Phuket Seashell Museum is a specialist museum with a large collection of seashells from all over the world. It is a good attraction for children and adults alike, and there are plenty of gifts and souvenirs made from seashells to buy.
The Seashell World
A seashell collector, Somchai Patamakathin, and his brothers opened Phuket Seashell Museum in 1997 out of their love of seashells. The museum, right by Rawai Beach, displays seashells from around the world. Most of the shells were collected from Thai waters, but the collectors also went overseas to find some unusual specimens.
There is a display of rare specimens that are hard to find on ordinary beaches, and it is fascinating to see so many shells neatly displayed. Children love the place too.
The collection is displayed on the lower floor of a large building. Every display is clearly labelled in English and Thai, so you can take a self-guided tour and learn about the history and types of shells.
Impressive Collections
Highlights of the collection include a large golden pearl said to weigh 140 carats and a shell weighing 250 kilograms. Other striking pieces include the stout-spine murex, a heavy shell with varied patterns, and tiger cowries.
Apart from the shells, there are large old sedimentary rocks containing shell fossils.
The upper floor has a large gift shop selling seashell products and souvenirs, including seashell jewellery, shell crafts, key rings and home decorations.
The museum also sells a variety of pearl items, including necklaces, earrings, rings and cutlery, which make good gifts for friends and family back home.