PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand ’s largest island, approximately the size of Singapore.

The exciting island is located in Southern Thailand, with the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline, suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by a pair of road bridges.

Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.

Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, and powdery, palm-fringed beaches and the list continues below :-

sparkling island-dotted seas

sincerely hospitable people

superb accommodation and seafood

delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture

numerous sporting and leisure opportunities

a lush tropical landscape – all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.

Phuket enjoys a great popularity as a travel destination. Most of its beaches are on the west coast, with Phuket Town to the south-east and the Phuket Airport to the north.

Phuket Economy

Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed 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 trader’s ship logs.

The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly.

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

Phuket Climate, Best Time To Go Phuket

Phuket has two major seasons: the Rains Season from May through October, and the Hot Season from November through April.

There are many sunny days throughout the Rains Season: showers customarily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. September is the wettest month.

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

Beaches In Phuket

The major beaches of Phuket are Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach being the largest beach resort and popular for its nightlife, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach and Ao Chalong.

Phuket Island | The largest island in Thailand

Phuket Flight Information

There are frequent flights to and from Bangkok as well as direct flights frmo many other airports around the region such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

There are also direct charters to Europe and Australia during the high season.

Cheap Flights To Phuket

There are several domestic discount airlines that have flights to Phuket such as Air Asia and Nok Air.

You can get cheap flight tickets to Phuket from Bangkok which may only cost you under 1000 baht for an advance booking of a one-way flight. Last minute flight tickets to Phuket will cost you anywhere around 2000 baht (including taxes).

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways has direct flights between Phuket and U-Tapao (near Pattaya) and Ko Samui.

Tiger Airways And Jetstar Asia Flights To Phuket

Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia offers very affordable and cheap flight tickets to Phuket from Singapore.

There are also many other low cost direct connections to Phuket which are available from Hong Kong, Macao, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

Useful Telephone Numbers In Phuket

Tourist Information Tel No : 0-7621-2213, 0-7621-1036

Emergency Tel No : 199

Tourist Police Tel : 0-7621-9878 or 1155

Marine Police Tel : 0-7621-1883

Phuket Provincial Office Tel : 0-7621-1366

Phuket Airport Tel : 0-7632-7230-7

Immigration Office Tel : 0-7621-2108

Thai Airways Tel : 0-7621-1195, 0-7621-2946, 0-7621-2499

Bangkok Airways Tel : 0-7622-5033-5

Phuket Air Tel: 0-7635-1337

Phuket Adventist Hospital Tel : 0-7621-2386

Phuket Ruamphaet Hospital Tel : 0-7621-2950

Sirirot Hospital Tel : 0-7624-9400, 0-7621-0935 Patong Resort Phuket

Phuket Activities and Recreation, Things to do in Phuket

Scuba Diving

Phuket is the center the scuba diving business. Popular locations for diving include Similan, Surin and Phi Phi islands.

Instruction and equipment are available at the main beaches, with teachers of various nationalities.

Beginner courses are inexpensive, so if you have never learned to scuba dive, Phuket is a great place to learn.

Snorkeling

The bays in Phuket contain many interesting coral reefs. Equipment can be rented from dive shops around the island.

Swimming

Swimming at some beaches during the monsoon season is not recommended. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming ; if the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean!

Sailing

Most classes of boat - from dinghies to yachts are available for rent.

Wind Surfing

Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day, or week at most major beaches.

Deep Sea Fishing

Many travel agents operate deep sea fishing tours with well equipped fishing boats. Consult a tour agent for details.

Sea Canoeing

Touring the limestone caverns in Phang Nga Bay is an unforgettable experience. Inflatable canoes squeeze into the inner sea of the island. Tour packages include all transportaion and lunch.

Phuket Golf

Phuket has top golf courses with service that makes it a worldwide center for golf lovers. Phuket Country Club in Kathu Tel. (076) 321038-40

Century Country Club in Kathu Tel. (076) 321929, 321933-4

Banyan Tree Bang Thao Tel. (076) 324351-60

Blue Canyon near the airport in Thalang Tel. (076) 327440-7

Miniature Golf Aside from Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf, which is covered under the listing on Patong, there is also:

Dino Park Mini Golf at Karon Beach.18 holes Tel. (076) 330625

Thai Boxing

"Muay Thai" as it is called in Thai, strikes blows at and with every part of the body. The staduim is located at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town and bouts are held Friday nights.