Top 7 places to visit in Phuket and Krabi

Phang Nga lies between southern Thailand’s mainland and Phuket Island. Also known as Ao Phang Nga National Park, it’s characterized by limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and small islands. Among the islands are Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island for its appearance in a Bond film. Koh Phanak Island is known for its caves and lagoons. The bay’s waters are dotted with coral reefs.

The best way to enjoy this spectacular scenery is to take one of the private boat tours from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely cruise for the day, stopping at some of the outstanding quiet beaches and enjoying the tropical fruits provided by the boat crew.

Koh Panyee is about 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Phang Nga. Flying into Phuket this village is seen floating in the magical bay. I went to Panyee to take a look and discovered the true meaning of the phrase – ‘a simple life”

The hundred of huts, shacks, restaurants and houses where the villagers live, are but on stilts over the surrounding shallow sea. It is a fascinating feat of local engineering. At first, fishing was the sole industry for this Muslim community but nowadays more than half the locals service the tourism industry and less than 40% are fishermen. The floating village has its own school, mosque, health centre , lots of lots of souvenir shops and handful of restaurants, all in the midst of the sea. Tourists can enjoy a fresh sea food lunch. Check out my previous post  TOP FIVE REASONS TO VISIT PHUKET AND KRABI IN THAILAND

The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. Phi Phi island is Thailand’s superstar island particularity famous for its centra role in the 2000 movie – The Beach. Though the island itself may be quite small, there are actually lots of things to do on Phi Phi Island to make the most of your time there. From activities during the day involving the sun and sand, to nighttime adventures involving fire shows and dancing on the beach, Phi Phi Island has something for everyone.

The Similan Islands are eleven paradises in Thailand located in the Andaman Sea. They’re world famous for their scuba diving spots and pristine beaches. Simian islands are a 70 minutes trip by speed boat from Phuket.The coral and fishes are brightly colored and unreal, almost like in a dream. This was possibly the best snorkeling experience ever in my life.

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers refuge for old, sick and overworked elephants on 12 hectares of landadjacent to Khao Phra Thaew National Park, near Bangtao.

Phuket sanctuary, elephants are encouraged to freely exhibit natural behavior and are guided by voice commands. Guests get an opportunity to interact and get up close to the elephants.

Phuket Fantasia show – Its wacky but fun and professionally done. Trapeze artists, elephants on the stage and pyrotechnics combine in a Las Vegas style show. You will see nothing else like this anywhere on the planet. Combining Thai traditional myths with humor, fantasy and a loose plot line that keeps getting more and more amusing, FantaSea’s extravaganza is a highly entertaining and riveting show, worthy of its spot in the Top 7.