Phuket Thailand

Province Phuket, a large island in the Andaman Sea, is the only island to have provincial status. The ‘Pearl of Thailand’ is world renowned for its acres of white sandy beaches which sprawl along the foot of a range of hills covered in jungle, rubber plantations, coconut groves and picturesque villages. Off the shoreline magnificent coral life enthrall the enthusiastic divers that come from all over the world to enjoy the pleasant waters teeming with marine life.

The history and wealth of Phuket came from its profitable involvement in tin production which dates back over 500 years. Early Chinese immigrants migrated to the area to work in the mines and brought with them their own pieces of culture and traditions. The annual ten day 'Vegetarian Festival' during Sept-Oct, originated with the influx of Chinese immigrant workers in the 19th century. The Sino-Portuguese style shop houses that line many streets in Phuket town centre also reflect the island's past setting as an international trading arena.

At one point the island nearly became an outpost for the British, when in 1786, Captain Francis Light of the East India Trading Company tried to secure Phuket for British interests. However Thailand’s claim of suzerainty and the British government’s decision to find a more strategic position to protect its interests in the Malay peninsula changed Light’s plans.

Today visitors come to Phuket primarily for its wealth of beaches, most of which are located on the western shores of the island. The eastern side consists mainly of rocky shoals, with some smaller islands close to the shore. Small islands off the south eastern shoreline are great for their coral, offering spectacular dives for diving enthusiasts. The island's diving shops also operate many trips to other diving sites in the area.

Most beach resorts have facilities available for a complete range of watersports; from windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, sailing, sea-canoeing, jet-skiing and boogie boards. Not forgetting snorkeling and scuba diving. And for those wanting to pit their strength at gamefishing, the clear blue waters of the Andaman are abound with marlin, tuna, sailfish and dorado.

Fun and adventure is not just limited to the beaches. For those that might want to escape the beach and explore the hinterland, they should head for the Khao Phra Thaeo park. The last remains of virgin rainforest on the island, the park has a marked hiking route for visitors to follow.

Ang Thong | Ayutthaya | Bangkok | Chachoengsao | Chai Nat | Kanchanaburi | Lopburi | Nakhon Nayok | Nakhon Pathom | Nonthaburi | Pathum Thani | Prachinburi | Ratchaburi | Sa Kaeo | Samut Prakan | Samut Sakhon | Samut Songkhram | Saraburi | Singburi | Suphanburi |

Chantaburi | Pattaya | Rayong | Trat |

Amnat Charoen | Buriram | Chaiyaphum | Kalasin | Khon Kaen | Loei | Mahasarakham | Nakhon Phanom | Nakhon Ratchasima | Nong Bua Lamphun | Nong Khai | Roi Et | Sakon Nakhon | Si Sa Ket | Surin | Ubon Ratchathani | Udon Thani | Yasothon |

Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Kamphaeng Phet | Lampang | Lamphun | Mae Hong Sorn | Nakhon Sawan | Nan | Phayao | Phetchabun | Phichit | Phitsanulok | Phrae | Sukhothai | Tak | Uthai Thani | Uttaradit |

Chumphon | Koh Samui | Krabi | Nakhon Si Thammarat | Narathiwat | Phang Nga | Phattalung | Phetchaburi | Phi Phi | Phuket | Prachuab Khiri Khan | Ranong | Satun | Songkhla | Surat Thani | Trang | Yala |