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The perfect contrast to relaxing on Phuket's blissful beaches, this private tour showcases the cultural side of the island. Take in the colonial-style architecture of the old town, the famous Big Buddha statue, Wat Chalong temple and a taste of locally produced rum at the Chalong Bay distillery. Aomsap, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Standing 45 metres tall and 25 metres wide, the Big Buddha is an imposing statue. Covered head to toe in gleaming white marble, it's visible from miles around and offers 360° views over the island.'
Your exclusive tour begins with a guided walk along Thalong Road – the historic heart of old Phuket. Passing pastel-coloured townhouses reminiscent of Penang, you'll see a blend of influences in the of Sino-Portuguese style architecture that's found nowhere else in Thailand. Aomsap says, ‘Many Chinese miners came to the island to work in the tin boom of the 19th and 20th centuries. A strong Chinese influence can still be seen in our architecture, food and temples.'
Wow-factor views over southern Phuket greet you at Nakkerd Hill, where you'll visit the impressive Big Buddha statue before heading to the island's most revered monastery and temple at Wat Chalong. The jewel in the crown of the complex is the Grand Pagoda, a richly decorated space which is contains a bone splinter said to be from the Buddha. Finally, we round off with a tour and tasting session at a local distillery – producer of the award-winning Chalong Bay rum.
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