Phuket Island in Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. It has more than 20 scenic white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, color reefs rich with sea life as well as dozens of lush neighboring islands, jungles, culture, history, hotels, reorts, nightlife, entertainment, delicious food and much more.
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 km from the capital of Thailand Bangkok. It is the only island in Thailand having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful history. Phuket Town is interesting for its surviving examples of old Sino-Portuguese architecture – reminders of the island’s long and interesting history – and for its shopping and entertainment possibilities.
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 year. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life, and the town is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing, with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.
Since the early 1980’s the tourist business has been Phuket’s chief source of income. Hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operators, and souvenir shops are much in evidence on the west coast. However, while the once all-important tin mining has ceased, tourism is by no means the island’s only activity.
Agriculture remains important to a large number of people and covers by far the largest portion of the island. Principal crops are rubber, coconuts, cashews, and pineapples. Prawn farming has largely taken over the east and south coasts. Pearl farming is also important. Phuket’s fishing port is at all times filled. Processing of marine products, mainly fish, makes a significant contribution to the economy.
Next to Phuket Town and Phuket Island are Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Bang Tao Bay, Nai Thon, Nakalay/Kalim, Chalong area’s worth to visit. Don’t forget to visit Krabi and Phi Phi Islands during your holiday.
In December 2004 Phuket was hit by the tsunami but visitors to Phuket will be surprised at just how much progress has been made since the tsunami. Hotels restaurants, bars and other buildings in Phuket have already been restored or rebuilt especially in the main beach areas.
So it’s a great time to visit Phuket with hotels offering value packages with added extras like Spa treatments and candlelit dinners just to make your holiday a little special…