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Travel Infomation about Phuket, Thailand |
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Welcome to Phuket
Phuket is Thailnd largest island, approximarely the size of singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.
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Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and courful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trade's ship logs.
The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly. Phuket's most famous monument is the memorail statue of the heroines Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who rallied islanders in 1785 to reple Burmese invaders. |
Phuket is blessed with magnificent cover and bays, powedery, palm-finged white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitabll people,superb accommodations and seafood , delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.
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HOW TO GET THERE
By car :
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through Nakhon Pathom,Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, thence through Ranong province's Kra Buri and Kaper districts,Phangnga province's Takua Pa and Takua Thung districts and onto Phuket across the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. The total distance is 862 kilometres.
By bus :
Airconditioned coaches and nonairconditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal every day. For further details,please call 4351199,4351200.
By rail :
There are no direct train services to Phuket.Travellers by train must get off at Phun phin railway station in Surat Thani and continue by regular buses to Phuket.
By air :
Thai Airways operates daily jet flights between Bangkok and Phuket.There are also domestic connections with Surat Thani and Hat Yai.
By air :
Thai airways operates daily jet flights between Bangkok and Phuket.There are also domestic connections.
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CLIMATE
Phuket has two major season : the Rains Season from May through October, and the Hot Season from November through April. There are many sunny days throughtout the Rains Season : showers customrily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. Sebtember is the wettest month. The best months are November through February. Average temperatures range between 22 nd 34 degrees Celsius. |
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TRAVEL WITHIN PHUKET
Phuket offer convenient intra-island transport servicees. Tuk-Tuk serve within municipal area or can behired to go to other place; rate are dependent on distance and negotiable
Rot Song Thaeo (modified pict-ups) and regular buses run from the Talat Sot (fresh prouct market) near the fountain on Ranong Road to the beaches and other place. Departure every thirty minutes starting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fares are 10-20 baht depending on the distance.
Transfer service between airport and town is provided by taxis which also deliver passengers to various beach-sites. |
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TRAVEL TO OTHER NEIGHBOURING PROVINCES
There are regular bus services to Krabi, Nakhon Sithammarat, Phang-nga, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua Pa and Samui island. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal pn Phang-nga Road.
Inter-provincial flights are available. Thai airways International fliesto Surat Thani, Nakhon Sithammarat, Trang and Hat Yai. |
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ATTRACTIONS
MUANG DISTRIC
Phuket Town serves mainly as a dormitory and shopping centre. Splendid colonion style residences built by late 79th-century tin and rubber barons and shophouses from the same period provide distinctive character.
Rang Hill provides a pleasant view of town while dining, and has a Fitness Park, a series of hillside sculptural tableaux which enhance calisthenics.
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Thai Village and Orchid Fram
on Thepkasattri Road about 3 kilometres from town, serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thaidances, swordfighting, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. |
Phuket Aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast. The aquarium displays hundreds of exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colourful marine species found in Phuket's teeming waters. Open daily from 8.30 in the morning until 7 o'clock in the after noon. A local bus can be taken from the town's fresh produce market.
Phuket Butterfly Fram and Aquariu
is only 3 kilometres from town via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. It has a fascinating collection of such troical creatures as butterflies, insects, marine life all arranged in natural surroundings. It is open daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Phuket Zoo
located on the way to Chalong Bay, contains collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every day.
Sapan Hin
is a public park near sea at the end of Phuket Road. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first in dredde to Phuket in 1990.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum
is located near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured. There are numerous raities and freaks includeing the worlds largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. The museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. till 7.00 p.m. |
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Ko Si Re
a twenty-square kilometre island, separated from the main island only by the small Thachin cannal, is some 4 kilometres northeast of the town and hosts the biggest Sea Gypsy village in Phuket.
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Chalong Bay
Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the islands larest bay, is 11 kilometres south of the town. It is very picturesque but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some small island south Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the road leading to the bay. A few kilometres from the bay is Wat Chalong where status of Luang Po Chalong and Luang Po Chuang, Phuket,s most revered monks, are enshrined.
Laem Ka
at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay, is suitable for swimming. To the south, the palm-fringed Rawai Beach about 17 kilometres from town hosts Phuket's Chao Le people (sea gypsies). Several off-shore islands have gleming white beaches and dazzling underwater scenery which attract fishing enthusiasts and scuba-divers |
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The nearby Phromthep Cape
forms Phuket's southern most point and is the perfect plact from which to enjoy spectacular sunsets and the sea. |
Ko Kaeo
is an off-shore isle about 3 kilometres out frome Rawai beach and can be reachedin 30 minutes by boat. It offers picturesque beaches and underwater scenery. There is also a replica of the Holy Footprint on the island.
Nai Han Beach
is located next to Phromthep Cape about 18 kilometres from town. Although not so long, the beach has white, clean sand. Beyond the beach is a swamp called Nong Han. Not recommended for swimming during May-October because of the Monsoon season.
Asmall bay next to Nai Han past the Phuket Yacht Club is Ao Sen or Sen Bay, peaceful and picturesque with white, clean sand.
The View Point
is located mid-point between Nai Han and Kata beaches. The scenic Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, and Ko Pu Island can be viewed from this point.
20 kilometres and 17 kilometres respectively from town are Karon and Kata Beaches Both are long and peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming and sunbathing. |
KRATU DISTRICT
Patong Beach
Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3-kilometre-long cresentbay. Windsurfing, snorkelling, saling, swimming and sunbathing number among popular daytime actuvities. Patong is equally well known for its vibrant nightlift, among which seafood restaurants prominiently feature. |
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Once in Patong, turn right to Kalim Beach which is a small beach with large rocks and coral reff. Accommodation is available.
Kamala Beach
is a 2 kilometre-long beach north of Patong. The beach is beautiful and queit. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available. |
Phuket Fantasea
A large-scale nighttime amusement centre on 140 acres near the village of Kamala Bay, 4 kilometres north of Patong. Thai cultural traditions are mixed with the latest modren technology in "Las Vegas style". Magic elephants disappearing into thin air, gymnastis, musical fountains, and a circus are among the many attractions. |
THALANG DISTRICT
Thlang National Museum
is located near the Two Heroines Monument. The museum contain permanent exhibition of in old Phuket, ancient artefacts and remains discovered on the coast and materials used during war with Burma (Myanmar). It is open daily except national holidays from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
About 20 kilometres from town is Wat Phra Nang Sang, located on the Thepkasattri Road at Thalang district. An old and his torical lndmark of Phuket, the temple was once afort resisting Burmese invasion around 1785. Inside the old Ubosot are enshrined the three oldset and largest Buddha statues made of tin. Called the Three Kings, they positioned in the midsections of another three large statues.
Wat Phra Thong
is where only the upper half of a large Bddha statue emerges from the ground. Legend has it that during the invasion of Thalang town in 2328 B.E. (CIRCA 1785), the Burmese tried in vain to excavate the statue to take to back. Each time they dug into the ground, swarms of hornets would swoop on them and they had to give up. Later, the visitble part of the statue was covered with gold by the villagers and has remained as such until today. It is located about 20 kilometres from Phuket town past the Thalang distict office. |
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The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary
is located in Thalang district abount 20 kilometres from Phuket town. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in July of 1969, it has 13,925 rai (5,570 acres) of rich and fertile land and is the habitat to several types of wild animals. Major attractions include :- |
The Ton Sai Fall
22 kilometres from town on the Thepkasattri Road past the Thalang district intersection, then turn right and proceed on for another 3 kilometres. Although small in size, it nevertheless provides a cool, shady area for relaxation and the flow during the rainy season is quite strong.
Another waterfall in the sanctuary is the Bang Pae Fall which is located at Tambon Pa Khlok past the Two Heroines Monument. There is an arboretum and a nurery to rehabilitate captured gibbons befr returning them to the wild.
For nature enthusiasts. the sanctuary mapped out some walking traias. Further information may be obtained from the Nature Study Centre.
About 24 kilometres from town is Surin beach, wich can be reached on Route No. 402. After reaching the Heroines Momunent, turn left and proceed on for 12 kilometres of large pine trees and agolf course. Surin beach is not recommented for swimming because of its steepness and heavy seas and winds during the Monsoon seasoon.
About one kilometre from Surin beach is Laem Sing which offers small but white sandy beach; to the left is scenic rocky cape.
Ao Bang Thao
is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining. but it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five hotel development with golf course. There are however accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end ehich can be reached by taking the road north from Surin beach.
Sirinat National Park
is about 30 kilometres from town. Proceed on the Thepkasattri Road past the Thalang intersection. Take a left at Km.21-22 or go straight on to turn left for 3 kilometres at the road to the airport. The park occupies a total area of 90 square kilometres, and has an uninterrupted 13- kilometres-long stretch of beaches. |
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Nai Thon Beach
nested at the foot of high hills a fine strip of sand. This quiet bay is suitable for swimming.
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Nai Yang Beach
is where the park headquarters are located. The beach is blessed with shady pine trees providing excellent opportunity for swimming and relaxation. Off-shore is a large coral reef which serves as babitat for several species of sea life, particularly the sea turtles.
Mai Khao Beach
also known as the Airport Beach (Hat Sanambin), can be reached by taking the Thepkasattri Road on to the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge, then take a left turn at the direction sign pointing to Mai Khao Beach. It is the habitat of the sea cicadas and turtles.
Sai Kaeo Beach
just known the northern portion of Mai Khao beach, is a long white sandy beach wit groves of pines along the showe.
Mangrove Forest
satuated on the island's northern tip, cover a large area of 320 acres. a nature trail has been cleared for the convenience of visitors with signs indicating and explaining the various species. |
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OFF-SHORE TRIPS
Phuket is well-euipped to provide off-shore trips making it a centre of tourism in the Andaman sea. Trips can be arranged to see forests and mountains, rocky formation, beaches, coral reefs and fishing.
Most of Phuket's 39 satellite islands are located to the east and the south. Islands of special interest include.
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Ko Naka Noi
just off Ao Por on the northeastern shore, is popular for its pearl farm. There are fine sandy beaches suitabel for swimming and a seafood restaurant. Tourists can chartered a boat at Ao Por or contact tour agecies for a tour package (generlly including lunch).
Ko Taphao Yai
10 minutes by ferry from Ao Makham on Phuket's southest coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. Accomemodation is available.
The terrain of Ko Lon is mountainous with level land along the shore. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. Ferry service from Ao Chalong are operated only in the rarly morning.
Ko Hey or Coral Isand
just off Phukiat's south coast, is known for its two beautiful beaches and coral reef. The island is part of a marine preserve. Accommodation, restaurants, various wartersports and diving facililies are available. Boats leave Rawai Beach or Chalong Bay. Package tours are also available.
Ko Racha Yai or Raya Yai
with its gleaming beaches can be reached by chartered boat form Ao Chalong. Travelling time is about 2-3 hours during off Monsoon season (December-April). Sightseeing services re available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available. A hilltop view point on the bay's south offers a magnificent view of the whole island.
Ko Rang Yai
lying off Phuket's east coast, has been developed for the out-of-doors minded tourist. Among various activities are sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting a pearl farm. Package tours are available.
Noted for its exotic corals is Ko Mai Thon
wich is also suitable for scuba-diving and fishing. Travel and accommodation arrangements can be made at the Mai Thon Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion.
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Phuket is the ideal place from where to visit poppular attractions in neighbouring provinces, either on day tours or as overnight excursions. Principal destination include :
Phangnga Bay
localed northeast of Phuket, contains scores of limestone islands, some riddled with aquatic grottoes. This picturesque bay is an enduringgly popular excursion. Tours are offered by hotels and tour companies throughout Phuket.
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Phi Phi Islands
in Krabi Province, is about 40 kilometres from Phuket. They are made up of the Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le ABOUT 2.2 kilometres apart offering picturesque land and underwater scenarios.
Similan Islands
are situated in Phangnga province. Phuket dive shops operate daily excursions to the Similan island during the high season of November - May when underwater visbility is at its best.
ACTIVITIES AND RECREATIONS
Scuba Diving
Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighbouring islands, and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly popular Phi Phi Islands in nighbouring Krabi province, some 2 hours east of Phuket, and the Similand Islands, in Phangnga province, 110 kilometres northwest of Phuket, and the Raya Island, 1-3 hours due south of Phuket, depending on the type of boat. Several dive shops concentrated in the Patong, Kata and Chalong areas have Asian and European expartriate(s) speaking English and several other languages) and bilingual Thai dive instructors who offer inexpensive beginner's coureses. All diving equipment is available for hire. |
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Snorkelling
The can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all around Phuket. It is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata beaches. Fins, mask and snorkel can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island.
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Swimming
This can be enjoyed throughout the year, and is mostly safe. However, during the rainy season storms this can be very dangerous. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming; if the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean!
Wind Surfing
Boards may be rented by the hour, half day, full day, oy week at most major beaches. Tuition is available feel.
Sailing
Enjoy mostly at Nai Han, Patong and Kata beaches. Most classes of boat from dinghies to yachts are availble for rent.
Yacht Service
Yachtsmen visiting Phuket can enjoy a full range of services, includeing dry dock facilities and boat repairs, and safe and secure moorings. Yachts of ever shape and size can be chartrerd, either as bareeboats or with full crew.
Deep Sea Fishing
Daily tours are available, making eary morning departures and late afternoon returns, mostly to lesser islands to fish for Red Snappers, Rainbow Runners and other game fish.
Sea Canoeing
This form eco-tourism is available in several forms, as popular one-day tours, or more extended tours involving overnight camping on island beaches, and occurs principally in the neighbouring Phangnga Bay and Krabi porvince, where mangrove swamps and island grottoes are accessible only by canoe.
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DINING / NIGHTLIFE
Standard western fare is found in all major hotels. Thai, Chinese and Islamic foods are available island-wide. Phuket's seafood, probably Thailand's most delicious, is prepared in variety of succulent styles. Southern dishes can be spicy hot but are well worth sampling. Tropical fruits abound, particularly local pineapples and coconuts.
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Phuket's nightlife is comparatively sedate and is concentrated in the town centre and Patong offering restaurants, bars, traditional massage, nightclubs and discos. |
SHOPPING
La rge department stores are localed in Town and Patong, and a smaller one is in Thalang Town; they have abroad range of what is available in Thailand, both imported and domestic. Tailors have shops everywhere; labour costs are inexpensive so a handmade suit is an attractive purchase. Tailors supply the cloth, or you select your own from one of the many cloth nerchants on Thalang Road in Phuket Town.
Cultivated pearls, batiks, and pewterware are Phuket's best known products. Shos specialising in such product are found on Rasada, Phangnga, Montri, Yaowarat and Tilok Unit I roads in town and on tourist beaches such as Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair
is held on March 13 every year to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to repel Burmese invaders. Many activities and celebrations are organised.
Seafood Festival
held around May yearly is designed to publicise the delicious seafood of Phuket and attract visittors during the rainy season. Activities include a Marine Tourism Resources Parade, seafood stalls, demonstrations of regional cuisines and cultural shows.
Vegetarian Festival
is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month (usully October). Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet a form of purification believed to held make the forthcoming year "trouble-free". The festival is marked by several ascetic displays including fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed ladders.
Phuket Travel Fair
held on November 1, was first initiated in 1985 at Patong to welcome in the tourist season and designed to foster co-operation among tourism-related operators both in the private and public sectors. Many colourful and interesting activities are oranised, such as merit-making in the morning, water sports contests, a Miss Visitor Contest, among others.
Phuket King's Cup Regatta
is held in December. The Phuket Yacht Club hosts international yachtsmen, largely from neighbouring countries who compete in the Nai Han Beach area for royal trophies.
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Laguna Phuket Triathlon
is held in each December. The triathlon (a 1,000-metre swim, a5-kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometr run) attracts worldclass athletes from all over the world.
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Tourist Season Opening Festival
starting from November 1, is usually called the Pathong Carnival from the place where celebrations occur. Colourful parades, sports events, and abeauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities.
Turtle Release Fair
is held on Songkran the nationwide Thai water festival on April 13 wihich is also National Fisherman's Day. Baby turtles are released into the sea at various locations.
Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival
falls during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rewai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Sire celebrates on the 14th; and Larm La (east of the bridge on Phuket's northerntip) on the 15th. Ceremonies, which centre around the setting adrift of small boats similar to the Thai festival of Loi Krathong, are held at night and their purpose is to drive away evik and bring good luck.
LOCAL FOOD
Phuket is second to other provinces in term of cuisine and desserts and has its own style of perparation and cooking. Some of interesting local dishes include.
Kanom Chin Phuket
aversion of noodles taken at breakfast, usually served with a spicy curry sauce and fresh vegetables.
Nam Prik Kung Sieb
is a mixture of dried chili and smoked shrimps taken with various fresh vegetable. |
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LOCAL TIME
GMT + 7 hours |
ELECTRICITY
220 Volts 50 cycles throughout the country. |
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