Phuket ภูเก็ต
Phuket Province
BackGround
The Andaman coast is a different world compared to the rest of Thailand. Steady rainfall, which peaks during the north west monsoons (May-October), nourishes a huge variety of tropical fauna, with the lush canopy in some areas reaching as high as 80m. In many places, scenic rubber and coconut plantations have been carved out of the jungle by the locals and are a major industry.
The Andaman coast is also adorned with awe-inspiring limestone cliffs. These sheer, multi-coloured monoliths, scarred with caves and crags, are also capped with thick vegetation.
Phuket Island
“The emerald upon the elephant’s trunk” is one way to describe Phuket with respect to the rest of Thailand. Phuket’s climate, beaches, forests, mountains, resorts, and diverse forms of entertainment make this island one of the best places in the world to have a complete vacation. From pensive relaxation to high-Qying excitement, Phuket has it all and more.
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 862 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island habing provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colourful history. Known as the Pearl of Thailand, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 years. Today, Phuket is Thailand’s largest tin producer. The surrounding waters contain a lot colourful marine life, and the town is notable for its old European style architecture. It is a very attractive island for the sihtseer, with lovely seashore, limestone cliffs, and forested hillsides. Phuket Island has a long shape frome the north to the south and its general geagraphic characteristics are rolling hills alternating with basins and having 39 smaller outlying islands. The word “Phuket” is derived from the Malayan word “Bukit”, which means hill. Phuket, the smallest southern province occupies 543 square kilometres. The overall length from north at the 490 meters wide Pak Phra Channel, joined to the mainland by the 660 meters Sarasin Bridge linking Chatchai Landing of Phuket and Tha Noon Landing of Phangnga. To the south and west lies the Andaman Sea, and the Krabi Sea to the east. It is administratively divided into three Amphoes : Muang, Thalang and Kathu. The main occupation of the population is rubber plant cultivation while the rest are engaged in the cultivations of coconuts, rice, fruits and fishing.
Other Islands
Around Phuket’s southern coast lie a mixture of islands straight out of tropi- cal daydreams. Graced with coconut palms and ringed by white sandy beaches, usually with coral reefs on their fringes, these islands are within easy reach of Phuket. In Phang Nga Bay, off Phuket’s east coast, dozens of dramatic limestone islands rise from the sea. Beautiful in colour, majesty and mystery.
Interesting Places
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.
The Native Handicrafts Centre : It is located on Thepkasatri Road and has artisans weaving silk, manufacturing lacquerware, silverware, jewellery and parasols.
Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village : It is located on Thepkasattri Road (3km. 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 handicarft centre, and orchid farm and the elepham 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. The admission fee is 190 baht per person. For more details contact Tel.(076) 214-860-1 or Bangkok Office Tel: 253-0295-7.
Crocodile Farm : It lies just outside town, containing an aquarium, estuarine crocodiles and alligators.
Sixty Years Pillar Monument : It is located at the stone bridge where Phuket Road ends and was constructed in1969 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 and is noted for a monastie commumty, 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 Paw 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.
Leam Ka Noi and Leam Ka Yai : The cape is 14 kms. from Phuket town close to Hat Rawai, where is safe for swimming.
Hat Rawai : This popular beach has been famous for a lng period of time. It is located 14 kms. from the township area and here there is a Chao Le “Sea Gypsy” tribal village.
Ko Kaeo Pitsadan : This island is accessible by a 30 minute boat trip from Hat Rawai and features beautiful sandy beaches and a shrine containing a replica of Buddha’s Footprints.
Hat Nai Han : This beach located 18 kms. from the towship area. Travelling, from Chalong 5-Way Junction through the road to Hat Rawai about 3 kms. and 4 kms. access road branches of on the right to Hat Nai Han. The beach is small but peaceful.
Herines Monument : Thao Thep Kasattrei-Thao Si Sunthon Monument is located at Tha Rua Square, Amphoe Thalang, 12 kms. north of Phuket township area. It was constructed in 1966.
Hat Surin : This is the famous beach ot Phuket, located 26 kms. from the township area. However, the beach shelf is steep and the fairly heavy sruf 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.
Thalang National Museum : It displays the way of life, culture and history of Phuket and the south, located in Amphoe Thalang.
Wat Phra Thong : This Golden Buddha Image Monastery is located just beyond the Thalang Distrid Office. There, a torso of Buddha image rises up from the ground.
Leam Sing : Sing cape is located one kilometre beyond Hat Surin features beautiful rocky reefs.
Ao Kamala : This bay is located 3 kms. from Laem Sing.
Hat Nai Yang : 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.
Hat Mai Khao : This beach is located just beyond Hat Nai Yang to Phuket Airport. During December to February large size sea turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs.
Ao Patong : This bay has a beautiful long beach totalling a distance of several kilometres, suitable for swimming. It is located 13 kms. from Phuket township area in Amphoe Krathu.
Pearl Farm : There are pearl farms on Ko Nakha, Ko Rang Noi, Ko Rang Yai and Ko Bon. Those who are interested to visit the farm must have a permit in anticipation.
Marine Biological Research Center : The center is located on the end of Laem Phanwa which is 9 kms. from the township area, being the place where marine researches are carried out with a sea aquarium displaying fishes of different species, marine animals and beautiful shells.
Tin Mine : Phuket has various types of tin mining operations all over the Island, especially land sluicing mine and dredging mine.
Laem Phrom Thep : This cape is located 18 kms. from Phuket town, otherwise called by the local people, “Laem Chao” wherefrom best scenery of Phuket can be seen.
Ao Kata : This bay is located 18 kms.from the township area, divided into two bays, e.g., Kata Noi and Kata Yai having beautiful beaches suitable for swimming.
Ao Karon : This bay is located one kilometre from Ao Kata.
Ao Makham : This is an important seaport of Phuket, located 8 kms. from the township area, being the location of a petroleum storage and ore smelting plant. Cargo ships are regularly anchored in the area.
information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.