Measuring 576 km², Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Known as the Pearl of the Andaman Coast, it is the most popular and possibly prestigious island of the country, with the biggest variety of amusements hands down.
Location
Phuket is connected to the mainland, specifically Phang Nga, by bridge. The island has its own international airport which services flights from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand itself, which is the easiest and fastest form of transport (about an hour from either Bangkok or Pattaya) to the bridge-linked island.
Because of its size, ground transfer to your hotel can take up to two hours, especially if you are staying on or near Cape Panwa.
Beach Vacations
Phuket beaches are beautiful, boasting soft white sand and a fabulous clear sea. The location, sitting western-most of all Thai territory, is itself impressive. As the east coast tends to be rocky and less ideal, tourists prefer beaches on the west coast. The most popular and at times overcrowded is Patong Beach, where the majority of hotels, shops, diving centers, and island nightlife are located.
Karon Beach takes a step back from the fly-by-your-pants frivolity of Patong, and so there are generally fewer people who use it. It offers almost all of the same amenities, in terms of water sports, as its neighbor however, and the evenings tend to be just as fun though on differnt level. Kata Beach is located on the banks of a cozy bay surrounded by hills, with rocks dividing it into two parts – Kata Yai, the bigger part, and Kata Noi, the smaller part. The long Nai Harn Beach is serene and almost deserted in comparison, mainly because of the monastery located not far away. The distance from the provincial capital – Phuket, to Mai Khao, the farthest beach on the island, is about 30 km, which is easily accessible by car. Stretching for an incredible 11 km, it is still blessedly underdeveloped and underutilized. Nai Yang is just south of Mai Khao and is considered one of the best places on the island for swimming and snorkeling, while Bangtao is located farther south on the lagoon shore.
There are only a few beaches in the island’s southeast, such as Chalong, that have any decent degree of infrastructure. What is particularly interesting though is Rawai Beach on the southernmost tip of Phuket is well-known not only for its incredible landscapes, but also for Thailand’s beloved Sea Gypsies, the original inhabitants of the island.
Sights
The famed Similan archipelago, a nature reserve located not far off Phuket, is rightly recognized as one of the top ten places in the world for diving. In addition, the Khao Sok National Park, whose pearl is the Chiu Lan artificial lake, is located within close proximity.The famed Similan archipelago, a nature reserve located not far off Phuket, is rightly recognized as one of the top ten places in the world for diving.
In addition, the Khao Sok National Park, whose pearl is the Chiu Lan artificial lake, is located within close proximity.
Entertainment and Activities
Phuket is the most tenanted island in Thailand, in terms of its numerous beaches, clubs, restaurants, cinemas, and so on. Its nightlife center – Bangla Road, is just down from Patong Beach. Children will enjoy the local zoo, aquarium, and Splash Jungle Aqua Park, while those who crave a little more action will enjoy jungle zip lines, underwater motorcycles, helicopter rides, Rogue River rafting, parasailing, personal water carriers, and more.
Divers like Phuket very much. In addition to the Similan Islands, Shark Point is also a great spot to explore underwater. Picture this: a large reef covered in soft corals and anemones, literally teeming with leopard sharks, manta rays, cuttlefish, and other large marine animals. The reefs around Koh Racha Yai also comprise coral and small marine creatures, while the small uninhabited Koh Racha Noi is surrounded by entire reef plantations where many species of exotic fish and crustaceans can be found. There, you’ll find the sunken King Cruiser – an 85-meter passenger liner with four decks, which went down in 1997. If that weren’t enough, the northern Surin archipelago, comprising Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and the famous Richelieu Rock, serves as a shelter for whale sharks and large manta ray with whom you can swim. This small island chain is considered one of the best diving sites in all of Southeast Asia.
Holidays and other interesting events are held on Phuket year-round. Some of these include the Vegetarian Festival, which happens every autumn; the Royal Regatta in early December; the Triathlon competition in October-November; the 13 March fair honoring island heroines Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthorn; the Seafood Festival in early May; and the biannual Feast of the Sea Gypsies – Loi Chao Le Roy, similar to the Thai Festival of Light in June and November.
Shopping
There are two major shopping and entertainment centers in Phuket – Central Festival and Jungseylon, each boasting an abundance of shops specializing in precious stones, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
Prices
Phuket is one of the most expensive islands in Thailand, with transport – especially taxis, taking the cake in terms of cost.
Please note:
some island beaches sustain a strong current, including powerful breakers reaching the beach. Please be careful when entering the water.
Phuket’s climate has a distinct seasonal nature. Its dry season lasts from November to April, while the rains bring frequent tropical cyclones producing gusty winds from May to October. The showers however tend not to last more than two or three hours each day.
