Nestled among some of the most distinguished cultural elements of Phuket is the renowned Thalang National Museum. Thalang was the original center of the providence of Phuket and is now a district in the North section. The museum houses many famous and sacred relics from Thai history. Among them is a large statue of the god Vishnu located in the main hall of the museum. This incredible statue was uncovered in the forest overgrowth in Phang Nga in the early 1900s. The piece is believed to date from the 9th century and it demonstrates the early Indian influence in Thai art.

One of the exhibits in the museum is dedicated to the Battle of Thalang. This infamous historic confrontation featured two heroines who defended Thailand from the invasion of the Burmese in the 18th century. These two women were Lady Chan, a recently widowed wife of the governor and her sister, Lady Muk. Together the two women rallied the towns- people to stand strong against the Burmese and were able to break the invaders’ aggressive hold. After the battle the women were recognized by the king who bestowed them with honors. The heroines are also honored in a monument on the main road.

Tourists who are too tired to travel far can experience plenty of aspects of Phuket history right outside their hotel room door. That is, if they happen to be staying in the Thavorn Hotel, recognized as one of the best 5 star hotels Phuket. The lobby of the hotel is also a museum and has an extensive collection of photographs detailing the chronology and lives of Thai royalty. The atmosphere of the Thavorn Hotel Lobby creates the sensation of stepping into another time. Its collection includes unique elements from daily life in a different era. Among them are toy trains, opium smoking beds and Chinese hats to name a few. There is also an extensive assortment of tin mining tools.

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