sun sink into the Andaman Sea
and the perfect place to end a memorable afternoon touring the island.
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