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.
Located 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.
Climate
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.
Beaches & 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:
Hat Mai Khao
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.
Hat Nai Yang
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.
Hat Pansea & Hat Surin
The two scenic coves offer very picturesque settings although dangerous undercurrents can make swimming unsafe.
Hat Kamala
Another fine stretch of sand. The northern end, which is partly shaded by casuarinas, is suitable for swimming.
Hat Patong
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.
Hat Karon & Kata
Both beaches are impressive, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and sunbathing.
Hat Nai Han
This white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Conditions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.
Hat Rawai
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.
Laem Phanwa
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, Hat Nai Yang, Hat Mai Khao, and Hat Sai Kaeo.
Major 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 Hat Nai Yang, 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.
Laem Phromthep
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 Hat Rawai 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.
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.
