Phuket full-day temple, pearl and cashew tour with lunch

There's more to Phuket than amazing beaches. This trip shows off another side of the island, its colourful culture. You'll visit the famous Big Buddha statue and Wat Chalong temple, taste local treats and visit Thalong Road. Panya, a local expert guide, says “you'll see all sides of life in Phuket on this tour. Learn about our biggest farming industries, including pearls, cashews and rice, and spend time with a local family for some Thai home-cooking.” Kick off the tour at Nakkerd Hill with a visit to the Big Buddha. At 45 meters tall, it's the third tallest statue in Thailand and is covered with Burmese white marble – it practically glows. You'll soak up views over Chalong and southern Phuket before continuing to Wat Chalong, the island's most revered Buddhist temple. Then, it's on to see how some of the country's favourite delicacies, cashew nuts, are produced. You'll go to a factory and see how the locally grown nuts are plucked from yellow cashew apples, before being roasted and peeled for eating.Next, stroll along the famous Thalong Road and see its blend of Chinese and Portuguese architecture and Chinese influence. Keep an eye out for an early 20th-century mansion featured in the hit Hollywood movie, Good Morning Vietnam. Find out about one of Phuket's most important industries at a pearl farm, followed by a tasty Thai lunch. Finally, it's on to a typical home where there'll be a rubber tapping demo, plus a quick lesson on how to whip up the perfect Thai curry.