The Phuket Mining Museum showcases the land's mining history as well as its mineral industry in a beautifully converted colonial-style villa. The museum is considered one of the island's most interesting because it contains everything from tin mine models to a re-created opium den. One of the most interesting exhibits is on the home of the miners, which gives a realistic look into the lives of their wives and children. There are many guides at the museum who are more than happy to take visitors around and fill them with interesting historical tidbits about the exhibits – this might be useful as the descriptions are only in Thai.
Moo 5, Khatu-Nakoh Road, Tambon Khatu, Amphoe Khatu, Phuket, 83120, 83120, Thailand, Phone: +66 81-535-3187