Phuket
Pearl of South
General Information
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: South Thailand, Thailand
Area: 543 km²
Languages Spoken: Thai
Long Distance Code: +66
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: November to March and July And August
International Access: -Description
Phuket, Thailand, is commonly referred to as the ‘Pearl of South’ and is the largest island in Thailand. Phuket Island runs 48 kilometers north to south and 21 kilometers east to west. Phuket is broken by a chain of mountains and valleys mainly from a north-south range running down the west coast. This accounts for about 70% of the land area. The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song (12 Cane Peak) is 529 meters. The other 30% of the island is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern portions of the island. Laying in the Andaman Sea off southern Thailand’s west coast, the island’s terrain is incredibly varied, with rocky headlands, long broad sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, forested hills, small estuaries, lagoons, and tropical vegetation of all kinds. Its large size has allowed microclimates to develop in different areas of the island.One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket''s nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai.Location
-Climate
Tropical Climate
The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Changwat), and Nakhon Luang Thai Bank.
This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Por Cham, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Por Chaung, and Luang Por Gluam. Other monks, who were abbots of the temple during later times, and who are the objects of respect and recipients of the offerings by Phuket people generally.
A popular beach for families, it as great shopping, and delicious restaurants. It has beautiful white sand with palm trees to shade you. In May through October, surfers come to enjoy the waves on this beautiful beach.There is a Dino Park in Kata Beach where kids can go and enjoy themselves and even play a round of miniature golf
A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the city''s northwest. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V''s reign.
More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water around Phuket. The aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island''s extreme southeast.
Excellent shopping with awesome and lively nightlife. Has restaurants, bars, discos, Thai boxing, and shopping all within a 10 minute walk. The fresh food is excellent and it comes directly from the Adriatic sea. As for shopping, at night there are tons of stores popping up on the streets where you can haggle for items you want. There is a place in Patong Beach called Jungceylon, which is a large shopping and entertainment center.
It houses more than 3,000 animals, but the main attractions seem to be the daily animal shows that include crocodile wrestling and performing elephants and monkeys.