"The largest island of Thailand (approximately the size of Singapore) and nestles against the Andaman Seas coast 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 kilometres wide by 48 kilometres long.
Phuket traditionally derives its wealth from tin and rubber. Blessed with teeming marine life, it has enjoyed a rich and colorful history - Phuket's most famous landmarks is the monument to the heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon who rallied islanders to repel Burmese invaders in 1785.
The island is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, genuinely hospitable people, comfortable accommodations, superb seafood, tropically vegetated mountains, lovely waterfalls and parks, and delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese-influenced architecture which create an enchanting ambiance perfectly suited to total relaxation.

Attractions

Patong Beach
This is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the years, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island's two cities. The famous bay and 4 km. beach is know as a centre of entertainment with restaurants catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to help visitors plan their vacations. Some of the options available are listed below. Among the larger attractions are :

Kalim Beach
This beach is really a continuation north of Patong's strand, from which it is separated by some rocks. It is not yet developed and thus affords some privacy. At the back of the beach are accommodations. The waters contain extensive coral reefs.

Kamala Beach
Kamala is a Muslim fishing village north of Patong. Tourist development on the beach much of which is covered by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming. Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is beautiful and about 2 kms. in length. There are accommodations ranging from guesthouse to international class, and a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala is the perfect place to get away from it all and has little to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime; tuk-tuk service available to Patong, 5 kms. away on the new road.

Phuket Fantasea A large-scale nighttime amusement center on 350 rai (140 acres ) near the village of Kamala Bay, 4 kms north of Patong. Thai cultural traditions are mixed with the latest technology in "Las Vegas style". Magic elephants disappearing into thin air, gymnastics, musical fountains, and a circus are among the many attractions. For more information, Tel. (076) 271133-5

Rawai Beach
Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Kata Beach
The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low-rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities for every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. There is regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime.

Kata Noi Beach
South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.

Karon Beach
The second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Nai Han Beach
A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

Viewpoint
From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, and also Poo Island. It is one of the island's best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Han Beach.

Ton Sai
A small falls over which pours a great volume of water during the rainy season. The trees, watercourses, and pools nearby provide one of Phuket's loveliest scenes. The park headquarter and a small restaurant with an excellent view are also at Ton Sai. Located near Thalang Town, 22 kms. from Phuket Town.

Bang Pae
Best known now as the site of the Gibbon Fund, a project to return domesticated gibbons to the forest, Bang Pae is a small waterfall with a shady forest and thick foliage surrounding. To get there go to the Two Heroines Monument and take the road running east, the Pakhlok Rd., 7 kms. to Bang Pae. Look for the posted signs.

Surin Beach
Evergreen trees rim this small, curving bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala. Surin is home to Phuket's first golf coures, a nine-hole course laid out more than sixty years ago during the reign of King Rama VII. It is now largely in disuse except as a park. The steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous place to swim during the rainy season. Located at the end of Sri Sunthon Rd., the road running west from the Two Heroines Monument, 24 kms. from Phuket Town. Accommodations and restaurants are nearby.

Sing Cape
The name means Lion's Point in English. The beach is in a small, curving bay with rocky headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among Phuket's most beautiful spots. Located about 1 km. south of the entrance to Surin Beach. Look for signs indicating the path down to the beach.

Bangthao Beach
Bang Thao is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a luxury resort. Most of 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. Dry season swimming is excellent, and at the bay's north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale.
The beach is located off Sri Sunthon Rd., in Choeng Thale. As for access to Laguna; the south end of the bay may be approached by taking the road north from Surin Beach. To get to the far north end from Sri Sunthon Rd., take the road leading to Laguna, but do not enter, continue on to the town of Bandon where there is an intersection of asphalted roads, and take the one leading west toward the sea. This road leads also to Nai Thon Bay and makes a very pleasant drive. Along the way are some small bays with good swimming and no development.

Nai Yang Beach
This is where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnicker. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of these has however, dropped off greatly. First class accommodations are available and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look for signs indicating the park entrance.

Nai Thon Beach
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of the sand. There are some accommodationes but virtually no other business. Located between Bang Thao Bay and Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach can be reachd by taking Thep Krasatri Rd. Turn at the first traffic light north of Thalang Town to Nai Yang Rd. Look for signs indicating the turn-off to Nai Ton.

Mai Khao Beach
Many kilometers of deserted beach characterize Mai Khao where there is little tourist business. The water is fine for swimming during the dry season; the rainy season brings big waves and strong currents that are dangerous. This lonely beach is another area where sea turtles come to lay eggs. It is also home to what the Thais call a sea cicada, which is a form of marine life. To get there go to the northern tip of Phuket; the beach lies along the road's length

Sai Kaew Beach
This strip of sand is just the north portoin of Mai Khao Beach and has much the same character. Located west of the bridges spanning the channel between Phuket and Phang-nga provinces.

Mangrove Forest
Situated in Sirinat National Park near Ta Chatchai on Phuket's northern tip, the mangroves--saltwater swamps with unique eco-systems much prized by scientists searching for clues about adaptation and evolution--cover about 800 rai. Anyone with an interest in horticulture will be interested in the many unusual perennial plants found here: mountain ebony (kong kang bai lek), red cycas (prong daeng), black myrsina (samae dam), the Lady's Nails quisqualis (leb mue nang), and various creepers and climbers are among the more significant. There are also many mongrove-dwelling animals with unique evolutionary characteristics. A nature trail has been cleared for the convenience of visitors with signs indicating and explaining the various species.

Chalong Bay
Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay. Ao Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebbtide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but not for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well known for their seafood. Charters to various places can be arranged from there, and it is the center of the island's yachting businesses. To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd., or Jao Fah Tawan Okk Rd., to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.

Sehn Bay
A small bay with many rocks and corals. Snorkeling and diving are possible. For sunbathers, this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Han offers some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies food and drink. To get there go through the parking lot of the Phuket Yacht Club hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km.

Ka cape
Ka cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island. Located at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of the point is Leam Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. The extensive coral reefs offshore make for interesting snorkeling mornings. Bungalows, Thai food, and boat charters to the islands are available. Ka Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Phrom Thep Cape
"Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma"signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's west coast.

From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and was formerly called by local villagers "Leam Jao" (The Gods' Cape). From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point : it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han Beach.

Keaw Island
A fine beach, natural surroundings, and coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai, south of Phrom Thep. There is also a giant Buddha Statue. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat from Rawai.

Lon Island
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Ko Lon leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.

Coral Island or Hey Island

This island off Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available.

Mai Ton Island
This tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port. For details contact (076) 214954-7.

Taphao Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200 meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.

Raya (or Racha ) Islands

Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.

Rang Yai Island
lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package tours are providede by Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies.

Sire Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gipsies, or Chao Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because of the muddy bottom. Thre are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.

Buddhist Temples
Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Monastery) at Thalang are the two best known temples in Phuket. The latter has a large solid gold Buddha image protruding from the temple floor

Butterfly Garden & Aquarium
One of the largest tropical aquariums and landscaped gardens in Phuket where one can enjoy live coral gardens and the many species of butterflies. Follow signs from the intersection of Patong Road and the airport bypass road. Opens daily 09.00-17.30 hrs.

Chinatown
Chinese shrines and Chinese shophouses abound in downtown Phuket as a result of large scale Chinese immigrations in search of tin wealth. Walking is the best way to experience Chinatown. Phang Nga Road, Krabi Road and Thalang Road.

Crocodile World and Sea Aquarium
In additions to crocodiles there are elephants, birds, reptiles and monkeys. Chana Charoen Road . Open daily 09.00 - 18.00 hrs.

Fresh Food Market
Open in the early hours of the morning until the evening. This is Phuket's main morning food, fruit and flower market. Located down town near the central traffic circle.

Go-Karts
The Go- Kart racing track is situated at the bottom of the hill leading to Patong Beach.

Marine Biological Research Centre
Thailand's major marine research centre. The aquarium is open- daily 10.00-16.00 hrs. 10 baht entrance fee. Research station visits by appointment only. Sakdidey Road, Makharn Bay, Cape Panwa Road.

Naga Pearl Farm
Daily pearl culturing demonstration on the pearl farm island. Overnight stays possible at bungalow resort. Open daily 09.00 -15.30. Pearl extracting show at 11.00.

Pa Pra Taew National Park
Near Thalang is Pa Pra Taew National Park and waterfall, one of the few surviving areas of rainforest left on Phuket.

Phuket Shooting Range
Indoor and outdoor shooting ranges as well as snooker club and restaurant. Open daily 09.00-18.00.
82/2 Patak Road ( West of Chalong 5-way intersection )
Pirate's Cove Mini Golf
A choice of two 18-hole courses is available - Jungle and Pirate Behind the Holiday Inn in Patong Beach.
Tarzan's Jungle Bungy Jump
Near the major intersection on the townside of the bottom of the big hill in Patong.
Thai Boxing Stadium
Fights every Friday night at 20.00 hrs. Saphan Hin, South Phuket Road.
Thalang National Museum
Fine exhibits depicting Phuket's history. Hwy #402,turn right at the Heroine's statue. Open Wed- Sun 10.00-16.00 hrs.
Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village
Located just 2.5 kilometres from the city centre, on the road to the airport, Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village is one of the major attractions in Phuket. The village offers four superb restaurants and daily performances of dances and culture of the Southern area. Open daily.

Most of the resort hotels have excellent seafood restaurants, while outside there is ample choice at any number of good and inexpensive places.
For entertainment, most resort hotels have their own nightclubs, usually with live music, while Patong Beach and Phuket town offer restaurant, bars and nightclubs. Among Phuket's best shopping buys are beachwear, cotton clothing and batik.
Night life and shopping there are, though Phuket's greatest pleasure lies in the joy of a beautiful island world.

Phuket has a number of foods different in character and flavour from those of other areas in Thailand. The international character of the island, however, with so many different restaurants catering to a multitude of tastes, makes it difficult for non-Thais to identify Phuket cuisine. Below is a list of dishes and shops where they can be sampled.

Mee Ton Poh near the clock tower traffic circle on Phuket Rd., in Phuket Town.

Mee Sapam On Thep Krasatri Rd., in the village of Sapam.

Mee Ao Geh on Phunphol Rd., in Phuket Town. Yellow noodles are also cooked in both "dry" and "wet" versions, and as a prawn soup. For these try :

• Somjit near the clocktower traffic circle on Phuket Rd.
• Jirayuwat near the Pearl Cinema on Phang-nga Rd., in Phuket Town.

Mee Huhn Pah Chahng Dry Fried noodles eaten with pork bone soup. For this try (all in Phuket Town) :

• On Thanon Yaowarat.
• Near the Tessaban Ban Bang Niao School on Takua Tong Rd.
• On Vichit Songkram Rd., near the entrance to Soi Lorong.

Mee Sue Breakfast noodles served with the boiled rice dishes Khao Tohm or Johk. This can be ordered at various shops around town, but the best known in Phuket Town is :

• Kou Kwan near Ruampaet Hospital on Phuket Rd.

Kanohm Jin Phuket Noodles often compared to spaghetti usually served with a spicy curry sauce, the most common made from fish. It is usually eaten as a breakfast food and is, if you can stand its fresh character, delicious. It comes with an array of fresh vegetables and boiled eggs that are mixed with the dish by dinners at their table. It is often found with the fried pastry called Pah Tong Go and the curried fish mousse called Hor Mohk, both of which are very tasty. Some of the curries are not spicy, so try a shop that has many curries to choose from if you are sensitive to spicy cuisine. There are many shops to choose from everywhere in Phuket but the most famous are in Phuket Town : Kwan Kanohm Jin on Tungka Rd. Pah Mai on statun Rd. Pha Ri on Pahtiphaht Rd.

Lo Bah Fried sausages served with fried tofu and spicy sweet and sour sauce. For this try (In Phuket Town) :

• On The way to span Hin.
• On Poonphol Rd.

Oh Tao Oysters fried with flour, eggs, and taro root. The best known places in Phuket Town are :

• Near the circle by the Fresh Market.

Tao Sor or Kanohm Bia Phuket Spring rolls, Chinese crepes. The best known are found at:

• Kaeng Tin near Ruam Paet Hospital on Phuket Rd.
  on Soi Suhn Utit, Yaowarat Rd., in Phuket Town.
• Kuhn Mae on Thep Krasatri Rd., in the village of Sapam.
• Mae Boon Tahm on Surin Rd., Soi 4.

Oh Aew An iced sweet made of flour, banana, and a little seaweed. Look for it at :

• On Soi Soon Utit, Yaowarat Rd.
• On Ranong Rd., at the entrance to Soi Lorong

Other foods held to be characteristic of Phuket include cashew nuts, which are planted along many of Phuket's highways, and pineapples--though to be crisper and sweeter than elsewhere.

Cashews try at :

• Maeti on Tilok Utit 2 Rd.
• Sri Boorapa Orchid on Takua Tung Rd., and Kwang Ban Teen Kao Rd.
• Sri Supalak Orchid on Thepkrasattri Rd.

Pineapples can be purchased in the Fresh Market, and are found generally.