Phuket Seashell Museum

Let yourself bask in the glorious sunshine, breezy wind and lie in the soft sandy beach of Phuket from dawn to dusk. And when you’ve had enough and want to explore new sights, head over to Rawai Beach for some edutainment at The Phuket Seashell Museum.

Visitors are always fascinated by the sizes, colors and shapes of the shells that are being displayed. This huge collection had been compiled from around the world including areas in The Andaman Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Mexican Coast, African Coast and others.

Since its opening over a decade ago, the museum is home to rare species such as the giant clams (Tridacna Gigas), giant rock shells (Ramose Murex), cone shells, nile top shells, heart-shaped shells and many more.

Some of the colors on these shells are incredibly vivid, making it hard to believe they had not been painted over by some artist. The yellows are deep, the oranges are bright and the browns take on a hint of red.

Apart from seashells, the museum also features fossils that are over a hundred million years old. Each has its own design, colors and shape. Children, in particular, are very much inspired by them.

Those who are fans of nature and seashells will not be disappointed by the museum. The shells are properly displayed in sections according to their species.

All the items on display come with signs, explaining their history in English and Thai. Some of these are so huge they weigh up to 250 kilograms while are others are claimed to be the most beautiful in the world. Many are so rare they are believed to be the only pieces in the world.

After a tour learning about different species of seashells, make a note to stop and admire the star of the museum, a 140-karat golden pearl. This giant pearl is believed to bring wealth and abundance to anyone who is lucky enough to own it.

A great deal of money had been offered for many of the pieces on display, but the owner felt that it is more fulfilling to share them with the public so that the younger generations get to learn and benefit from them as well.  

The Phuket Seashell Museum had been voted, both by Thai and foreign visitors, to be one of the best specialty museums in the world. It is open daily to the public from 8:00-17:00 hrs. For more information, please call tel. 076 613 666.