Phuket Culture Cycling Tour

Tour Code: HKT-17 Duration: Approx 4 Hours

Leave the beaches behind and explore the cultural side of Phuket through its old town and visit historical locations in Phuket.

Highlights:

• Learn more About the rich Culture of Phuket Through its old town
• Visit the Largest Community of Chao-Le or Sea Gypsies in Koh Sirey
• Admire the Beautiful Sino-Portuguese Mansions and Shophouses Where some was once Brothels, Opium dens or Gambling Houses

Tour Description:

Phuket has always been famous for its amazing beaches and tourist experience. However, those are not the only thing Phuket has. This tour will bring you away from beaches for a culturally rich experience in the old Phuket town. As Phuket is located between India and China on the trading route, Phuket became a melting pot of peoples, cultures and religions. The emergence of tin industry during the 19th century caused a large number of Chinese labourers to swarm to Phuket and has since heavily influenced the structure of the island. This can be seen through the architecture, food and places of worship in Phuket today. As we ride on our bikes, we will go on an amazing journey to discover the pasts of Phuket and explore the outskirts of Phuket.

After your pickup, we will reach our starting point at Laem Thap. We will ride along quiet and peaceful coastal road with sea breezes blowing to our first stop, Koh Sirey. Koh Sirey is the home to the largest community if Chao-Le or sea gypsies. You can watch them fix their nets and cracking open clams. Until now, sea gypsies are still very dependent on the sea for their lives because of their skills in the water. Nearby, you will see the Golden Rock which is a mini replica from the much-respected shrine in Burma. Then, we will visit the fishing port where you can witness the chaos happening in the busy market. Merchants will crowd into the port to get the best deals for fresh catches.

As we continue to cycle, we will soon reach the downtown of Phuket. Along the way, we will be able to see some Sino-Portuguese mansions and shophouses painted beautifully in brilliant hues. Some of these buildings are brothels, opium dens or gambling houses in the past but has now been transformed to appealing inns and quaint tea houses. We continue to travel across the historical town and reach the Thai Hua Museum which was once a Chinese-language school. It is now a museum that shows the history of Chinese migration to Phuket. Then, we visit the Jui Tui Shrine and pay our respects to this temple that is important for the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. After that, we will ride to a popular park for locals to exercise named Saphan Hin before ending with a scenic sea view. Alas, we will drive up to the top of Khao Kad for a breathtaking view on the landscapes before dropping you off at your hotel.

Cancellation Policy:

For long tours (minimum of 7 days):

Days prior to trip start. Cancellation fee per person:

• 0-20 days or No-show: No refund 100% of tour price
• 21-41 days: 75% of the net rate
• 42-55 days: 50% of the net rate
• 56-69 days: 250 USD
• > 70 days: Admin expenses plus any non- recoverable expenses.* E.g. national park fees, flights etc.

Administration fees include bank fees, reservation or advance charges incurred for boats, guides transport, accommodation or restaurants and any other reasonable expenses.

For short tours (6 days or less)

Days prior to trip start. Cancellation fee per person:

• < 24 hours or No show: No refund 100% of tour price
• 1-2 days: 50% of the net rate*
• 3-4 days: 25% of the net rate *
• > 4 days: Full refund*

Pick-Up Time:

• 8:00 am

What's Included:

• Water bottle
• Support vehicle
• Guide(s)
• Hotel pick up
• Hotel drop off
• Bike and helmet
• Snacks and drinks
• Entrance fees
• Accident insurance

What's Not Included:

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Alcohol
• Tips
• Any items not mentioned

Additional Information:

• The total riding distance is approximately 27 kilometres
• Free transfer from hotels located at Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn, Kata, Karon, Patong, Phuket Town, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Layan & Laguna. All other areas additional transport charges apply
• Please check with Adventoro Concierge (Call / Whatsapp +6010 468 8011) for availability of sessions
• The supplier will recommend the time and meeting point. If the meeting point of your choice is outside of the normal pick-up points then you will be advised to meet at the nearest pick-up point or you will be given directions on how to arrive to the school independently
• It is recommend you use some sunblock or, if you prefer a natural option, sun sleeves for your arms and Buff headwear for your neck as the weather would be quite hot
• Transfer duration above are estimated and subject to traffic and weather condition, and not inclusive of any sightseeing tours
• Please adhere to strict pick-up time punctuality. Tour operators may forfeit tours for travellers if no-show during stipulated time
• Registered name of the traveller must be corresponding with photograph documentation (Example: Passport). Tour operators reserve the right to reject if registered traveller fails to provide photographed documentation of their own

Pick-Up Location(s)

Refer to the map below to see a list of pick up location(s) that are available for you to choose from. You can select your desired pick up location when you book the tour.

List of Location(s):

Pick up is also available for other location(s) under the vicinity of Phuket. For more information, please contact Adventoro's concierge service.