Taking advantage of special deals from some budget hotels in Phuket will certainly give you a memorable getaway. This tropical island has an amazing array of attractions that make it among Asia’s most famous travel destinations. With a slew of lovely beaches and other natural attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. To discover and appreciate more of the wonders of this sanctuary, visit these nature-filled tourist spots that are sure to grab any traveler’s interest.
Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park
Regarded as the last virgin rainforest in the country, Khao Phra Thaeo in Amphoe Thalang district was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969. Today, it serves as a conservation center for a very diverse flora and fauna. This perfectly preserved place is home to myriad wild animals, like mouse deer, porcupines, macaques, civets, leopard cats, and gibbons. Meanwhile, the most notable plant in the site is the Palm Lang Khao, a unique endemic species of white-backed palm, which is considered the world’s most endangered palm species.
Phuket Zoo
Visit this family-friendly attraction and get a close encounter with an amazing range of animals, such as camels, tigers, ostriches, and emus. Established in 1997, this private zoo is set amid a 5-hectare verdant tropical garden surrounded by giant fig trees. It features an aviary, which shelters several exotic birds in Thailand. There’s also an orchidarium that displays the world’s largest orchid species, the tiger orchid. And to complete your Phuket Zoo adventure, make sure to watch one of its monkey, crocodile, or elephant shows. This property is placed along Chaofah Road in Muang, which is close to some of the best hotels in Phuket.
Phuket Aquarium
Explore the marvelous biodiversity of the Andaman Sea in this government-sponsored aquatic haven. Here, travelers can take a closer look at one of the most beautiful marine ecosystems in the planet. Over 30 tanks of freshwater and saltwater creatures are exhibited to give you a glimpse of the underwater world. The highlight of this aquarium is a large tank with a tunnel, which shows an astounding swarm of rays, snappers, groupers, and sharks.
Phuket Orchid Garden and Orchid Farm
During your stay in an accommodation in Phuket, don’t forget to visit either of these 2 orchidariums. The Orchid Garden in Samkong district covers more than 1,600 sq m of the entire Thai village. A wide variety of exotic and rare orchids are found in this place. Meanwhile, the Orchid Farm is known as the largest flower nursery in the town. From its opening in 1975, it has produced more than 1,500 different hybrids and species of colorful orchids. Both of these orchidariums are open for public viewing.
Butterfly Garden and Insect World
Instituted by Dr. Prasit Koysiripong in 1990, Butterfly Garden and Insect World is the first of its kind in Thailand. Apart from being a public exhibition, this was also built as a research center to help bring about greater understanding on butterflies and insects. This site is situated in a tropical garden, awash with flowers and thousands of butterflies. It also houses an interesting selection of insects, which include giant millipedes, Madagascar cockroaches, leaf insects, and walking sticks. Located along the Yaowarat Road, this attraction is near a few budget hotels in Phuket.