Phuket

phuket beach

Phuket Night Life

phuket

Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year – the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 C and 33 C.

Phuket’s topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket’s famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

History of Phuket

Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the capes location, finally detaching it from the mainland.

A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the north of the island.

As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the island. This contributed to making the development of mining so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.

Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe, Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.

Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today.

However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish a town and established a rice farming community. On the other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket City today) was developed and became a tin trading center.

When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket was promoted to be a Monthon administrative unit under the supervision of the central administrative body (located in Bangkok).

In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.

The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences.

The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims, it is possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai temples) located next to Mosques.

Attractions:

City Route • Northern Route • Beach Route • Southern Route 

City Route 

Old Buildings

They are in the Sino-Portuguese style mixed with modern constructions form the unique identity of the town of Phuket.

These hundred-year-old buildings can be found along Thalang, Deebuk, Phang-nga, Yaowarat and Krabi roads.  

Khao Rang, Phuket View Point

(Kho Sim Bi Road)
A low hill near the town centre, this is an excellent place to view the beautiful scene of the town and the surrounding sea, especially on a full-moon night.  

There is also a fitness park near the hilltop which is frequently visited by townspeople.  

Saphan Hin Mining Monument

It was built in 1978 to commemorate the first metal ore-dredger used in Thailand, introduced by Australian Captain Edward Thomasmile in 1909. With the large ground in this area and shady pine trees, it is frequented by townspeople in the evening. 

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insectarium

Here there are plenty of butterflies of different species, and rare insects and reptiles.

Phuket Gateway

On the occasion of King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007, the Phuket Gateway was established on 10 acres of land in Thalang District to be the first stop to welcome tourists who arrive on the Island by crossing Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge. Its outstanding feature is the alignment of 29 sculptural pillars. The number of pillars comes from the auspicious numbers 2 and 9, which respectively represent the two heroines in the war with Burma in 1785, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon and the 9th king of the Chakkri Dynasty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Tourists can appreciate arts, culture, and Phuket’s history, which are inscribed on each pillar. The inscriptions cover the prosperous mining and agricultural periods, and today’s tourist industry. Another interesting point here is the sculptural works of art displaying a sea turtle and several of its gigantic eggs. Furthermore, the tourist information, a mini-theatre, coffee corner, souvenir shops as well as a library, and the Internet are provided.

Phuket Zoo

Here is an ideal place for animal lovers. You can get a close encounter with an amazing range of animals like crocodiles, camels, tigers, ostriches, emus, and other rare birds. Don’t miss the top attractions – crocodile, monkey and elephant shows. There are also a butterfly garden, an orchid garden and an aquarium.

Phuket Orchid Garden & Thai Village

(Route 402)
Visitors will be charmed by elephants at work, handicraft shops and workshops, demonstrations of tin mining and rubber manufacture, cultural shows and an exhibition of exotic varieties of orchids. 

Northern Route (Route 402)

Drive out of town to the North by Route 402 (Thep Krasattri Road) Notice the signs of the attractions on the right and left of the route.

Monument of the Two Heroines

This is the most famous landmark of Phuket located about 12 km. off Phuket town. The monument comprises two statues of women standing side by side which were the two heroine sisters of Phuket — Thao Thep Krasattri, the widow of the governor and her sister Thao Si Sunthon. The sisters courageously rallied islanders to repel Burmese invaders in 1785 when the town was without a governor. 

Thalang National Museum

(Route 4027)
Established in 1985, the museum is located in Thalang District, 200 metres from the Heroines Monument. Built in a southern architectural style, the museum exhibits the Battle of Thalang, the way of life, culture and history of Phuket and the South.

There is also an exhibition of antiques, ancient artifacts and remains discovered on the Andaman Coast. It is an ideal place for history-oriented tourists.

à The Building Architecture
The exhibition hall was designed in the local style with three-side thatched roofs and a gable. Because of its unique architectural style, the Thalang Museum’s construction later won the Architectural Design Award from the Association of Siamese Architects under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol.
The exhibits are permanently displayed in five buildings:

Main Hall
In this hall, visitors will find the explanations of the overall Thai civilization including prehistoric time, historical time and its relationship with the ancient Khmer Kingdom. Moreover, there are sections divided according to the historical periods from Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Thon Buri right up to the present Rattanakosin (Bangkok).

The highlight in this hall is the sculptures of Vishnu with deities — Bhu Devi and Laksamana at his sides in attendance. This group of Pallava-style sculptures aged around 1,100-1,200 years.

Exhibition Room 1
The room is divided into two sections:

The first section highlights Phuket Island’s geography, topography and mineral and water resources.

The second section showcases archaeological artefacts of the early inhabitants of Phuket Island and the Andaman coast, prehistoric cave paintings, and stories of Thalang and Phuket in the Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767 A.D.).

In this room there is a bronze Dong Son drum of the Vietnamese civilization, which was used in battles. The face of the drum was decorated with figures of animals to symbolize the land’s fertility. As we see today, only figures of seashells are left.

Exhibition Room 2
The room displays a scene of the Thalang War in 1785 in which the two heroines were planning strategies with their people and the scene of Chan and Muk receiving the royal command bestowing on them the titles of Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively.
Another side of the room shows the story of Phraya Ratsada (1857-1913), the model governor of Phuket.

Exhibition Room 3
In this room, visitors will find the explanation of the background of the important role the Chinese immigrants played in Phuket’s economic development. Artefacts in this room include Chinese banknotes, abacuses, writing brushes, etc.

Exhibition Room 4
The sea gypsies’ ways of life are exhibited here. Visitors will also see how Phuket earned its other name “Pearl of the Andaman”.              

Wat Phra Nang Sang

This old temple, about 20 km. from town, is also an important temple of the province. Inside there are 3 historically valued bronze heads of Buddha images recently discovered, estimated to be over a thousand years old.

Wat Phra Thong

(Thep Krasattri Road)
For people in Thalang District, Wat Phra Thong is the most important Buddhist temple, enshrining a most revered Buddha image called “Phra Thong”, meaning the Gold Buddha. The image is also called “Phra Phut” which means a Buddha image emerging from the ground.

According to local legend, about 200 years ago the villagers found the image buried in the ground and tried to excavate it for enshrinement, but only the upper part could be uncovered. Later they built a temple over it and covered it with gilded stucco, and it has remained so ever since. Inside the temple area is a museum, whose collection of historical objects includes a raincoat worn by miners at the time when tin mining on the island was flourishing. 

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park (Route 4027)

Located in Thalang District about 20 km. north of the provincial town, Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park is the only perfectly preserved rain forest abundant in flora and fauna in Phuket. Here, visitors can encamp and experience outdoor life all year round.

The most interesting plant in Khao Phra Thaeo is Palm Lang Khao or white-backed palm (Kerriodoxa), a unique species of palm which is found nowhere else in the world and considered the world’s most endangered palm species.

The elegant green foliage of this rare deciduous palm can spread out to 2 metres and the tree can grow up to three to five metres. Wild animals living in the area are wild boars, porcupines, pangolins, civets, leopard cats, gibbons, and birds like fairy blue birds, blue-winged pitta and oriental white-eye.

The park also boasts the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, which enables gibbons to return to their home in the forest. Moreover, in the area, there are two scenic waterfalls that are best seen in the rainy season.

Ton Sai Waterfall is located near the park headquarters and can easily be accessed by a four-kilometre trail. The scenic fall is well maintained and surrounded by a large variety of plant lives.

Bang Pae, a small size waterfall with a height of 12 metres, is also enveloped in uncontaminated natural beauty but is a little out of the way.

Naithon Beach

This pristine beach backed by casuarina trees has a large open cove which serves as an excellent shelter from the wind and is suitable for swimming.

Naiyang Beach

Here is where the office of Sirinat National Park (comprising Naiyang, Naithon and Mai Khao beaches) is located. Blessed with shady pine trees and offshore coral reefs, this is an ideal place for swimming and snorkelling.

It is also a good place to see turtles laying eggs in winter from November to February and to watch the release of young turtles at the Songkran Festival in April.

Mai Khao Beach or Airport Beach

This is the longest beach of Phuket, extending 9 km. from the northern end of the island to Nai Yang Beach on the west coast. It is here that until recently giant sea turtles had lumbered ashore to lay eggs from October to February.

Beach Route

Another charm of Phuket is the road network on the west coast that allow you to drive along to appreciate the fascinating views of the Andaman Sea from Rawai Beach in the South to Bangthao Beach in the North.

Rawai Beach

Located to the south of the island, Rawai is the first beach that brought fame to Phuket Island. The coconut-fringed route from the Chalong Intersection to Rawai is one of the most beautiful roads in Phuket.

Sunrise at Rawai Beach 

It is a good beach area where sea-people reside and where several restaurants provide different styles of delicious foods, especially seafood. 

Phuket Seashell Museum 

Located on Rawai beach, a collection of over 2,000 species of shells is displayed here. You will see one of the rarest golden pearls, the left-handed Noble Volute, giant clams and fossils dating back 380 million years. English information about the displayed species and their habitats is available. 

Naihan Beach

Naihan is a place for those who love peace and quiet. Its most picturesque landscape can be seen on the way from the north of Phromthep Cape down to the beach.

But it is not advisable to go for a swim here during the monsoon season (from May to October). 

Kata View Point

To enjoy a panoramic view of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, there is a vantage point on the beach route between Nai Han and Kata Noi beaches. A pavilion with seats is provided here. It is better visited in the morning than the evening as the view is clearer.

Kata Beach

Composed of 2 lovely beaches called Kata Yai (Big Kata) and Kata Noi (Small Kata) – separated from each other by a small headland. Kata Beach is a thriving resort, suitable for holiday makers who look for tranquil surroundings with a bright sun, white sand, a calm clear sea and a colorful underwater world. At the north end of Kata Beach lies a small coral reef for off-shore snorkeling.

Kata is located only 6 km. from the Chalong Intersection. The way leading to the beach can overlook the elegant scene of Chalong Bay on the southern coast of the island. Except those who like to stay in a busy area, Kata Beach has never disappointed any visitors. Various kinds of accommodations, restaurants, shops and aqua-sports facilities are available to tourists of different tastes. 

Karon Beach

Just across a low hill to the north of Kata, the long white beach of Karon stretches magnificently with pines and palms standing tall over the rolling sand-dunes providing a unique scene. It is flourishing side by side with Kata Beach, but is more placid.

The sea water here is clean and the sand is powdery. It is one of the best places for swimming, diving and sunbathing. You can come from Kata to Karon easily by road or by a path along the coast. 

Phuket Simon Cabaret

Located on Patong Beach, here you’ll find a splendid cabaret performance with hi-tech sights and sounds in luxurious surroundings.
Daily shows: 19.30 and 21.30 hours

Patong Beach

Patong is the foremost beach resort of Phuket which can compete with any other famous beaches of the world. But many people do not know that, as late as a few decades ago, Patong was the remotest district of Phuket, cut off from the main part of the island by mountains. Even though it was located only 15 km. from the provincial town, it sometimes happened that a Patong villager who was seriously ill would die before reaching a hospital in town. Thanks to His Majesty King Bhumibol, after his visit to Patong in 1959, a modern road called Phra Barami was built leading from Phuket town to Patong Beach, bringing modernization to the district.         

Patong Beach is widely known among Thais and foreigners because of two important factors. One is its natural beauty — the white sandy beach, plentiful sunshine, clear turquoise sea, fantastic underwater life and soft breezes. The other factor is the availability of a wide range of man-made facilities. Here you have a big choice of accommodation from luxury hotels to palm cottages, a host of restaurants and shops, all kinds of aqua-sports equipment and numerous places of nighttime entertainment, including enchanting transvestite cabaret shows. Patong is also famous for its late night markets where everything wanted by tourists can be found. 

Kamala Beach

It is just 6 km. north of Patong. Probably because most of the villagers here are Muslim, Kamala Beach is the only major beach in Phuket that does not have extensive hotel development and thus is still much peaceful.

However, the beach has a highlight at “Phuket FantaSea”, the cultural theme park offering a dinner buffet with an extravagant show. 

Phuket Fantasea

This is a unique cultural theme complex on a 140-acre land situated on Kamala Bay. It features a mixture of spectacular light and sound presentation mixed with pyrotechnics, dances, acrobatics, cultural and fantasy show. In addition, it offers a festival village with carnivals, games and handicrafts, and a marvellous restaurant serving Thai and international cuisines.

Laem Sing Cape

About one kilometre from Kamala Beach is Laem Sing (Sing Cape) which is a small white beach with a scenic rocky cape on the left. 

Surin Beach

This beach, bordered by a hillside with a nine-hole golf course, is a good place to see the golden sunset of Phuket. But one should not have a swim here because the beach has a steep slope which causes strong tides and waves, especially during the monsoon season.

Bang Thao Bay

Located south of Naithon Beach, this 8 km. sandy beach with an 18-hole golf course is suitable for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. The beach is lined with several upmarket resorts, most of which are part of an integrated resort system.

Southern Route

From Phuket town, you can drive along Chaofa Road (Route 4021) to the southern part of Phuket.

Marine Biological Research Centre or Phuket Aquarium

Situated on the secluded Phanwa Cape, 10 km. south of Phuket town, it displays a varied collection of tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine lives.

Wat Chalong

This is Phuket’s most beautiful and renowned temple. Located about 8 km. from town, the temple enshrines the gilt statues of monk-hero Luang Pho Chaem and his assistant Luang Pho Chuang, both much revered by local people because of their roles in quelling the miner rebellion in 1876.
Phra Mahathat Chedi, a newly built construction in the temple compound, enshrines a relic of the Buddha. 

Chalong Bay

(Chaofa Road)
Being the main gateway to the south coast of the island and main pier for travelling to all the islets off the east coast of Phuket, Chalong Bay is in the mining area and is too muddy to swim in.                                             

However, a fine view of the coconut palm groves and delicious seafood in restaurants on the shore attract hundreds of visitors to the place daily.

Laem Ka Beach

Next to Rawai Beach on the east is Laem Ka Beach, an excellent swimming area frequently visited by local people. From this quiet beach, boats can be hired to visit nearby islets.

Phuket’s activities

For sports lovers and adventure-seeking tourists, Phuket provides facilities for many kinds of exciting activities. Some interesting ones are as follows.

Trekking & Elephant back trekking

Several adventure tour companies offer you a challenge to explore the rain forest in the interior of Phuket Island as well as the national parks and jungles in the nearby provinces, e.g. Phang-nga and Krabi.

An even more challenging activity is rock climbing in the limestone mountains where the adventurers can experience world class climbing opportunities. 

Canoeing

Some islands in Phang-nga Bay and the sea off Krabi, contain caves accessible through small openings which are immersed in sea water at high tide but which are just a few feet above water when the tide is at the lowest. The world inside these undersea caverns is wonderful. The water is calm and clear, the sand is white and powdery, and the mangroves grow better than elsewhere.

To help tourists find out these secrets of nature, inflatable canoes are offered by some tour companies to explore these undersea caves which cannot be reached by long-tail boats. When making such a tour, the canoe is always paddled by a professional assigned by the tour agency. As a sport, you can also paddle it yourself, not to get into a cave, but to get a close look at the rocks and plants of the islet.  

Diving

One of the major assets of Phuket as a flourishing vacation resort is its abundance of diving destinations, all offering a fantastic underwater world of tropical fishes and coral formations, so exotic and colourful. From Phuket, all sorts of diving tours are organized lasting from half a day to two weeks. The nearest are sites off the west coast where you can explore soft and hard coral reefs, with a large variety of tropical marine life.

Much more popular are trips to islands lying to the south and east of Phuket, including Coral Island (Ko He) with its very beautiful natural scenery; Ko Racha, with dives of up to 30 metres; Shark Point, a favourite sleeping spot of leopard sharks and stingrays; Ko Dok Mai offering an impressive wall dive and a series of cave dives; and Ko Phi Phi where you can see white-tip sharks, stingrays and moral eels.          

Truly world-class diving sites are located farther away, including KO Similan, KO Surin, KO Tarutao and Burma Banks. All the first three island groups are marine national parks which offer magnificent coral gardens. Many big diving companies offer extended three to seven-day trips on live-aboard dive boats to these destinations.

Phuket, with its surrounding Andaman Sea, boasts a large number of dive companies, the majority of which are located at Patong, Kata and Karon beaches. Others can be found in Phuket town and Chalong Bay.

Apart from day trips, all dive companies also offer the introductory course and the full range of PADI courses for learners. They are staffed with qualified instructors who are members of PADI or NAUI, and provided with all sorts of modern equipment which are also available for hire.

The best diving months are December to May when the weather is good and the sea is very clear.

Golfing

Thailand has rapidly become an important golfing destination of Asia, boasting well over 100 golf courses scattered throughout the country. Many of them are newly opened with lush surroundings and superbly equipped clubhouses. The rapid booming of golfing facilities in Thailand has been attributed to several factors including the favourable weather conditions throughout the year and the comparatively low green fees and caddy fees.
Phuket and the neighbouring provinces of Phang-nga and Krabi boast a number of world-class golf courses. Some were designed by well-known international architects and golfers. The courses are set amidst lush mountains and some overlooking the crystal Andaman. Accommodations are also provided in some courses.

There are four challenging 18-hole golf courses in Phuket — Banyan Tree Club at Bangthao Beach, Blue Canyon Country Club in Thalang District, Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm in Kathu District. All the courses, built on former tin-mine sites, have their own natural beauty and also offer a pleasant walk for non-golfers.

Sailing

The Andaman Sea around Phuket has become the newest addition to the foremost yachting regions of the world. An annual event, the King’s Cup Regatta, first held in Phuket in 1987 as a 60th birthday tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is a gold medal sailor himself, has taken place in Phuket with great success each time and is now one of the prime yacht-racing fixtures in Asia.

The rapid development of sailing activities in and around Phuket has been due to the natural beauty of the area, the warm climate throughout the year, the readiness of equipment and facilities for the sport, and countless other attractions in Phuket for the sailors.
Yacht charter companies can be found at Chalong Bay, Patong Beach and in Phuket town. All of them offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Day trips usually include boat, crew, lunch, soft drinks and snorkelling gear.

Gamefishing

Phuket is a top gamefishing destination in Southeast Asia. Indeed, the list of fighting fish species available in the Andaman Sea around Phuket is as long as one to be found in a game fisherman’s handbook. They include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Giant Trevally, King Mackerel, Wahoo, Cobia, Barracuda, Rainbow Runner, Dolphin Fish, Queen Fish and African Pompano.

The available fishing grounds in the Phuket area extend far beyond the nearby waters, to Krabi, a province about 75 km to the east of Phuket, the two Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands. To meet the needs of the ever increasing game fishers, more and more charter companies have sprung up in Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi in the last few years, offering boats and equipment for hire, including professional flying-deck boats.

Surfing

This sport is popularly played on Kata beach which is peaceful and has very nice waves. Besides Kata, surfing is possible at most of Phuket’s beaches, including Surin, Kamala, Karon and Naihan beaches. Anyway, a greater number of shops selling and renting boards can be found at Kata. The ideal surfing period is from May till November though surfing trips are mostly organized during October and November.
A surfing competition is held annually on Kata beach around September or October when the wave and weather conditions are perfect. Though it’s not a grand tournament, there are contestants and spectators coming to join this joyful event from all parts of the world.

Horse Riding

To satisfy the needs of foreign tourists, especially those from Europe who enjoy horseback riding, riding clubs have been set up in Phuket. Instructors are available for beginners. And those accomplished riders can walk their horses to admire the natural beauty, or seek adventure by riding at a canter through the forests, along the beaches or over the hills.