Phuket

Phuket (pronounced “Pooket”) is the largest island in Thailand measuring 540 square km it is compared with Singapore that is a similar size.

It is difficult to state the number of people living in Phuket with the number of tourists that visit the island together at any one time but is considered over 250,000 persons.

The main town is “Phuket Town” and has the largest number of inhabitants and well worth a visit especially at ‘festival time’

There are around 35 beaches on Phuket - some well known by the tourists and some are quite stunning and secluded with clear waters but difficult to find and we call them 'secret beaches'. However in time we fear these will also be developed to accommodate the beach hungry tourists. 

Patong beach is the most popular beach located on the west coast and is now more or less a resort rather than the fishing village it was around 15 years ago and tourism here gives a big boost for the Phuket and Thailand economy.

Agriculture including the farming of coconuts, bananas, pineapples etc is still a major source of income for Phuket as well as the fishing industry and a number of rubber plantations cover large areas of land.

About Phuket

Phuket is the most visited tourist spot in Thailand and attracts more than 3 million visitors annually and it's sheer size and what it offers allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds.

Limestone cliffs and palm-fringed tropical beaches and calm azure blue waters give Phuket it's popularity and are its biggest draw with each beach having a character and charm of its own separated by picturesque headlands. However exploration by trek or by elephant of the inland areas can be an interesting diversion with it's plantations, rice paddies and rain forest.

Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm and humid. There are two distinct seasons -- the green season ( May - October) where the climate is pleasant and cooler but expect some heavy showers - and the hot season (November - May) when short heavy thundery showers give a welcome relief to the humidity at this time of the year.

The Andaman Sea is blessed with crystal clear water, beautiful geography and warm weather all year round. It remains Thailand's leading destination for sailing, and one of the primary sailing centers in South East Asia.

The clearest and the calmest waters are off the west coast of the island near Patong. Sailing and yachting around Phuket offers some resplendent sights to the north, west and south of the island. The highlights include Pi Pi Islands, Phang Nga, Krabi, Similan Islands and Surin Islands.

Attractions to visit

Phuket has a number of watersport based and other activities to choose from as listed in the 'Activities' section however we have listed below a few of the many attractions that can be seen at a leisurely pace.

Aquarium and Marine Biological Research Centre
The Phuket Aquarium is located in the south of Phuket at Cape Panwa and gives a good introduction to the marine life found in the waters around Phuket. It has recently undergone an extensive renovation and now one of the highlights is a 10 metre long underwater glass tunnel.

Old Phuket Town
Take a half day trip and see the beautiful shop houses of Old Phuket town to these old Sino Portuguese streets which also has many cafes, bakeries and other eateries to enjoy. There is also a 'walking street' market on Sundays.

Phuket Fantasea
This show is quite an extravaganza very professionally presented. Including traditional dancing, trapeze artists, Thai warriors on elephants and everyday scenes recreated with a great sound-and light show, it provides a glimpse into some Thai myths and legends as well as a bawdy pantomime style entertainment.

Simon Cabaret
In the land of the "katoey", Simon Cabaret is one of the biggest, glitziest, most glam cabaret shows around. The entertainment features a spectacular musical, performed by this very professional, entertaining troupe of "girls" all wearing out-of-this-world feathered and sequined numbers, and performing choreographed routines. Fabulous fun.

Spa and Wellness

Many arrive in Phuket having heard about the benefits of the various treatments derived from ancient traditions and looking to achieve physical and mental well being which is a key to maintaining health and beauty. Phuket is also paradise for spa lovers and boasts world class spas offering luxurious and rejuvenating body and facial treatments, aromatic steam baths, expert massages and yoga classes. If you feel like leaving the your luxury Phuket villa for a treatment there are many Spa and Well Being centres in Phuket most of which are attached to the Resort hotels

Where is Phuket?

The island is approximately 860 km south of Bangkok and located in the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast that is part of the Indian Ocean, Phuket or 'The Pearl of the South' is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge.

How to get to Phuket

Phuket airport is an international airport and Thailand's second busiest hub behind Bangkok.
Flights arrive direct from all over the world including Singapore,, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang many cities from Australia and Europe as well as domestically from other Thailand destinations.

There are no direct train rail services to Phuket, although a train from Bangkok will take you to Surat Thani where a bus can be taken for a 2 - 3 hour journey to Phuket.

If you prefer a bus ride the overnight air conditioned bus from Bangkok is the best option and will take 12 - 14 hours to Phuket.

Watersports and Sea Tours

Sailing Trips /Sailing School

Have a beautiful experience and cruise the amazing islands in Phang Nga Bay even by chinese junk (take a weekend or sunset trip). Yacht charters and sailing lessons are available mostly in Chalong in the south of Phuket.

Surfing

Surfing is not a major sporting pastime due to the lack of surf waves but at certain times of the year this s possible on the wst coast beaches such as Kata in the south and Kalim further north. You will find the hire of boards and equipment as well as instruction also at these locations

Water Ski/Cable Ski

The waters around Phuket are pefect for waterskiing in between November and April and operators located on the busier beaches offer trips as well as the usuall banana boat rides. Cable ski and Wakeboarding can be found on an artificial retangular lake inland near Patong.

Diving and Snorkelling

There are many operators offering diving courses for all the family (8 years up) as well as snorkeling tours in the islands surrounding Phuket

Yacht Charter

Chartering a yacht in Phuket is one of the most luxurious ways to experience the west coast of Thailand and the beautiful waters of the Andaman. The yacht charter option provides flexibility and comfort. A number of yachts are available for charter on the island.

Waterpark

Thrilling rides, exhiliarating slides, lazy river and a 6 level wave pool at the Splash Jungle Waterpark located at the Centara Grand West Sands Resort in the north west of Phuket provide fun for all the family.

Kiteboarding

Kitesurfing lessons and kitboarding trips are available from the beaches in the south of Phuket where there is low tides and shallow water on a sandy Bay. Kitesurfing Phuket is based on Friendship beach in Chalong Bay and has a fully equipped shop and reaturant and bar facilities.

Kayaking

Rent a kayak for a few hours or venture off for a day or so and explore the beautiful islands of Phuket individually. Recommended however are the Kayaking group trips offered including a guide to discover the beauty of the small islands and it's wildlife including monkeys, sea eagles and other birdlife.

Other Activities

Temple Visits

Visit The Big Buddha standing 45metres high looking over the south west and southern bays of Chalong, Rawai and Kata as well as the many temples throughout Phuket that are certainly worth a visit to experience.

Jungle Safari Tours

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is a jungle region located 20km north of Phuket Town and is great for trekking. There is also a Gibbon rehabilitation project, and two waterfalls that are popular bathing and picnicking spots. A full day tour may take in canoeing and a visit to an elephant camp.

Golf

There are 8 golf courses on the island and can be challenging for the beginner or experienced golfer. The most well known is the Laguna Phuket Golf Course located in the north west and the Red Mountain Golf Club in the centre.

Go Kart and Off Road Fun

Safe for all the family and well worth a visit.

Escape Hunt

It is exciting, addictive, challenging, educational and above all, fun! Voyage back 100 years in time & play the part of a famous London detective solving our mysteries set in an old house in Phuket.

Cinemas and Ten Pin Bowling

There are quite a few cinemas and bowling alleys in Phuket - 3 of which are located in Phuket. A great rainy day activity

Thai Cookery School

Learn the secrets of authentic Thai Cooking from a number of venues around Phuket.

Shopping

Phuket has upmarket boutiques and antique stores situated in renovated Chinese shophouses, or Sino- Portuguese buildings. For western stile shopping visit the two mega malls on the island - Jungle Ceylon in Patong and Central Festival on the route to Phuket town.

Muay Thai Boxing

Thailand's Naional sport and a popular spectator sport which is now practiced all over the world. In the area of Patong there are nightly desplays of boxing accompanied with a frenzy of betting

Eating out in Phuket

Phuket offers so much for everyone. Walk through some bustling open-air markets laden with the freshest seafood, fruits, vegetables, and sample from vendors selling all manner of tasty treats.

Not only do most of the major hotels and resorts offer a wide selection of quality international restaurants and bars, featuring cabaret shows and live music, but every tourist centre has numerous other entertainment venues

Phuket Nightlife

Patong is undoubtedly the epicentre of the island's entertainment scene, boasting a wealth of bars, clubs, live music, and cabaret shows, yet there is still plenty to discover around the island, with Kata/Karon and Phuket town offering such a diverse range of clubs and nightspots.