As Thailand's largest island, Phuket is surrounded by 32 smaller islands
which part of the same administration. Phuket Island has a total land area
of 570 square kilometres, about the same as the island of Singapore.
Phuket Island is connected to mainland at
Phang Nga Province by the Sarasin Bridge and it is considerably more developed
than any other island in Thailand. Phuket is located 850 km south of Bangkok. It
is 50 km long north to south and 21 km wide. The terrain is incredible varied
with high mountains (highest peak is 529 meter), rocky headlands, long sandy
beaches, tropical vegetation and rubber plantations.
Phuket means crystal mountain, from the Malayan word
bookit (bukit) and there are indeed many high mountains on Phuket.
Phuket was also known as The Junk Ceylon, which, with variations, is the name
found on most old maps.
Phuket has a population of 200,000 with 63,000 living in Phuket Town. Before the
tourist industry was developed (from mid 70's) Phuket was known for tin mining
and rubber production.
Phuket town itself is an interesting place blending Portuguese and Thai
architecture, with some good restaurants and reasonably priced accommodation.
Mostly known as the tourist paradise, Phuket is located approximately one
hour and 15 minutes by air from Bangkok (862 km.). In the Andaman Sea, Phuket is
fringed with magnificent 16 long white sandy beaches, crystal blue seawater,
relaxing tropical atmosphere and fresh seafood. It offers a wide range of superb
hotels and resorts ensuring that your holiday is memorable. It also serves as a
base for exploration trips to nearby islands such as Phi Phi Islands (just one
and a half hour by express ferry from Phuket) with the emerald crystal sea,
secluded beaches, wooded cliff mountains and wonderful coral reefs (you may
choose to stay in Phi Phi by going to Krabi-Phi Phi section), Similan Islands
(most suitable for swimming, diving and fishing), Coral Island or Ko He (one
popular destination for one day tour with beautiful coral reefs).
Not far from Khao Lak area, it will be hilly with fertile
National Park with various sorts of unique species of plant including the rare
animals. There are also the beautiful natural waterfalls such as Saeng Thong,
Lam Roo ,Chong Fa. Therefore, visiting Khaolak in each time, visitors not only
get in touch with the peaceful and natural atmosphere but also enjoy various
interesting activities, available completely for the visitors from over the
world.
Nowadays the tourist industry is the biggest income source and the tourists are
concentrated at certain beaches, Patong, Karon and Kata Beach. There are in
total 17 sandy beaches many of them untouched by the tourist industry. If you
want to experience the original Thailand you do not need to go far from the
touristic areas. Some people find Phuket very exploited and to tourists but
usually they have never been outside Patong and they believe that the beach on
Phuket is named Patong. Don't make that mistake. Its very easy to explore the
natural wonders of Phuket. Just to visit the 17 Beaches will keep you busy for
more than one week.
Phuket's weather is influenced by monsoon wind, warm
humid but pleasant all year long. There are only two seasons. The rainy season
lasts from May to October and the dry season from November to April. There is
generally a mini-high season in June/July or July/August. Visiting Phuket during
the monsoon season is NOT unpleasant because most days are rain-free except for
showers in the afternoon.
Phuket averages 2540 mm of rain each year.
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