Thalang National Museum
Phuket's national museum contains ancient artifacts from Phuket's
long history and exhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang
where the Two Heroines, featured in a monument on the main road
nearby, defended the island against the Burmese in the 18th century.
It also has information and exhibits about daily life in Phuket,
tin mining history, the indigenous Sea Gypsy culture and the island's
Chinese heritage.
In the main hall is a large statue of the Hindu god Vishnu that
was uncovered from forest overgrowth in Phang Nga in the early 1900s.
The image dates from the 9th century A.D., showing the early Indian
influence on Thai culture. There are also displays on the art, architecture
and history of other parts of Thailand, including the ancient Sukothai
kingdom.
Open daily except holidays 8:30am-4pm. Located just east of
the Heroines' Monument on Pa Khlok Rd, north of Phuket City (Tel:
076-311025, 076-311426). Admission 30 Baht.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
The Sea Shell Museum contains some of the most valuable seashells
from all over the world. Many are among the most sought-after by
collectors and are from Phuket and Thai waters. In addition there
are also some rarities and odd shells including the world's largest
golden pearl (140 karats) large sections of sedimentary rock containing
shell fossils that represent the earth's earliest life-forms, and
a shell weighing in at 250 kilograms!
Open daily from 8am-6pm. 12/2 Moo 2, Viset Rd, Rawai, just south
of Chalong Bay (Tel: 076-381266 or 076-381274). Admission: 200 Baht
for adults; 100 Baht for children.
Thavorn Hotel Lobby
Eclectic and eccentric are the two words that best describe the
small museum in the lobby of the Thavorn Hotel in Phuket City. An
assortment of artifacts and photos, gathered by the Chinese-Thai
family who run the Thavorn group, are displayed erratically in a
rather dingy and dim setting.
In addition to an extensive collection of photos of old Phuket
and Thai royalty, there are traditional Chinese wedding hats, tin
mining equipment, toy trains, opium smoking beds and pillows, and
movie posters. Stepping into this place really does feel like entering
another era.
Open daily, 24 hours. Thavorn Hotel, 74 Rassada Rd, Phuket City
(Tel: 076-211333-5, 076-211339). Admission: 30 Baht.
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