The island was on one of the main traderoutes between India and China and was often mentioned in the ships' logs ofIndian, Arabian, Chinese and European visitors. The Portuguese, French, Dutch, English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly. Thao Thep Kasattriand Thao Sisunthon who rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders. Phuket's Indian Ocean coastline boasts the finest beaches while the eastern coastline overlooks some 30 lesser islands occupying largely tranquil seas.
Islands vary greatly in size.
Some are large enough to sustain fishing communities, coconut plantations, sea crocodiles, deer and wild boar. Others are little larger than massive rocks, while still others resemble fortresses and are riddled with caves containing birds' nests prized by gourmets. In the past decade, this industry has become the biggest earner for the area, and it continues to grow. One of the biggest issues now is how to retain the benefits of tourism while sustaining the natural attractions that brought the visitors here in the first place. Phuket now gets more than 3 million visitors every year, and this number is growing.