Places of Attraction

Phuket Orchid Garden & Thai Village
Phuket Butterfly Garden & Aquarium
Chana Charoen Farm
Sixty Year Pillar Monument
Marine Biological Research Centre
Beaches
Bang Tao
Patong
Karon
Kata
Nai Harn
Rawai

Phuket, a large island in the Andaman Sea, is the only island to have provincial status. The ‘Pearl of Thailand’ is world renowned for its acres of white sandy beaches which sprawl along the foot of a range of hills covered in jungle, rubber plantations, coconut groves and picturesque villages. Off the shoreline magnificent coral life enthrall the enthusiastic divers that come from all over the world to enjoy the pleasant waters teeming with marine life.  

The history and wealth of Phuket came from its profitable involvement in tin production which dates back over 500 years. Early Chinese immigrants migrated to the area to work in the mines and brought with them their own pieces of culture and traditions. The annual ten day 'Vegetarian Festival' during Sept-Oct, originated with the influx of Chinese immigrant workers in the 19th century. The Sino-Portuguese style shop houses that line many streets in Phuket town centre also reflect the island's past setting as an international trading arena.

At one point the island nearly became an outpost for the British, when in 1786, Captain Francis Light of the East India Trading Company tried to secure Phuket for British interests. However Thailand’s claim of suzerainty and the British government’s decision to find a more strategic position to protect its interests in the Malay peninsula changed Light’s plans.

Today visitors come to Phuket primarily for its wealth of beaches, most of which are located on the western shores of the island. The eastern side consists mainly of rocky shoals, with some smaller islands close to the shore. Small islands off the south eastern shoreline are great for their coral, offering spectacular dives for diving enthusiasts. The island's diving shops also operate many trips to other diving sites in the area.

Most beach resorts have facilities available for a complete range of watersports; from windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, sailing, sea-canoeing, jet-skiing and boogie boards. Not forgetting snorkeling and scuba diving. And for those wanting to pit their strength at gamefishing, the clear blue waters of the Andaman are abound with marlin, tuna, sailfish and dorado.

Fun and adventure is not just limited to the beaches. For those that might want to escape the beach and explore the hinterland, they should head for the Khao Phra Thaeo park. The last remains of virgin rainforest on the island, the park has a marked hiking route for visitors to follow.

Getting There & Away
By Air Thai International operates nearly a dozen flights from Bangkok for 2,300 Baht one way. The flight takes approximately one hour.

Bangkok Airways flies between Koh Samui and Phuket daily for 1,530 Baht.

Places of Attraction

Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village
Located on Thepkasattri Rd (3 km from Phuket Town), the village hosts many cultural performances depicting the Thai way of life. Including folk dances, Thai boxing and other aspects of life in Phuket  and the south. There is also a handicraft centre, orchid farm and an elephant show.

Phuket Butterfly Garden and Aquarium
Located at Mu Ban Sam Kong about 3km from town. The butterfly garden plays home to a great range of pretty, colourful butterflies. Information on their metamorphosis into the beautiful insects and a tour around the breeding rooms are available. The fascinating underwater world of corals are on display in the aquarium, along with marine life from the northern Mekong River and from around the island.

Chana Charoen Farm
Situated on Chana Charoen Rd. The farm contains an aquarium, estuarine crocodiles, alligators and has an elephant show.

Sixty Year Pillar Monument
Located at Saphan Hin, the stone bridge where Phuket road ends.It was constructed in 1969 and stands as a memorial to Mr. Miles, who devised the use of a dredger in mining operations in 1909.

Marine Biological Research Centre
The research centre is situated on the end of Laem Phanwa, which is about 9km from the centre of town. A sea aquarium displays fishes of many varieties, marine animals and shells. This is Thailand's major research centre for the study of tropical reef ecosystems, commercial fishing and the protection of marine wildlife.

Beaches

Bang Tao is an 8km long stretch of soft white sand, backed by casuarina trees. Known as 'Laguna Resort' it is one of the best beaches on the island - the accommodation here is in the upper price ranges. Behind the beach are lagoons that front a golf course and the luxury resort. The resort was developed on the site of a dis-used tin mine; in this case a development for the better.

Patong is the most developed beach on Phuket. In the early 70's Patong was little more than a small fishing village. Now however, the place has grown into a full town with hotels, supermarkets, shopping arcades and entertainment centres. Patong offers the best range of water sports available on the island. The shops also offer diving trips in the bay or to the Similan Islands off to the west, considered one of the best diving areas in Asia.

Karon is just south of Patong and is also known as two beaches Karon Yai and Karon Noi (also known as Relax Bay). The latter is dominated by the Le Meridien Hotel. A little quieter than the resort down the road at Patong, the long wide beaches here are perfect for the holiday maker content on relaxing, soaking up the sun and munching on delicious seafood.

Kata, further south along the western coast and around the headland, is divided into two - Ao Kata Yai and Ao Kata Noi. Kata Yai is the site of a Club Med. Although it can get very crowded here, the water is very clear and perfect for snorkeling.

Nai Harn is a few kilometres south of Kata set in a picturesque bay. The beach is flanked by two tall hills and backed by a lagoon; an idyllic setting leading it to being one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches. The bay is the location for the up-market Phuket Yacht Club. The amenities available are limited compared to Patong, but with such a beautiful  beach to appreciate, it is worth a trip to. One of the least crowded of Phuket's beaches it is also a perfect place to enjoy the sunset at the nearby Laem Promthep, a tall hill covered with date palms and bright yellow grass.

Rawai was one of the first coastal areas to be developed on the island. However after the development of resorts stretching along the west coast its popularity began to dwindle. Today most of the visitors are divers who want to be located close to the boating facilities and visit the offshore islands on diving trips.