Phuket Thailand Travel Information Guide and Hotels

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Phuket - Blessed by nature and the smiling hospitality of its people, and supported by superb tourism facilities, Phuket is today one of the world’s premier tropical resorts.


Phuket Thailand Travel Information Guide and HotelsLocated 867 kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 kilometres long. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it has a coastline fringed with white sandy beaches and quiet coves, bathed by the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea and set against a backdrop of green hills, coconut groves and rubber plantations.

Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and has a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ships’ logs. The Portuguese, Dutch, English and French came to trade during that time.

Phuket’s most famous monument is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who rallied the islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders.

Blessed by nature and the smiling hospitality of its people, and supported by superb tourism facilities, Phuket is today one of the world’s premier tropical resorts. Palm-fringed beaches, an island-studded sea, superb accommodation, delicious seafood, numerous sporting and leisure opportunities and, of course, year-round sunshine, to conclude the perfect recipe for a truly memorable holiday.



back to topClimate

Phuket has two main seasons: rainy from May through to October and hot from November to April. However, there are sunny days throughout the wet season, showers customarily lasting little more than 2-3 hours.

The best months to visit are November to February. Average temperatures range between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius.



back to topBeaches & Bays

Phuket’s glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches ranges from gentle crescents of white sand to rocky headlands. Counter- clockwise, from the island’s northern tip, where the Sarasin Bridge connects with the mainland, the major beaches and bays are:

Mai Khao Beach
This pine-fringed stretch of sand is Phuket’s longest beach. Each year, from November through to February, giant sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs here.

Nai Yang Beach
This forms part of the Sirinat National Park and is backed by casuarina pines, as well as a mangrove forest. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation, picnics, swimming and snorkelling.

Pansea Beach & Surin Beach
The two scenic coves offer very picturesque settings although dangerous undercurrents can make swimming unsafe.

Kamala Beach
Another fine stretch of sand. The northern end, which is partly shaded by casuarinas, is suitable for swimming.

Patong Beach
Phuket’s most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3 km. crescent bay. In addition to its daytime attractions, Patong is also known for its vibrant nightlife among which seafood restaurants prominently feature.

Karon Beach & Kata
Both beaches are impressive, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and sunbathing.

Nai Han Beach
This white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Conditions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.

Rawai Beach
The palm-fringed beach is best known for its village of “Sea Gypsies”, formerly a nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent.

Ao Chalong
A location popular for its several restaurants serving some of Phuket’s best seafood.

Cape Panwa
The southern tip of the cape is the location of the Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket’s Aquarium, where visitors can see several hundred exotic and colourful marine species.

Ko Si Re
The small island separated from the mainland only by the Tha Chin Canal, is located 4 km. northeast of the town. There is a sea gypsy village considered the largest in Phuket

Sirinat National Park
The park, located near Phuket International Airport along Routes No. 402 and 4026, some 30 km., occupies a total area of 90 square kilometres and has an uninterrupted 13 km. long stretch of beaches: Hat Nai Thon, Nai Yang Beach, Mai Khao Beach, and Hat Sai Kaeo.



back to topMajor Sights & Attractions

Mueang Phuket
The compact provincial capital serves mainly as a commercial and shopping centre although traces of the old Sino-Portuguese architecture provides distinctive character.

Khao Rang
This provides a pleasant view of the town, also a park and series of hillside sculptural tableaux.

Phuket Fantasea
Inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage, Phuket Fantasea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting edge technology and special effects. The result is a stunning 140-acre theme complex packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment: a festival village with carnivals, games, handicrafts and shopping; a 4,000-seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine; a breath-taking Las Vegas-style theatrical show, where state-of-the-art technology and special effects enhance the beauty of Thailand’s myths, mysteries and magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight everyone.

The Thai Village
On Thep Krasattri Road, the village serves typical southern Thai specialities for lunch and dinner, as well as staging cultural shows featuring Thai dances, sword-fighting, Thai boxing, elephants and local customs. Handicrafts are also on display.

Thalang National Museum
Located near the Two Heroines Monument, the museum contains a collection of exhibits of ancient artefacts and other materials illustrating life in old Phuket.

Wat Phra Thong
Inland from Nai Yang Beach, the temple enshrines a famous, partially buried Buddha image. Local legend relates how a boy tethered his buffalo to what he thought was a post sticking out of the ground. Subsequently, this boy and his animal fell mysteriously ill. Suspicious villagers uncovered the post and found that it was the decorative topknot of a buried golden Buddha. They were able to unearth no more than the upper part of the image, over which the present temple was constructed. When Burmese invaders attempted to remove the statue in the 18th century they were attacked by a swarm of hornets.

Phromthep Cape
The southernmost point of Phuket is the perfect place where picturesque sunsets are seen.

Ko Kaeo
This is an offshore isle about 3 km. from Rawai Beach and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat. There are sandy beaches and a captivating underwater scenery, as well as a replica of the Holy Footprint on the island.

Ko Racha Yai
The gleaming beaches can be reached by chartered boat from Ao Chalong. It takes about 2-3 hours for the boat trip during the off-monsoon season (December-April). At Ko Racha Yai, there is the most perfected and versatile of corals for visitors to see. Sightseeing services are available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available.

Namtok Ton Sai & Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary
An idyllic setting cooled by sonorous cascades, this 22 sq. km. area is rich in wildlife, including bears, porcupines, gibbons and macaques, as well as over 100 bird species. For nature enthusiasts, the sanctuary has also mapped out walking trails.

Wat Chalong
A few kilometres inland from Ao Chalong, the temple enshrines statues of Phuket’s two most revered monks: Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.

Pearl Farms
Several pearl farms are located in and around Phuket. Please contact TAT’s Phuket office for details of arranging visits.

Native Handicrafts Centre
Located on Thep Krasattri Road, the Centre has artisans skilled in silk weaving, lacquerware, silverware, jewellery-making and the crafting of parasols.

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World
The farm is situated 3 km. from town and has a fascinating collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies and insects; all displayed in natural surroundings. Open daily 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tickets are 200 baht. Tel. 0 7621 5616, 0 7621 0861
Website: www.phuketbutterfly.com

Wat Phra Nang Sang
A historical Phuket landmark, Wat Phra Nang Sang was originally a fort built to resist Burmese invaders. Enshrined in the main hall are three old and large Buddha statues made of tin.



back to topSports & Activities

There are four top 18-hole golf courses in Phuket, which offer excellent and challenging play. All offer reasonably priced green fees, golf club rentals and caddy services.

  • Phuket Country Club (in Kathu)
    Tel. 0 7632 1038-40
  • Blue Canyon Country Club (in Amphoe Thalang)
    Tel. 0 7632 8088
    Website: www.bluecanyonclub.com
  • Laguna Phuket Golf Club (at Hat Bang Thao)
    Tel. 0 7632 4350
  • Loch Palm Golf Club (in Kathu)
    Tel. 0 7632 1929, 0 7632 1933-4

Horse Riding
There are three riding clubs: the first is on Patak Road, on the way to Kata Beach, the second is Ban Sai Yuan situated at Nai Han Beach route and the Laguna Phuket at Bang Thao. These three have facilities for visitors’ convenience and courses for both beginners and experienced riders.

Windsurfing
This sport can be enjoyed at most major beaches. Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full-day or week. Expert tuition is also available.

Sailing
Small boat sailing is popular, especially at Nai Han Beach, Patong Beach and Kata Beach. Toppers and Dinghies are found at Patong Beach, while Catamarans, Hobie Cats and Top Cats are available at Kata Beach.

Water-skiing
Popular at Patong Beach on a half-hour or hourly basis. Cable water-skiing is available at Phuket Waterski Cableway, located behind the Loch Palm Golf Course in Amphoe Kathu.

Deep Sea Fishing
Daily tours, departing early morning and returning late afternoon, cruise around the smaller offshore islands for game fish.

Swimming
You can enjoy swimming throughout the year with good conditions in most locales. However, there are undertows off certain beaches, especially hazardous in the rainy season. It is best to seek local advice regarding safety.

Snorkelling
This can be enjoyed at many sheltered bays around Phuket, the most readily accessible spots being Patong Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach. Fins, masks and snorkels can be rented on a daily basis from numerous shops around the island.

Scuba-diving
Dive boats regularly leave Phuket for expeditions of 1 to 7 days around neighbouring islands, as well as further afield, notably to Mu Ko Phi Phi, in Krabi, some 2 hours east of Phuket, and Mu Ko Similan, which lie in Phang-nga some 110 km. north-west of Phuket. Several dive shops are concentrated in Patong Beach, Kata Beach and Chalong Beach areas. These dive shops also have Thai and expatriate dive instructors who are qualified to provide expert tuition. All diving equipment is available for hire.

Sea Canoeing
This form of ecotourism, exploring islands and marine caves that are accessible only by canoe, has become extremely popular in recent years. Day tours and overnight camping trips, mostly in Phang-nga, are offered by various sea canoe companies



back to topSpecial Events

Thao Thep Krasattri & Thao Sisunthon Fair
Held annually on 13 March, the Fair commemorates the Two Heroines who rallied the people of Thalang to repel Burmese invaders in the 18th century.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Tradition
In the middle of the 6th and 11th lunar months, Chao Le (Sea Gypsies) celebrate a time-honoured tradition in which they float model boats in a symbolic gesture of banishing bad luck.

Vegetarian Festival
Phuket’s biggest and most exciting annual celebration, the Vegetarian Festival takes place over the first nine days of the 9th lunar month (usually October). It is a time when Phuket islanders of Chinese descent follow a vegetarian diet as a form of purification in order to ensure good fortune in the coming year. It is marked by colourful processions, and by devotees performing amazing acts of self-mortification, including fire walking and piercing the body with skewers.

Phuket Triathlon
During October and November, the triathlon (consisting of a 1.8 km. swim, a 55 km. bike race and a 12 km. run) attracts topclass athletes from around the world.

Tourist Season Opening Festival
First initiated in 1985 at Patong Beach to welcome the start of the tourism season, the Festival is staged on 1 November and features many colourful and interesting activities, such as merit-making, watersports contests and a “Miss Visitor” contest.

King’s Cup Regatta
Each year in early December, the Phuket Yacht Club hosts international yachtsmen, who compete for royal trophies in a series of races from Mu Ko Phi Phi to Phuket.



back to topGetting There

By Air

  • Thai Airways International
    The airline operates several daily flights Bangkok-Phuket, with a flight time of 1 hour.
    Bangkok office tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, Hotline 1566
    Phuket office tel. 0 7625 8240
    Website: www.thaiairways.com
  • Bangkok Airways
    Flights from Bangkok, some via Ko Samui, are operated by Bangkok Airways.
    Bangkok office tel. 0 2265 5555, Hotline 1771
    Phuket office tel. 0 7622 5033-5
    Website: www.bangkokair.com
  • Air Asia
    Call Center 0 2515 99
    Website: www.airasia.com
  • Orient Air
    Call Center 1126
    Website: www.orient-thai.com
  • Phuket Air
    Bangkok office tel. 0 2679 8999
    Website: www.phuketairlines.com
  • Nok Air
    Call Center 1318
    Website: www.nokair.co.th

    Phuket is also served by international flights from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia.

By Bus
Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned coaches leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal daily.
Please contact tel. 0 2435 1199 for more information.
Website: www.transport.co.th

By Car
It is 862 km. by road from Bangkok to Phuket, the drive taking about 12 hours.

By Rail
There is no direct rail link to Phuket. The nearest railway station is Phun Phin in Surat Thani from where bus services connect with the island. For further information, please contact the Travel Service Unit of the State Railways of Thailand.
Tel. 0 2220 4334, Hotline 1690
Website: www.railway.co.th



back to topShopping

Cultivated pearls, batiks, pewter ware and tailor-made clothing are Phuket’s best known buys. The widest range of shops, including department stores, are found in Phuket town and at Patong Beach.

 


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Last Updated : 13-Jan-2008