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Thailand's only island province, Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

For a bird-eye view of Phuket, climb up the beautiful Khao Rang (Phuket Hill), northwest of the town centre. It's at its best during the week. Feel a long way from the prefabricated hubbub of Patong. If you fancy a glimpse of the Phuket behind the tourist traps, go-go bars and beaches, this isn't a bad place to start. Phuket's main day market (Ranong Rd.) is worth a wander and is the sport to invest in the requisite Thai and Malay sarongs, as well as baggy Shan fishermen's pants. A handful of Chinese temples inject some added colour into the area. Most are standard issue, but the Shrine of the Serene Light (Saan Jao Sang Tham), tucked away at the end of a 50m alley near the Bangkok Bank of Commerce on Phang-Nga Rd., is a cut above the rest. Here, you will find plumes of incense smoke, dazzling decor and peaceful ambience. The shrine, which has been restored, is said to be nearly 200 years old and the sense of history is tangible.

Much more popular are trips to islands lying to the south and east of Phuket about 2 hours away by motor boat, including Koh Racha, Shark Point and Koh Dok Mai, Koh Phi Phi where you can see white-tip sharks, stingrays and moray eels besides colorful reef fishes.

Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23ยฐC and 33ยฐC.

Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

 History of Phuket

Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the capes location, finally detaching it from the mainland.

A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the north of the island.

As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the island. This contributed to making the development of mining so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.

Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe, Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.

Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today.

However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish a town and established a rice farming community. On the other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket City today) was developed and became a tin trading center.

When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket was promoted to be a Monthon administrative unit under the supervision of the central administrative body (located in Bangkok).

In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.

The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences.

The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims, it is possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai temples) located next to Mosques

By air

This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators are as follows:

Phuket Air offers daily flights to Phuket and the journey takes only 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 or visit www.phuketairlines.com for more details on flights.

Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket with Pattaya and Samui. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 66 2265 5678. Reservations can be made at tel. 66 2265 5555. Alternatively, browse its website at www.bangkokair.com for more flight details.

Thai Airways International has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Phuket route. In addition, they have regular flights connecting Phuket with Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat Provinces. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 02 628 2000 or book your seat online at www.thaiairways.com

One-to-Go by Orient Thai operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 1126 or visit www.onetwo-go.com for more information.

Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Visit www.airasia.com or call 02 5159999 for reservations.
Nok Air has several daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket with a flight time of 1.20 hours. Visit www.nokair.com or call 1318 to make your reservation.

Destination Air porvides first class seaplane transfers to and from Phuket Internation Airport to resorts and hotels located in the Andaman sea. Popular destinations are such as Ko Phi Phi, Krabi, Ko Lanta. Services commence in July 2006. Contact Bangkok Office of Destination Air at Tel: 0 2261 5323, Fax: 0 2261 5331 or visit www.destinationair.com

Getting to Phuket from abroad

There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.
Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please call airline offices for more details.

Transportation to and from the airport

Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport costs approximately 400 baht but the fare to the beach ranges between 500 baht and 600 baht (The rate may decline now). Minivans charge approximately 80 baht /person to town, but 120 baht/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

By bus

Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours.
Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.

By rail

There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.

By Ferry

During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500 baht. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Getting around Phuket

Car Rental Service

Avis Car Rent Airport Tel: 0-7635-1243, Kata Beach Resort Tel : 0-7638-1530-3
- Boomerang Travel & Tour 71/13 Patak Road, Chalong Bay Tel: 0-7638-1690

- Dusit Laguna Hotel Bang Thao Beach Tel: 0-7632-4322-9

- Hertz Car Rent Thawon Palm Beach Hotel, Karon Beach Tel: 0- 7638-1034-7

- Holiday Inn Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0608

- K.M. Travel Phangnga Road Tel: 0-7621-0893

- Le Meridian Karon Noi Beach Tel: 0-7634-0480-5

- The Metropol Hotel Montri Road Tel: 0-7621-5050

- Pansea Surin Beach Tel: 0-7632-4017-20

- Patong Merlin Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0037-41

- Pearl Village Nai Yang Beach Tel: 0-7632-7006

- Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Tel: 0-7638-1038-40

- Phuket Airport Tel: 0-7632-7258

- Phuket Cabana Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0138-4

- Phuket Car Center Takua Pa Road Tel: 0-7621-2671-3

- Phuket Island Tel: 0-7638-1010

- Phuket Yacht Charter 5/3 Chao Fa Road Tel: 0-7621-6556

- Phuket Horizon Car Rent 235/4 Yaowarat Road, Tambon Talat Nua, Muang

District Tel: 0-7621-5200

- Pure Car Rent Opposite Thavorn Hotel, Ratsada Road, Tel: 0- 7621-1002

- Via Rent A Car 70/85 Rat U-Thit, Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0160

Motorcycle taxis

It costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip to travel around Phuket City. Alternatively, motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from several operators along beaches. The cost may vary from 150 baht 300 baht / day, depending on the number of cylinders.

Songthaeo and Tuk-Tuk

Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 baht.

Taxi Meter

Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.

Getting to nearby provinces

By bus

There are regular bus services (VIP, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) to neighboring provinces such as Krabi, Phang-nga, Chumphon, Ko Samui (bus/boat), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua-Pa and Trang. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal off Phang-nga Road. For more up-to-date schedules and fares, call Phuket Air-conditioned Bus Station, tel. 0 7621 1977.

Taxis & Vans

There are shared taxi and van services between Phuket and other nearby provinces. Fares of both are generally around double the fare of an ordinary bus. The stations of both taxis and minivans are also on Phang-nga Road.

By air

Some domestic airlines operate flights from Phuket to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai and Samui. For more details, check with your travel agent or the TAT office.

Getting to nearby islands from Phuket

Boats to nearby islands can be found at the following ports:

Rawai Beach

An old local port, it is from here that long-tail boats depart for nearby islands such as Ko He, Ko Racha Yai, Ko Mai Thon, Ko Lon, etc. The chartered price depends on the distance.

Ao Chalong

The largest port of Phuket that has all kinds of boats, including cruisers of tour companies which organize package tours to other islands.

Ao Makham

Located near Phanwa Cape, the port is only for cruisers and container ships.
Boat Lagoon Port (Ao Sapam) The port is for traveling boats of tour companies.

Phuket Town This compact provincial town serves mainly as an accommodation and shopping center. Splendid colonial-style residences built by late 19th-century tin and rubber barons and shophouses from the same period provide a distinctive character.

Khao Rang This small hill to the north of the town offers a pleasant view of the town and boasts Thailand's first fitness park, a series of hillside sculptural tableaux which enhance keep fit calisthenics.

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

Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium Drive for 3 kms. from the town along Yaowarat Road and then turn left at the Sam Kong village intersection. It has a fascinating collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies, insects, fish and coral all arranged in a natural surrounding.

Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village Located on Thepkasattri Road about 3 kms. from the town, it offers cultural performances demonstrating the Thai way of life with folk dances, Thai boxing, the unique aspects of Phuket and the South, a handicraft centre, an orchid farm, and an elephant show. show times are 11.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.

Chana Charoen Crocodile Farm This contains an exciting aquarium with some 1,000 marine, freshwater and estuarine crocodiles and is located just outside of the town. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

Sixty Years Pillar Monument stands in the south of the town at the area called Saphan Hin, the end of Phuket Road. It was constructed in 1969 as a memorial to Mr. Miles, who devised the use of a dredger in mining operations in 1909.

Sirinat National Park It is located near Phuket International Airport along Route Nos. 402 and 4026, some 30 kms. from town. The park 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.

Wat Phra Thong This temple where the upper half of a large Buddha statue emerges from the ground is 20 kms. north of the town along Highway 402. Legend has it that during the invasion of Thailand in 1785, the Burmese tried in vain to excavate the statue. Each time they dug into the ground, swarms of hornets would swoop on them and they had to give up. Later, the visible part of the statue was covered with gold by the villagers and has remained as such until today.

Wat Phra Nang Sang This historical temple in Amphoe Thalang was once a fort resisting a Burmese invasion around 1785. An old chapel in the compound enshrined the three oldest and largest Buddha statues made of tin, called the Three Kings.

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary This extensive forest area in Amphoe Thalang was declared a wildlife sanctuary in July 1969. It covers a rich and fertile land and is the habitat to several types of wild animals. Major attractions include Namtok Ton Sai near the headquarters. Although small in size, it nevertheless provides a cool, shady area for relaxation. Another waterfall is Namtok Bang Pae, which is located at Tambon Pakhlok. There is an arboretum and a nursery to rehabilitate captured gibbons before returning them to the wild. For nature enthusiasts, the sanctuary has mapped out three walking trails. Further information may be obtained from the Nature Study Centre.

Thalang National Museum Located near the Thalang intersection, this museum displays the way of life, culture and history of Phuket and the South. It is open daily except Monday and Tuesday from 9.00a.m. Admission is 30 baht per person.

Hat Surin The hillside beach with groves of large pine tree is about 24 kms. northwest of the town. Drive along Route No. 402, turn left at the Heroines Statues, and proceed on for 12 kms. There is a golf course to the right. Hat Surin is not recommended for swimming because of its steepness and winds during the monsoon season.

Ao Bang Thao This is a long stretch of sandy beach north of Hat Surin suitable for swimming and other water sports.

Leam Sing 1 kms. from Hat Surin, this scenic rocky cape is next to a small white sandy beach. To reach the beach, visitors can ask permission to cut through a private road, or take a detour along the hillside slanting to the beach.

Hat Kamala Located 26 kms. from the town, turn left at the Heroines Statues past Hat Surin and Laem Sing, Hat Kamala is about 2 kms long, quiet and not crowded.

Hat Patong Phuket's most developed beach is 15 kms. west of the town. Cabin and bungalow complexes, hotels, bars, nightclubs, discotheques, shops, and restaurants front the crescent bay. Windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, sunbathing, and swimming dominate the major activities.

Hat Kalim Once in Patong, turn right to Hat Kalim, which is a small beach with large rocks and a coral reef. Accommodation is available.

Hat Karon and Hat Kata south of Hat Patong, both are long and peaceful beaches and eminently suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Hat Nai Han This beach, nearly southernmost of the island, is about 18 kms. from the town. Beyond the beach is a large swamp called Nong Han. Although not so long, the beach has white, clean sand. Swimming is not recommended during May-October due to the monsoon season. A small bay next to Hat Nai Han past the Phuket Yacht Club is Ao Sen, which is peaceful and picturesque with white, clean sand.

At the midpoint between Hat Nai Han and Hat Kata Noi, there is a viewpoint overlooking three adjacent beaches.

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

Hat Rawai This palm-fringed beach about 17 kms. from the town is home to Phuket's sea gypsies. Several offshore island have gleaming white beaches and dazzling underwater scenery, which attracts fishing enthusiasts and scuba divers.

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

Laem Ka Yai This is another small beach, about 16 kms. from the town on Highway No. 4024, where boats can be rented to visit nearby isles.

Ao Chalong This bay is some 11 kms. from the town and extends in a broad sweep. A few kilometres from the bay is Wat Chalong where statues of Luang Po Chaem and Luang Po Chuang, Phuket 's most revered monks, are enshrined.

Marine Biological Research Centre Located on the southernmost tip of Laem Panwa, 7kms. south of the town, the centre houses an aquarium which displays hundreds of exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colourful marine species found in Phuket's teeming waters. It is open daily between 8.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. for more information call (706) 391126, 391041.

Offshore Trips around Phuket and in the Andaman Sea:

Phuket is well equipped to provide offshore trips making it a centre of tourism in the Andaman sea. Trips can be arranged to see forests and mountains, rocky formations,beaches, coral reefs and fishing. Most of Phuket's 39 satellite islands are located to the east. Islands of special interest include;-

Ko Racha Yai with its gleaming beaches can be reached by chartered boat from Ao Chalong. It takes about 2-3 hours for the boat trip during off-monsoon season (December-April). Sightseeing services are available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available.

Noted for its exotic corals is Ko Mai Thon which is also suitable for scuba diving and fishing.

Ko Hei is known for its beautiful beaches and unspoiled corals. The island is about 5 kms. from Hat Rawai. Accommodation is available.

The terrain of Ko Lon is mountainous with flat land along the shore. A ferry leaves Ao Chalong between 8.00-9.00 a.m. Accommodation is available