The nicest sandy beaches are all on the west coast, the most popular ones being, of course, Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala and Bangtao, but some are still peaceful in the northern part: Naithon, Maikhao and Haad Sai Beach. The East coast is mostly covered by mangrove in the north and rocky in the south at the exception of few hidden beaches such as Ao Yon Beach. The east coast offers a beautiful view on the nearby islands. The main town is ‘Phuket City, but everyone calls it Phuket Town. Thalang Road in the city centre has applied to be a UNESCO heritage site with the many Sino Portuguese mansions and shop-houses, including some jewels such as the ‘Baan Chinpracha House Museum‘, ‘China Inn‘, the Thai Hua Museum and the renovated ‘Blue Elephant Restaurant. The second biggest town is Patong Beach. Nightlife is unique in Phuket, mostly in Patong Beach, but is also very active in Kata Beach and Karon Beach. Almost any beach has its bit of nightlife but ‘Soi Bangla‘ is the hottest place on the island. Closing time is supposed to be 2 am, but the party always continues way beyond. Most popular night venues are the beer bars and the famous Go Go Bars, but also several Night Clubs and a very active gay nightlife. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival occurs on the 1st to the 9th day of the 9th moon according to the Chinese lunar calendar (October). Songkran in April is an occasion to have fun throwing water at each other for a day and mostly party all night. Loy Krathong on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar (November) is celebrated by releasing on the water little floats made of leaves, incense and flowers. Old Phuket Festival, end January, and Chinese New Year are the occasion for parades in town. Phuket most popular viewpoint the famous Big Buddha with amazing views of Kata and Chalong; other popular hills include Karon Viewpoint and Kao Rang Hill. Wat Chalong is the most visited temple, and Promthep Cape is the southernmost point on the island, famous for its sunset. The Heroine Monument on the way to the airport stands in memory of the two sisters who defeated the Burmese in 1785. Some movies shot in Phuket: James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, On On Hotel in Phuket Town in ‘The Beach’ and Baan Chinpracha, was used in Heaven and Earth. Thai food is famous all around the world and trying local restaurants should be part of your Thai experience. Phuket food is generally spicier than in the rest of Thailand. Favourite dishes are Tom Yum Koong (Spicy, sour prawn soup), Tom Ka Kai (Chicken soup with coconut milk), Som Tam (Green papaya salad), Hor Mok (fish mousse), Kuay Tiew (Noodle soup), Pad Thai and more. If you can’t eat spicily, just say “Mai Pet” (not spicy). But best of all, Phuket is famous for its fantastic seafood. The amazing limestones cliffs of Phang Nga Bay and the famous James Bond Island are about 75 km North East of Phuket, as well as Koh Panyi, the village entirely built on stilts. Phi Phi Islands are 46 km south-east, and Similan Islands are 120 km north west of Phuket. Khao Lak is 100 km away along the east coast, past the connecting bridge, while Krabi is 150 km driving along the east coast, past Khaosok National Park.