Phuket Thailand

Phuket Thailand's largest island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. This island is rich in natural resources. The area has the perfect weather for agriculture and provides colorful tropical vistas. The terrain is incredibly varied supporting a variety of plants and animals, some indigenous to Phuket. In addition to agricultural output, this island has a long history of tin production. Phuket is large (540 sq. km) and it is also its own province. This is the wealthiest area in the Kingdom. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow sea channel. A bridge has connected the mainland and the island for a long time. This simple access from the mainland has increased the popularity and vehicular traffic on the island. The terrain varies considerably. There are long beautiful sandy beaches, rocky coast lines and places with large limestone cliffs facing the ocean. The interior of the island contains hills and lush level areas booming with tropical plant life of all varieties. There are more different geographic variations on Phuket than on any other island in Thailand.

The first European settlers arrived on Phuket in the 16th Century. They were Dutch pearl traders searching the area for new and different supplies of pearls. Additionally a huge source of tin was discovered and the island shortly became well known for tin production.

Phuket Town is the main city on the island. In the 19th century the island's vast tin resources attracted a large number of Chinese immigrants. The sea worthy Portuguese settled here to transport the tin to distant ports. A combination of the Chinese and Portuguese backgrounds has given this island a culture of its own. There is still a strong Chinese influence in this wealthy Town. The rubber, agricultural products and seafood, along with tin have all contributed to the general wealth of Phuket.

Thai and Chinese people were the original inhabitants of Phuket. They lived simply from the land and sea. The shores were visited by wandering Indonesian fishermen settling for only short periods of time. The arrival of the early European settlers brought traditions of their own. This combination of natives, sea gypsies and Europeans has evolved into its own special blend. Today Phuket has maintained this distinct culture of its own.

Tourist Attraction:

Khao Rang : It is a small hill, located behind the township area, maintained as a public park by the Municipality. It is also the location of Radio and Television Stations operated by the Department of Public Relations.

Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village :It is located on Thepkasattri Road (3 km. from town). In the village, there are cultural performances show the Thai way of life with folk dances, Thai boxing, the unique aspects of Phuket and the south, a handicraft center, and orchid farm and the elephant show. It is open from 9.00-19.00 hrs. The show is presented 2 times daily from 11.00-12.00 hrs. and 17.30-18.30 hrs.

Sixty Years Pillar Monument :It is located at the stone bridge where Phuket Road ends and was constructed in 1969 as a memorial to Mr. Miles who devised the use of a dredger in mining operations in 1909.

Ko Sire :This island is located 4 kms. southeast of Phuket, a monastic community, and the home of the Chao Le, "Sea Gypsies" Wat Chalong :This monastery is located 8 kms. from Phuket town and houses bronze images of the monks Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who are highly respected by Phuket inhabitants. Luang Pho Chaem is famed for his part in quelling a rebellion by Chinese mine workers who tried to occupy Phuket during the reign of King Rama V.

Hat Rawai : This popular beach has been famous for a long period of time. It is locate 14 kms. from the township area and here there is a Chao Le "Sea Gypsy" tribal village.
Nai Harn Beach : This beach is located 18 kms. from the township area. Traveling, from Chalong 5-Way Junction through the road to Hat Rawai about 3 kms. a 4 kms. access road branches of on the right to Hat Nai Han. The beach is small but peaceful.

Surin Beach : This is the famous beach of Phuket, located 26 kms. from the township area. However, the beach shelf is steep and the fairly heavy surf renders it unsuitable for swimming. There is a golf course above the beach line.

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park : It is located 20 kms. from town and has innumerable birds, wild boars and monkeys to enliven botanical beauty cooled by sonorous cascades. There is also a beautiful waterfall called, Nam Tok Ton Sai.

Wat Phra Thong: This Golden Buddha Image Monastery is located just beyond the Amp hoe Thalang Administrative Office. There a torso of Buddha image rises up from the ground.
Nai Yang Beach : The beach is located on the road to the airport, 37 kms. from the township area and has a long secluded stretch of beautiful beach.

Kamala Beach : Ten minutes north of Patong as you reach the top of the Khao Phanthurat pass 303 m (990 ft) above sea level you will look out over the breathtaking panoramic view of Kamala Bay. The 2.5 km crescent shaped bay is dotted with casuarinas trees on the first half of the coastline and coconut palms and sugar palms decorate the other. In spite of the large Safari Park entertainment center now being built on the north end of the valley Kamala has maintained its small fishing village atmosphere. If you take the first left turn at the bottom of the grade you will come to a small bridge continue to the left and you will find two isolated small beaches. The little lanes and meandering small roads that branch off lead to beautiful beach houses and cottages and several low rise condominiums. This end of the beach offers a peaceful tranquil environment with crystal clear water and coral reefs just a few meters offshore. Back to the bridge and a right turn brings you to a small fishing village strung out along the beach going north. Intermixed with small houses is the occasional store and restaurant. The atmosphere at Kamala is very relaxed and a very pleasant location for those looking for a quiet beach for sunning or taking a long lazy stroll along a mostly deserted beach. The little shops selling food are quite good and the prices are low enough that you can eat Thai style; by eating a little food from a large number of stalls. The Kamala Valley is a popular rental area for those who are staying a few months or more on the island.

Laem Sing Beach : Is 20 minutes north of Patong, and is the first stop on our beach safari. The beach is not visible from the road but the small parking area is located about half way up the grade at the north end of Kamala Beach look for the small handmade signs. This is one of the undeveloped beaches frequently missed by visitors who are unaware of its location. Its a five minute walk down a fairly steep path to reach this remote little beach. The natural beauty of this beach is enhanced by the fact it sits well below the highway which lends a serene and quiet feeling that is not always present on other beaches in Phuket. The interesting rock formations along Laem Sing Beach offer some the best snorkeling opportunities on the island. Noted during recent visits was an increase in the number of beach venders and the occasional sighting of jetski activity, but it is still a pleasant little beach get-a-way well worth going out of the way for. Some recent reports coming back suggest that many readers stopping here on the first leg of there beach safari are being taken in by the quiet charms of this hidden bay and are spending the whole day here.

Promthep cape :Prom’ is the Thai word for the Hindu God ‘Brahma’ signifying purity and ‘Thep’ is Thai for God. Promthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket Island. It has traditionally been the prominent feature for mariners approaching the island. No trip to Phuket would be complete without taking a few photos of the breathtaking panoramic vista overlooking the southern tip of the island. The best time to visit is as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. But don’t miss the sunrise if you can make it there at that hour, as many people feel it is even more spectacular and the crowds are a lot smaller. The view is practically irresistible for photography since the bay reflects images of coral reefs as the waves in changing hues break upon rock boulders.

Patong Beach : Is a public beach, there are no closed or reserved areas. In practice however, most of the beach has been staked out by private vendors who will rent you a beach chair and shade umbrella. Venders selling everything including massage services, food, beverages, fresh fruit, clothes, jewelry, electric power tools, etc. will beat a path to your chair. One intrepid vender of note has been sighted pushing a cart full of "folding step ladders" down the beach. To prevent that boring serenity that many seek from a beautiful tropical beach, here you will be treated to the sight and sound of numerous jet skis, para-sailing, and any number of other small water craft with large motors. Those seeking a less commercial and quiet atmosphere may want to head north on the beach road a short distance to the intersection with Phrabarami Road (which means "road constructed through Royal influence") the main road to Phuket Town. Here the beach is strewn with large granite boulders that deter all but the most determined venders and offers an opportunity to comb for small seashells that often wash ashore here. Just around the rock outcroppings to the north is the much quieter Ka Lim Beach. On the south end of the beach near the bridge connecting to the Coral Island Resort are a group of long tail boats for hire. A small stream empties in the bay here, unfortunately the water is untreated wastewater.

Karon Beach :Is a long gently curving beach of small sparkling white sand dunes, crisp clean water and a few evergreen trees. As you circle the roundabout, you can go east through the village and you will be on the main highway running east and west across the island, or you can continue south along the road to Kata beach and the rest of the south coast beaches. During the months of June through September, the strong south-west winds brings surf from the open sea. Karon Beach and Relax Bay Beach receive continuous big waves and experienced surfers head out to challenge them. The southern end of Karen Beach has the most surf activity and there are surf stations with boards for hire.

Kata & Kata Noi Beach : There are two beaches called Kata: Kata Noi and Kata Yai , This is the beach of choice if you are swimming with small children because it remains shallow for about thirty meters from the shoreline. Koh Poo, the small island off the north end, has a lively coral reef that is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. If you stroll to either end of the beach you will find many little places that offer tasty Thai food. Kata Noi separated by a small headland from the larger beach, this charming little bay is nestled up against lush emerald green jungle covered mountains. Quiet and convenient, this tranquil little piece of paradise is one of the nicest places to stay on the island. There is a small coral reef at the south end but caution must be taken, because of the steeper drop off from the shore than at Kata Yai and because this beach is affected more by rough weather.

Tourism: In the past decade, this industry has become the biggest earner for the area, and it continues to grow. One of the biggest issues now is how to retain the benefits of tourism while sustaining the natural attractions that brought the visitors here in the first place. Phuket now gets more than 3 million visitors every year, and this number is growing. The area is a popular holiday destination for both Asians and Westerners.

Climate: Temperatures all year round on Phuket vary between 21-34 CC. Water temperatures range from 26-28 CC. which mean wetsuits are not necessary to enjoy water sport. The northeast monsoon season, roughly November till April brings consistently sunny weather, cool breezes and low humidity, with seas. The southwest monsoon, May till October, sees the rainiest and most unpredictable weather along with frequent swells off the Indian Ocean.

Population : Phuket estimated population, approximate 230,000 person.

Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach on the other side of the cape from Nai Harn, Rawai beach was the first to be regularly visited by Thai tourists to Phuket long before foreigners were a common sight in Phuket. The Rawai area is famous for the Promthep Cape viewpointand a Sea Gypsy village both of which form part of the Thai and Asian tourist trails. The main beach at Rawai is is not great for swimming, but the casuarina tree lined esplanade is perfect for sampling freshly barbecued seafood at the weekend - a favourite with the locals. This is also an excellent starting point for visits to the outlying islands of Ko Hae and Ko Lone and Ko Racha/Raya- longtail boats and speedboats can be easily chartered from the beach.

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach on the southern end of Phuket, is one of the island's most beautiful locations. Still with only one hotel The Phuket Yacht Club and a few bars and restaurants, this area gives the feeling of Phuket many years ago. Fine sand and clear water makes this one of the island's nicest beaches. The cafes on the beach serve up some of the best food on the island (and at local prices too.)

Nai Yang Beach

Is noted for its impressive forest of tall casuarinas trees, and as a picnic spot for Thais. Mobile food and fruit venders gather around the perimeter of the park and do a brisk business especially on weekends.

As throughout southern Thailand if you find a beach that is popular with local Thais it will also have a wonderful selection of grilled seafood stalls and other Thai munchies and Nai Yang Beach is no exception. During low tide swimming can be good and a large coral reef a short distance offshore harbors a considerable variety us sea life and seashells are known to wash ashore here, especially after a monsoon storm. Nai Yang Beach has a very different feeling than beaches to the south. The Pearl Village Beach Hotel across from the beach usually has an elephant in residence that will give you ride on the beach and splash water on you for a few baht. Nai Yang is usually the last beach stop on the north beach safari.

Bang Tao Beach

Is a 8 km long sweeping crescent shaped bay with a gentle slope and absolutely pure white sand and is fringed with rows of casuarina trees. The constant but gentle breeze on this bay has made Bangtao Beach very popular with windsurfers and it plays host to several international competitions each year. The main entrance to Bangtao beach is 2 km north of Surin Village and marked with large signs from the sprawling Laguna Phuket complex that takes up most of the middle of the bay.

This remarkable complex of five luxury resort hotels integrated into one into what appears to be small city by the sea. The Banyan Tree Resort, The Allamanda, Dusit Laguna, and the Sheraton Grande Laguna Beach Club all employ the same low rise village style architecture that are uniquely designed to blend with the vastness of the old tin mine which is what this area used to be. The old tin mining lake is now a beautifully landscaped lagoon that serves as a water sports center. This is a classic example of the modern one-stop all-inclusive tourist location. Your entire holiday can be spent here without leaving the complex. Guests can charge their meals to their hotel rooms at any of the 28 restaurants and bars throughout the complex. The adjourning Banyon Tree Golf Club course, the beach, blooming flowers everywhere, rock gardens, manmade waterfalls everything is tastefully designed and organized to give their guests a serene and happy environment for their carefree holiday. As Bangtao Beach is 40 minutes from town and the restaurants and entertainment centers on the island most of the guests staying here have bought themselves a package deal from their travel agents.

Unless you are interested in windsurfing we usually route the beach safari to Nai Thon beach as the next stop.

Surin Beach

A kilometer north of Laem Sing Beach lies the popular Surin Beach. As of now this beach has not been developed and it is a quiet and peaceful bay lined with a row of stately Casuarina trees. A tropical beach with pine trees rather than palm trees may seem out of place to many but the local Thais flock to this beach on weekends and holidays and bask in the shade provided by these unusual trees. The middle of the beach front is occupied by a dozen Thai beach-style mini restaurants serving up sizzling seafood to hungry visitors. Surin Beach is usually the second stop on the north beach safari and a good place for lunch because the next beach stop does not serve food.

For the careful swimmer Surin offers some good snorkeling opportunities at both ends of the beach but during the rainy season the water visibility is not very good. Big waves that are common on Surin beach during the monsoon season have caused a steep drop from the shore to the water line and can create dangerous undertow conditions. During high tide when the swells are big and running swiftly good surfing conditions exist here and is becoming an increasingly popular sport. There are no vendors renting surf boards at the beach yet but that may change in the future. Good surfing conditions can make for hazardous swimming and care must be taken with children and non-swimmers.

Laem Singh Beach

Is 20 minutes north of Patong, and is the first stop on our beach safari. The beach is not visible from the road but the small parking area is located about half way up the grade at the north end of Kamala Beach look for the small handmade signs. This is one of the undeveloped beaches frequently missed by visitors who are unaware of its location. Its a five minute walk down a fairly steep path to reach this remote little beach. The natural beauty of this beach is enhanced by the fact it sits well below the highway which lends a serene and quiet feeling that is not always present on other beaches in Phuket. The interesting rock formations along Laem Sing Beach offer some the best snorkeling opportunities on the island. Noted during recent visits was an increase in the number of beach venders and the occasional sighting of jetski activity, but it is still a pleasant little beach get-a-way well worth going out of the way for.

Some recent reports coming back suggest that many readers stopping here on the first leg of there beach safari are being taken in by the quiet charms of this hidden bay and are spending the whole day here.

Kamala Beach

Fifteen minutes north of Patong as you reach the top of the Khao Phanthurat pass 303 m (990 ft) above sea level you will look out over the breathtaking panoramic view of Kamala Bay. The 2.5 km crescent shaped bay is dotted with casuarina trees on the first half of the coastline and coconut palms and sugar palms decorate the other. In spite of the large Safari Park entertainment center now being built on the north end of the valley Kamala has maintained its small fishing village atmosphere. If you take the first left turn at the bottom of the grade you will come to a small bridge continue to the left and you will find two isolated small beaches.

The little lanes and meandering small roads that branch off lead to beautiful beach houses and cottages and several low rise condominiums. This end of the beach offers a peaceful tranquil environment with crystal clear water and coral reefs just a few meters offshore. Back to the bridge and a right turn brings you to a small fishing village strung out along the beach going north. Intermixed with small houses is the occasional store and restaurant. The atmosphere at Kamala is very relaxed and a very pleasant location for those looking for a quiet beach for sunning or taking a long lazy stroll along a mostly deserted beach. The little shops selling food are quite good and the prices are low enough that you can eat Thai style; by eating a little food from a large number of stalls. The Kamala Valley is a popular rental area for those who are staying a few months or more on the island.

Pansea Beach

Is a small secluded quiet beach that has a special feeling and many agree it is the finest beach on the island. Although it runs for only 250 meters it has fine white sand that glistens in the light and reflects off the clear blue sea. It has lively coral reefs and artistic rock formations embellish both ends that seem to frame the beach into one idyllic vision of a tropical beach paradise. Beauty has its price and in this case the natural beauty of this small protected natural bay attracted the famous Chedi Resort and the ultra-exclusive Amanpuri Hotel. This upscale resort plays host to the international celebrity set who don’t mind paying the ultra-high prices charged for privacy. Pansea Beach seems to be an exception to the law in Thailand that all beaches are public, because these hotels are allowed to run off all outsiders.

Patong Beach

Patong is the island's oldest and most developed tourist area, with a wide range of accommodation and activities to offer within close proximity of a long crescent shaped beach. With plenty of action and friends to be found, Patong is a popular spot for those seeking fun in the sun. Swimming and other water activities are readily enjoyable at this well organised and serviced beach resort area, and a host of other activities are well at hand for those who want a respite from sun worshipping.

Hotels range from simple guesthouses to luxury international chain hotels, and support services such as shopping, banks and tour operators are many and varied.

Nightlife in Patong is colorful and varied. You'll find pubs, go-go bars, discos, markets, and many exotic sights within easy walking distance. Spot the renowned Katoeys (lady-boys) strutting their stuff and rivaling the most beautiful "girls" in the world, catch a Thai boxing match or live music, or linger over you choice of local or international fare at one of the many restaurants to chose from. Don't forget to look for bargains in the street markets, or in the many shops open till late - there is so much to chose from here.

Undoubtedly the place for those who like action, to meet people and enjoy lots of color.

Karon Beach

Just over the big hill (going south past Le Meridien Hotel) and only 10 minutes from Patong Beach lies Karon Beach, with three miles of unspoiled sand and a good choice of accommodation. Development on Karon is fairly spread out, and because of its size the beach is seldom crowded. In the southwest monsoon (May to October) it can be dangerous to swim here because of strong undertows, so do observe the warning flags.

Kata Beach

Farther south, around a rocky headland and a little cove, you'll find Kata Beach, a little seaside village with clusters of small restaurants, bars, and resorts at either end of the bay. Club Med a low-rise, unobtrusive development in keeping with the pleasant ambiance occupies the centre of the beach.

Kata and Kata Noi, its smaller cousin to the south, are quiet beaches with great little seaside resorts. The Boathouse Inn and Marina Cottage are two notable examples on Kata. Kata Noi offers the Kata Thani and several other smaller resorts. Crystal waters, a wide choice of recreations, plenty of little restaurants and boutiques, and lots of elbow room are the highlights of the Kata area.

Kata Yai is also a popular spot for Phuket's growing community of monsoon season surfers, and this September, Phuket's Second Quik silver Surfing Contest will be held here. Local and international amateur surfers will vie for honours, no doubt providing great spectator sport for visitors to Kata where there are plenty of alternative activities close at hand for both participants and spectators alike.

From here it's an easy trip farther south again over a beautiful mountain road to Nai Harn Beach.