Haad Nai Yang National Park, 90 sq. km (35 sq. miles) of protected land in the northwest corner of the island, offers a peaceful retreat from the rest of the island's tourism madness. There are two fantastic reasons to make the journey out to the park. The first is for Phuket's largest coral reef in shallow water, only 1,400m (460ft.) from the shore. The second is for the giant leatherback turtles that come to nest every year between November and February. Park headquarters is a very short hop from Phuket Airport off Highway 402.
Playful monkeys add a fun dimension to bars, restaurants, and guesthouses around Thailand, where the adorable creatures are kept as pets. Many times, however, these gibbons are mistreated. Raised in captivity on unhealthful food in restricted living conditions, and subjected to human companionship exclusively, many develop psychological problems. Depression and despondency become common for maladjusted monkeys, with violent outbursts occurring sometimes. Bar monkeys end up drinking alcohol, and are force-fed uppers to keep them awake and lively -- to the delight of tourists who aren't aware of the inevitable destruction it causes. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, off Highway 4027 at the Bang Pae waterfall in the northeastern corner of the island (tel. 07626-0492), cares for mistreated gibbons, placing them in more caring and natural surroundings (among other gibbons). Volunteer guides offer tours. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
The Phuket Aquarium at the Phuket Marine Biological Center seeks to educate the public about local marine life and nature preservation. Unfortunately most of the signs throughout are in Thai (very disappointing). Open 8:30am to 4pm daily, admission is 20B (50¢). Call tel. 07638-1226 for more information.
The Butterfly Garden & Aquarium, Soi Phaniang, Samkong, Phuket Town (tel. 07621-5616), captures and breeds hundreds of gorgeous butterflies in a large enclosed garden. Photo ops are great, so bring film. The aquarium may not be as large as the Marine Biology Center's, but here the tanks are filled with great "show fish," fascinating for their beautiful or unusual appearances rather than for marine education. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, adult admission 150B ($3.40), children below 10 years of age 60B ($1.35).
You'd never think seashells were so fascinating until you visit the Phuket Shell Museum. The largest shell museum in the world, this rare collection is simply beautiful. The gift shop sells a range of high quality shell products like big, beautiful whole shells that make great gifts if you can carry them. Open daily from 8am to 7pm, the museum is at 12/2 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai Beach (just south of Chalong Bay; tel. 07638-1266; admission 100B/$2.30, free for kids).
