Phuket Museums

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.