Things to See in Phuket

A few old Chinese temples can be found in the area around Phuket's main market. Most are standard issue, but the Shrine of the Serene Light (Saan Jao Sang Tham or Shrine of Dharmic Light), said to be 100 to 200 years old, is a little different. There's a small garden in front of the shrine, which is calm and peaceful with some interesting pieces of temple art.

If you want to get an eyeful of sea critters without getting wet, then this centre displays a varied collection of tropical fish and other marine life. Some are alive in tanks, others stuffed and displayed. The sea turtle exhibit is the most impressive and informative.

Comprising the beaches of Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao, as well as the former Nai Yang National Park and Mai Khao wildlife reserve, Sirinat National Park comprises 22 sq km of coastal land, plus 68 sq km of sea. The beaches were looking rather glum in the wake of the tsunami, but they will recover in time and suspended park facilities will no doubt be restored.

Karon and Kata were both spared the large scale tsunami damage suffered by other beach towns and are now up and running again. These two coastal resorts draw visitors who are looking for comfort without the noisy freneticism of Patong to the north.

Financed by donations and run by volunteers, the centre cares for gibbons that have been kept in captivity and reintroduces them to the wild. Visitors who wish to help may adopt a gibbon, which will pay for the animal's care for a year; you'll get updates on your adopted gibbon's progress. Check the website for more information.