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Nai Harn Beach
A wide variety of water sports can be enjoyed,
but swimmers should be alert for the red flag which warns of
dangerous currents during the monsoon season from May to October.
One can walk to nearby Promthep Cape to observe sunsets, which are
often fiery and spectacular.
Phrom Thep Cape
"Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma" signifying purity,
and "Thep" means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching
into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has
been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from
the sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all
along the Malay-peninsula's west coast.
From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall
cliffs on the south, and was formerly called by local villagers "Leam
Jao" (The Gods' Cape). From the cliffs running down to the
boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents
swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against
the rocky point : it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From
Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's
famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han Beach.
Rawai Beach
Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and
bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter
boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for
swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.
Ao Sehn Beach
This remote bay is Northwest of
Nai Harn Beach and a little secret of Phuket
because it is not easy to reach. The beach is small, clean and features
many rocks. it is a perfect place for a picnic. To get there you must
pass the gates of the
Le Royal Meridien Yacht Club, drive through the parking deck on the
left side and follow the way through the Hotel Complex until you reach a
small road which goes for app. 1 km Northwest.
Yanui Beach
This little beach is one of the
best kept secrets on Phuket which offers beautiful rock formations and
good snorkeling at the reef in front of the beach. To get there follow
the road from
Promthep Cape to
the west. Between Promthep and the wind energy plant watch out for a
small restaurant with a small parking lot. A few meters behind the
restaurant you can see the beach.
Raya (or Racha) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern
coast.
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Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill
that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of
Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the
south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen.
On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
Accommodation
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Raya Noi Island This island, 10
kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are
more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage.
The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but
swimming is not recommendable.
- To get there contact a
charter boat at Ao
Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on
package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about
two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in
about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and
periods when the monsoon is not blowing. |
