Phuket
INTRO
Of many beautiful holiday destinations, Phuket Island is a pearl indeed. The largest of Thailand's islands impresses with beautiful white beaches, tropical forests and crystal sea water, where many fishes colour the blue water in fantastic way. Among the most popular tourst areas are Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, Nai Harn Beach and Bang Tao Beach. Active nightlife and cheap shopping add more to the attractiveness of Phuket and contribute to its being the most visited and popular province of Thailand.
City Profile
Capital: Phuket city
Country: Thailand
Area: 543.0 km2
Population: 313,955 (2007) 500,000 during peak season
Districts: 3
Governement: City
Language: Thai
LOCATION
7º58'N 98º20'E
Phuket Island is situated approximately 862 km south of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. The island is about 50 km long (from north to south) and over 21 km wide. It is surrounded by the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean and borders on Phang-nga Province to the North, connected by a bridge. Most of its territorry is covered with mountains and tropical forests, while beaches fringe its west and southern coastline. The airport in the north part of the island and well-organised transportation between the airport, beaches and the Phuket City make it easily reachable.
TIME TO VISIT
Phuket Island is settled in the tropical zone of the west coast therefore its climate is hot and humid all year long, with only two seasons - the rainy period (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). It is extremely wet between September and October, so the best time for a visit is during the dry season, especially from Novermber to February when the crystal blue sky is friendly and the temperatures reach 23-33ºC.
POPULATION
Similarily to the rest of Thailand, the majority of the population are Buddhists, but there is also a great number of Muslims (30%), ethnic Chinese and Malays (24%). Another group that inhabits Phuket is Chao Leh (4%) or the sea-gypses, the former nomadic tribe that arrived from Indonesia centuries ago.
DISTRICTS
Phuket is divided up into three administrative counties, known as amphoe:
- Mueang Phuket is situated in the southern part of the island. The Phuket City is located in this distict, as well as some popular beaches, such as Karon, Kata, Kata Noi and Nai Harn. The rocky Promthep Cape which forms the southernmost part of the province is a favourite place to admire sunsets. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Mueang_Phuket
- Kathu district could be found on the west, near the Adaman Sea. It borders with two other provinces of Phuket Island. It is the heart of tourist life on the island since the most popular beach, Patong, is situated there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Kathu
- Thalang is covers the northern area of Phuket Island. The province is known for an extensive reserve that protects rainforest. Another attraction of the area is Thalang National Museum. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphoe_Thalang
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
With so many attractions crammed on the island, it's hard to decide from where to start. Iits natural heritage of sand beaches are good enough reason to visit it, but Phuket Island has more to offer its visitors.
- Beaches and small islets - Hat Kalim (Kalim Beach), Hat Kamala (Kamala beach), Hat Patong (Patong Beach), Hat Karon (Karon Beach), Hat Kata (Kata Beach), Hat Nai Han beach, Hat Rawai, Ao Chalong Bay, Ao Sen Bay and many other are astonishing with their diversity. Small islets around Phuket such as Coral Island, Lone Island, Dokmai Island, Kaeo Phitsadan Island offer excellent scuba diving and snorkelling. Also Naka Island with the pearl farm is an interesting place to visit.
- Laem Promthep or Promthep Cape that forms the southern edge of the island is the landmark of Phuket. There is a breathtaking view and the place, especially in the evening, is usually crowded.
- Bang Pae waterfall, located in the central part of the island, spills about 40 feet into a charming swimming area. Around this place there is the Gibbon Reserve and the second beautiful waterfall, Ton Sai, is nearby.
- Thalang Museum with the intresting collection of relics from Phuket Island's long history can be an interesting place to visit. It is situated near the imposing monument of Two Heroines that reminds the period of the Burmese wars in the 189th century. together with Chalong Temple, Phra Thong Temple and Phra Nang Sang Temple preserve the taste for art. Read reviews for all this: http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=66&typeid=7
- Phuket Fantasea is a large amusement centre with many extraordinary attractions, that has won several awards for Best Attraction Thailand Tourism. Tickets (including buffet dinner) cost 1,600 baht for adults.www.phuket-fantesea.com
- Phuket Butterfly Farm presents a unique collection of tropical butterflies and insects. The farm operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is 150 baht for adults.http://phuketindex.com/butterflygarden/
AIRPORT
By air is the easiest way to get there, though it is also possible to get to the island by ferry, car or train. There is one airport on the Phuket Island.
- Phuket International Airport is located 30 km north of the city. It handles international and domestic flights, providing connection to Bangkok and other towns of Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, Australia and even to Europe. It is the second largest port in Thailand in terms of passenger number. There is limousine service, car hire and other transfer services available there. http://www.phuketairportonline.com/
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
- Car rental services are the easiest option for remote journeys
- Motorcycle taxis are comfortable way to travel around Phuket City. The taxis could be also rented from travel operators or from the green or maroon dressed drivers.
- Tuk tuk is a local version of autorickshaw, operating to several destinations on the beaches. Now many of them are replaced by red vans with open sides. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m.until 5.00 p.m. It takes higher price for some of the distant beaches.
- Metered taxis serve for transportation anywhere in Phuket. The fare will include a 20 baht surcharge. There are also shared taxis that connect between Phuket wiht nearby provinces.
- Regular bus services (so-called Songthaew) also operate on the whole teritorry of the island. They run on a loop routes, linking beach areas with major towns. The fare between the Phuket City and Patong Beach is 15 baht.
HISTORY
The island has been inhabited since ancient times and for most of its history it was know as Junk Ceylon. It owes its development to the location on the trading routes linking China and India and the deposits of tin, discovered and exploited from the 16th century.
The attack by the Burmese in 1785 is the most important event in the Phuket's history. The enemy was forced back thanks to two women - the British governor's wife and her sister, who rallied people.
The island became a separate province in 1933. Now it losts its importance as a tin centre and is notorious as tourist destination.
CITY LINKS
- Phuket Gazette: http://www.phuketgazette.net/index.asp
- Phuket official website: http://www.thephuket.com/
- Interesting PLACES in Phuket:
http://www.phuket.com/
http://www.beachpatong.com/
http://www.phuket-maps.com/
http://phuketdir.com/phuketinfo/index.htm
http://phuket.sawadee.com/
http://phuketisland.com/
http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=66&typeid=1
http://www.phuket.net/visit-phuket/about/getting-here.htm