Phuket - Geography Thai News Geography of Phuket Phuket is on the southwest coast of Thailand. It is 860km south of Bangkok and 830km north of the equator (7.5 degrees latitude). This puts it on a parallel with countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria and Venezuela. Phuket lies in the Andaman Sea which is part of the Indian Ocean. Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and the only island big enough to be a province in its own right. The island is 49km long and 21km wide comprising a total area of 570 sq km. including 70 sq km from 39 smaller islands around Phuket. Phuket is separated from the mainland by a narrow sea channel and connected by the 600-meter Sarasin Bridge. The geography of Phuket is varied. The island is mostly granite and sedimentary rock. There are many hills, some rising above 500 meters. The main hill ranges run down the west coast of the island but there are hills everywhere. The flatlands are mostly urbanised or used for agriculture such as rubber and coconuts.

There are also mangroves and tropical rainforest in Khao Phra Thaew National Park. The best beaches are along the west coast of the island. They have been forged by the waves that beat into this side of the island through the rainy season creating spectacular beaches in bays split by rocky headlands. The east coast of the island has smaller beaches that tend to be a little muddy. This is because the seabed on the sheltered easy coast still has a lot of sludge and mud stirred up from the old tin-mining days when the seabed was extensively dredged. Much of the east coast is covered by mangrove forest. There are two types of island around Phuket. There are the granite islands that lie to the west and close to the south and east coasts. They tend to be forested low lying islands with beaches such as Koh Racha Yai and Koh Hee (Coral Island). Then there are the limestone islands to the northeast, and further out to the east and south. These islands tend to rise vertically from the sea producing dramatic scenery such as the Phi Phi islands and Phang Nga Bay.

The limestone platform that produces these islands runs east of Phuket from Phang Nga province, through Krabi province and into Trang producing spectacular scenery all along this stretch of coastline. Phuket is basically a stable geographic location. Until the 2004 tsunami, it was not considered an area that ever suffered from major natural disasters. The rainy season always sees a few big storms but nothing that would be categorised as a typhoon. The rainy season does occasionally cause localised flooding. The rainy season has also caused a few landslides and a few lives have been lost in these. However the landslides have generally happened at building sites where the trees and bushes that supports the steep sided hills have been stripped away. There is no volcanic activity in Phuket. The massive earthquake that caused the 2004 tsunami was just about felt in Phuket but did not cause any damage. However there is a minor fault line that does run under Phuket and in April 2012 Phuket experienced the very unusual event of an earthquake of its own. It was only 4.4 on the richter scale but that was enough to give everyone a quick shake.

No serious damage was done and this is the only earthquake to directly hit Phuket in modern history. It is a minor fault line and is not likely to ever cause a major earthquake. Phuket General Information - Geography, Population, Environment Phuket General Information Add to Trip! 0 Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. At 540 square kilometres, it's about the same size as Singapore. Just over an hour by jet from Bangkok or Singapore, and with daily connections to most major Asian airports, Phuket is ideally situated for a short break or a relaxing vacation. Business hours are generally from 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays, plus 9 am to 12 am on Saturdays, except public holidays when hours may vary widely. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Currency exchange booths operate as retail outlets and are usually open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Shops and stores also open from 10 or 11 am to 10 pm, everyday. Currency is the Thai Baht.

Currently, (1999) around 37 baht to US$1 and floating between 35 to 40 for most of 1998. Check out our handy Currency Converter to find the value in your own currency. Phone and Fax Service. International direct dialing (IDD) is widely available. Dial 001 + country code + area code (less any leading zero) + phone number. Our Phuket Directory pages have phone and fax numbers for most Phuket businesses. There are also several Internet Cafes around the island and especially in the more developed tourist locations. Mail and Postal Services The post offices are usually open from 8 am to 4.30 pm. The Thai post service is usually reliable. Urgent or important items can be sent by EMS services. This is faster and safer but the cost is higher. Private couriers like DHL are also available in Phuket. Cameras and Film Most popular brands and types of film are widely available in Thailand and in Phuket. Film processing is widely available and one-hour service is common. Throw-away one-time cameras are widely available, too. Electricity is 220 Volts AC at 50 cycles.

Several different plugs and sockets are in use, but two pin flat (US type) or round (European type) are pretty universal. Read More Swissotel Resort Phuket Patong Beach 4.2/ 5 THB 2922.41 Most Booked John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay Geography of Phuket Some 8˚N of the Equator, and well below the latitudes of destructive tropical storms, Phuket's balmy tropical climate is tempered by cool NE breezes from November to March, and by fresh on-shore winds in summer months. Time is + 7 hours ahead of GMT, 1 hour behind Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The Andaman Sea, separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman-Nicobar Ridge, is part of the Indian Ocean. Thailand's Andaman coast extends for 870 kilometres from the Surin Islands on the northern border with Burma to Tarutao National Park on the southern border with Malaysia. Hundreds of islands are accessible to small craft from Phuket, many of them uninhabited, many of them forested and fringed with spectacular coral reefs.

You often won't find a footprint on the beach. Check out our Sailing section Two distinctively different varieties of island are found in the Andaman Sea, each of them scenically striking in its own way. Low-relief granite intrusions, including the Surin and Similan islands, run in series roughly parallel to the more dramatic limestone islands. Island groups such as Koh Phi Phi have been shaped by a variety of forces from a massive limestone platform that was deposited 350 million to 450 million years ago. Phuket Island itself is mainly granite, with low forested mountains and a series of fine white-sand beaches, mostly on the west coast. Much of the forest has been cleared, first for rubber plantations and then for tourism development. The one remaining significant stand of virgin rainforest -- Khao Phra Thaeo Park -- is worth a visit. Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, mainland and islands alike, display the same dramatic limestone ("karst") geography of the Phi Phi Islands. Khao Sok National Park, just to the north and east off Phuket, has large areas of tropical forest, some of it still remote enough to harbour wild tigers. Many Daytrips are available.

Population of Phuket The official census shows 231,206 people living in Phuket. Since this figure only includes those registered as resident in Phuket province and there is a significant (semi-permanent) work force from other provinces of Thailand and as many as 35,000 visitors at any one time, it is likely that a more realistic figure would be much higher Phuket Town, the main town, has over 60,000 inhabitants. Patong Beach, the most developed of the west-coast beaches, has evolved from a fishing village into a thriving little resort city over the past 15 years or so. Ethnic composition Muslim (originally of Malay descent) Chao Le (sea nomads) Indian and Arabic Industries of Phuket Tourism - 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. The area is a popular holiday destination for both Asians and Westerners.

Rubber - First introduced from Malaya in 1903, the orderly ranks of rubber trees soon came to define much of the local landscape. Rubber plantations are still much in evidence, but soaring real estate values and the boom in tourism has meant that land is being turned to other uses. Tin - This mineral has been mined on Phuket from time immemorial; The demand for tin is down. Tin dredging in offshore waters has been restrained in the past few years, moreover, by zoning regulations designed to help protect the coral reefs and beaches of the west coast. Old tin-mine workings on land, meanwhile, are being converted from unsightly scars in the landscape to beautiful resort hotel developments, yacht marinas, golf courses and bungee-jumping facilities. Coconuts, pineapples, bananas, cashews - Agriculture of various sorts is still an important part of Phuket's economy, but more and more farming land -- even rice paddies -- are being given over to housing, roads, and other infrastructure. Fishing - Fishing is still an important part of life for the people living along the coast. But small-scale fisheries are being hurt by modern trawling, some of it illegal.

Large-scale fisheries, meanwhile, are threatened with the depletion of commercial fish stocks from over-fishing. Phuket Climate and Temperatures Year-round temperatures on Phuket vary between 21-34 ˚C. Water temperatures range from 26-28˚C, which means wetsuits are not necessary to enjoy water sports. The northeast monsoon season, roughly November till April, brings consistently sunny weather, cool breezes and low humidity, with moderate seas. The southwest monsoon, May till October, sees the rainiest and most unpredictable weather along with frequent swells off the Indian Ocean. Environment On the island of Phuket and on the adjacent mainland, tropical rainforests of various types provide excellent opportunities for trekking. (See Sports & Recreation ) The fringing coral reefs of the area include some of the best in the world, and sport diving has become a major Phuket-based recreational industry. (See Watersports and Diving .) This region's coral reefs are home to 106 coral reef fish species that have already been identified. At the same time more than 210 species of hard coral play their parts in building the reefs of the Andaman Sea.

We can add to this incredible fauna an undetermined number of soft coral species plus tens of thousands of other marine organisms, including crustaceans, echinoderms, and worms, each with its own role in maintaining the coral reef ecosystem as a whole. See our extensive diving section These waters include more than 850 species of pelagic fish (open-water as opposed to demersal, or those living near the bottom), many of them of commercial value. The Andaman Sea is on the migration routes of classic fighting fish such as the blue marlin. Other much-sought-after trophy fish are black marlin (relatively scarce), sailfish, barracuda and a variety of sharks, notably tigers and makos. Check out our fishing pages. Five species of sea turtle nest on islands in Thai waters -- leatherbacks, green turtles, loggerheads, hawksbills, and Ridleys. All of these are endangered species, and they are less frequently sighted every year.

Aside from more than 30 recorded species of sea snakes, the only other marine reptile in the region is the brackish-water crocodile, locally all but extinct, a species which inhabits mangrove swamps and river estuaries along the southern peninsula. Other marine life of note includes the mammals. At least two species of dolphin are commonly found in Thai waters: the Indian porpoise and the long-nosed dolphin. Whales are occasional visitors, as well. The dugong, or "sea cow", is now all but extinct; and the Thai Fisheries Department has declared it a protected species. Conservationist note. All of the local marine habitats -- coral reef, mangrove swamp, and pelagic -- are currently suffering pressures from a variety of sources, including commercial over-fishing, inappropriate fishing methods, shrimp-farming, other forms of pollution, and a number of tourism-related pressures. Even the pelagic environment, perhaps the least vulnerable of these habitats, has been so intensively fished since the introduction of trawl-net fishing in 1962 that commercial fisheries are threatened with being fished past their maximum sustainable yield.

You May Also Like Phuket Province - Lonely Planet Phuket Province is dramatic karst islands and relaxed beaches Places Adventures Welcome to Phuket Province The island of Phuket has long been misunderstood. Firstly, the ‘h’ is silent. And secondly, Phuket doesn’t feel like an island at all. It’s so huge (49km long, the biggest in Thailand) that you rarely feel surrounded by water, which is probably why Ko (‘island’) was dropped from its name. Branded the ‘pearl of the Andaman’, this is Thailand’s original flavour of tailor-made fun in the sun... Read More Top experiences in Phuket Province Sights in Phuket Province Phuket Island Beaches Pictures Guide, Thailand – Bugbog Phuket Beaches Map Beach Holidays in Phuket Phuket is the largest of Thailand’s islands and the country’s most popular sand and sea destination, though much of it is tourism of the package kind. The beaches are largely similar, mostly with soft sand, clear warm water enclosed in pretty bays. Patong is the largest and busiest, attached to the lively but brash, noisy and unattractive town of Patong.

South of Patong are a handful of beaches that cater to up-market tourists while beaches in the north of Phuket become increasingly less crowded and offer less facilities the further away from Patong they get but are popular with seekers of quiet, good value beach holidays. Sand, however becomes coarser and waves more brutal. Beware swimming when beaches have red flags flying which often happens in or near the rainy/summer season. Patong and Karon beaches are especially susceptible. There is a real danger of drowning from tide rips (strong currents), with an average of one tourist drowning a month in summertime. There are still some glimpses of old Thailand out in the sticks of Phuket if you take a drive. Phuket attractions Kamala beach, next spot north of Patong in Phuket. Photo by Gossipguy. Phuket Vegetarian Festival, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival , is held from October 1st to October 9th in 2016. The date changes every year so check on our Exotic Festivals page . Photo by binder donedat.

During this popular festival male religious devotees – usually of Thai-Chinese extraction – pierce their bodies in multiple locations with pins, knives, sharp sticks or whatever comes to hand, without the benefit of anesthetics. Alternatively they slash/cut themselves widely. Bloody hell! Photo by binder donedat. Downsides The bad news: • the numbers of visitors on the beach/in the streets of the main towns in high seasons is unsettling if you’re in search of a tropical paradise, or possibly exciting if you want loud noise, friendly girls and lots of beer. But remember, Phuket does offer a good selection of alternatives . • chunky waves can make relaxed ‘floating after a few beers’ bathing a bit of a challenge early in the season. Wait for them to calm down or learn to dive under them – which is quite good exercise as it happens… • some beaches are colonised early by package people • there is little shade other than pay-parasols • Patong town is becoming increasingly sleazy, overdeveloped and not so cheap. Accommodation Khao Lak beach cottages, Phuket. This is not a cheap region by Thai standards.

Backpackers on a tight budget or travellers seeking a quieter life would fare better on other islands such as Ko Lanta or Ko Samet , but up-market travellers looking for a life of pampered luxury can’t go wrong with 5 star hotels in Phuket where exotic style and delicacy are a national trait, servitude an honour and exquisite cuisine an everyday experience. I have a dream. . . A small motorcycle is a great way to travel Phuket but beware gravel rash, it can seriously hamper your sea bathing (though it does help the healing process in small doses! ). All motorised tourists in Thailand – bikes and cars – are required to carry an International Drivers’ License on their person and it is also advisable to carry a copy of your passport information page and Thai visa. Motorbike drivers and their passengers are required by law to wear helmets. A recent survey revealed that around a third of all bike passengers do not wear helmets. The payment for breaking helmet laws depends on the officer issuing the fine, which side of the bed he got out of that morning, the season, the attitude of the biker and much more but is officially between 500-1000 baht ($15-$30).

Thai police pay a lot of attention to foreigners driving bikes without helmets while turning a blind eye to locals doing the same thing. It’s possible that they are concerned about farang hurting themselves but more likely that on-the-spot fines are paid fairly easily by visitors who are unlikely to argue, whereas extracting a few hundred baht from a local would be heavy going. Fines for drunk driving in Thailand are heavy and may increase during holiday seasons. Access to Phuket’s beaches is easy and roads are excellent. Recent development has spoiled a lot of the sights and tranquility of the island, but brought reliable power and water supplies, comfortable hotels and good varied food to beach resorts, and lovers of solitude can still find secluded spots, just. Phuket town/port has no beaches or interesting night life, but good local craft shops and a lively market. It’s a useful transit point for inter-island ferries to places such as Phi Phi Don , Ko Lanta or Krabi . The beaches worth occupying are mostly on Phuket’s (pron. Poo-kett) west coast, with the busiest being Patong in the south-centre.

Phuket Beaches Map That’s no tsunami but it’s got unusual power behind it as that quite fit guy is about the find out. Hombre, dive, dive dive! (he didn’t and was knocked over) The good news: Please click anywhere on the Phukets islands map for a more detailed view and hotels locations. Web Sawadee Public Company Limited 888/124 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Tel: +66-81-SAWADEE, 02-6745555 Fax: 02-6745544 Phuket : General Information / Climate / Topography / Languages / Products Phuket : General Information Location Phuket island is located in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and is connected to Phang-nga province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge. It is 862 km. away from Bangkok by road and one hour and 20 minutes by air.

Area Phuket is the largest island of Thailand but the second smallest province in area (the smallest being Samut Songkhram). The main island itself has an area of about 539 sq.km., about the same size as Singapore. The total land area of the province, including 39 small nearby islets, is about 570 sq.km. Climate There are only two seasons in a year -- the rainy season from May to October and the hot season from November to April. September and October are the wettest months. The best period is from November through February. But whatever the season, there is always a breeze blowing. The average temperatures range between 23°C and 33°C. Topography 70% of the area are mountains stretching from north to south, while the other 30% are plains, mainly in the central and and eastern parts of the island. There is no important river but a total of 9 brooks and creeks. The west coast are stretches of white sandy beaches which are major tourist developments.

Administration The only island province of the country, Phuket is divided into 3 administrative units called amphoe (county) -- Amphoe Muang, Thalang and Kathu. Language Central Thai is the official language and used in business and tourism areas. People in general use southern Thai dialect, which sounds more succinct and is spoken faster than the central Thai. English is understood in tourist areas. Products 13 External links [edit] Name The name Phuket (of which the ph sound is an aspirated p) is apparently derived from the word bukit (Jawi: بوكيت) in Malay which means hill, as this is what the island appears like from a distance. The region was formerly referred to as "Thalang," derived from the old Malay "Telong" (Jawi: تلوڠ) which means "Cape." The northern district of the province, which was the location of the old capital, still uses this name.

[edit] History The French ambassador Chevalier de Chaumont with king Narai.In the 17th century, the Dutch, the English, and from the 1680s the French, competed with each other for trade with the island of Phuket (the island was named Junk Ceylon at that time), which was valued as a very rich source of tin. In September 1680, a ship from the French East India Company visited Phuket and left with a full cargo of tin. In 1681 or 1682, the Siamese king Narai, who was seeking to reduce Dutch and English influence, named Governor of Phuket the French medical missionary Brother René Charbonneau, a member of the Siam mission of the Société des Missions Etrangères.

Charbonneau held the position of Governor until 1685.[2] In 1685, king Narai confirmed the French tin monopoly in Phuket to a French ambassador, the Chevalier de Chaumont.[3] Chaumont's former maître d'hôtel Sieur de Billy was named governor of the island.[4] The French were expelled from Siam in 1688 however, following the 1688 Siamese revolution. On April 10, 1689, the French general Desfarges led an expedition to re-capture the island of Phuket in an attempt to restore some sort of French control in Siam.[5] The occupation of the island led nowhere, and Desfarges returned to Pondicherry in January 1690.[6] The Burmese attacked Phuket in 1785. Captain Francis Light, a British East India Company captain passing by the island, sent word to the local administration that he had observed Burmese forces preparing to attack. Than Phu Ying Chan, the wife of the recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook(คุณมุก) then assembled what forces they could.

After a month-long siege, the Burmese were forced to retreat March 13, 1785. The two women became local heroines, receiving the honorary titles Thao Thep Krasatri and Thao Si Sunthon from King Rama I. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Phuket became the administrative center of the tin-producing southern provinces. In 1933 Monthon Phuket (มณฑลภูเก็จ)was dissolved and Phuket became a province by itself. Old names of the island include Ko Thalang.[clarification needed] [edit] 2004 Tsunami Patong Beach on Phuket affected by the tsunami disaster of December 2004. Tsunami at Kata Noi beach.Main article: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake On December 26, 2004, Phuket and other nearby areas on Thailand's western coast suffered extensive damage when they were struck by the Boxing Day tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

The waves destroyed several highly populated areas in the region, killing as many as 5,300 people nationwide, and tens of thousands more throughout the wider Asian region. As many as 250 people were reported dead in Phuket including foreign tourists and as many as a thousand unreported deaths of illegal Burmese workers building new beach resorts in the Khao Lak area. Almost all the major beaches on the west coast, especially Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata, sustained major damage, with some damage also being caused to resorts and villages on the island's southern beaches. By February 2005 many damaged and most undamaged resorts were back in business, and throughout 2005 life slowly returned to normal for the people of Phuket.

As of November 2005, following strenuous recovery programs, there is little obvious remaining tsunami damage other than at the most remote beaches, and the tourist industry, which drives the Phuket economy, has now almost fully recovered.[citation needed] In the beginning of December 2006, Thailand launched the first of 22 U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys to be positioned around the Indian Ocean as part of a regional warning system against giant waves caused by earthquakes under the sea.

The satellite-linked deep-sea buoy will float 1,000 km (620 miles) offshore, roughly midway between Thailand and Sri Lanka.[citation needed] [edit] Geography Map of Phuket (beaches in brown) Geography Coordinates 7°53′24″N 98°23′54″E﻿ / ﻿7.89, 98.39833 Area 543.0 square kilometres (209.7 sq mi) Length 50 kilometres (31 mi) Width 20 kilometres (12 mi) Highest point Mai Thao Sip Song (529 metres (1,740 ft)) Country Demographics Ethnic groups Thai people Looking north from Kata View Point over Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach and Karon BeachPhuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea off southern Thailand. The island is mostly mountainous with a mountain range in the west of the island from the north to the south. The mountains of Phuket form the southern end of the Phuket mountain range, which ranges for 440 km from the Kra Isthmus.

The highest elevation of the island is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes), at 529 m above sea level. It is estimated that Phuket has a total area of approximately 570 square kilometers (including the provinces other islands). The main island’s total length, from north to south, is about at 50 kilometers and approximately 20 kilometers wide. Forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island.[citation needed] The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point. In the mountainous north of the island is the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting Area, protecting more than 20 km² of rainforest. The three highest peaks of this reserve are the Khao Prathiu (384 m), Khao Bang Pae (388 m) and Khao Phara (422 m).

The Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km² (68 km² marine area), including the Nai Yang beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai. Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Rawai. To the north of Patong are Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong. There are many islands to the southeast, including Bon Island, just a short boat trip away.

There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the north west, and Phi Phi Islands to the south east. Islanders engage in a lively tourist trade, catering to snorkellers and scuba divers. [edit] Administrative divisions Map of Amphoe, or the three districts of Phuket Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (September 2008) Phuket is divided into 3 districts (Amphoe), which are further subdivided into 17 subdistricts (tambon) and 103 villages (muban). Mueang Phuket Kathu Thalang There are 9 municipal (thesaban) areas within the province. The capital Phuket has city (thesaban nakhon) status, and the main touristical town Patong as well as Kathu has town (thesaban mueang) status. There are further 6 subdistrict municipalities (thesaban tambon) - Karon, Thep Krasattri, Choeng Thale, Ratsada, Rawai and Wichit.

The non-municipal areas are administrated by 9 tambon administrative organizations (TAO). [edit] Economy Tin mining has been a major source of income for the island since the 16th century. Chinese businessmen and Chinese workers were employed in the mines. Most were Hakka Chinese, and their influence on Phuket culture and cuisine can still be felt today.[citation needed] With falling tin prices, the mining has now all but ceased. In modern times, Phuket's economy rests on two pillars: rubber tree plantations (making Thailand the biggest producer of rubber in the world) and tourism, with a thriving diving industry attracting thousands of divers each year. Sex tourism and prostitution, though illegal, take place in Phuket.[citation needed] Since the 1980s, the sandy beaches on the western coast of the island have been heavily developed into tourist centers, with Patong, Karon and Kata being the most popular ones. Since the 2004 Tsunami, all damaged buildings and attractions have been restored. Phuket is currently going through an intensive period of leisure urbanization with many new hotels, apartments and houses under construction.

In July 2005, Phuket was voted one of the World’s Top 5 retirement destinations by the acclaimed Fortune Magazine.[7] There are thousands of expatriates living in Phuket, many of them retirees. A favourite spot for them is Phuket Beach, as it is very convenient. Costs in Phuket have shot up over the past decade, making it one of Thailand's more expensive retirement destinations. [edit] Demographics As with most of Thailand, the majority of the population is Buddhist, but there is a significant number of Muslims (30%) in Phuket, mainly descendants of the island's original sea-dwelling people.

Among the Muslims, many are of Malay descent.[8][9] People of Chinese ancestry make up an even larger populace, many of whom having descended from tin miners who migrated to Phuket during the 19th century.[10] Peranakans, known as "Phuket Babas" in the local tongue, constitute a fair share of members Chinese community, particularly among those who have family ties with the Peranakans of Penang and Malacca.[11] [edit] Transportation The Phuket International Airport is located in the north of the island. There are many scheduled flights and chartered flights from domestics and other countries in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America landing in Phuket. There is no rail-line to Phuket, but the trains do run to nearby Surat Thani. Songthaews (passenger pick-up vehicles) are a common mode of transport on Phuket. Phuket’s songthaews are larger[citation needed] than those found in other areas of Thailand. They travel between the town and beaches. There are also conventional bus services and motorbike taxis. The latter are found in large numbers in the main town and at Patong Beach.

The traditional Tuk-tuks have been replaced by small vans, mostly red or some are yellow. Songthaews are the cheapest mode of transportation for travel from town to town. [edit] Hotels Phuket boasts of some of the finest hotels in the world, which have been consistently rated in top 10 best hotels of the world by Conde Nast traveller. List includes resorts like Amanpuri, etc.. [edit] Attractions This section is written like an advertisement. Please help rewrite this section from a neutral point of view. (September 2008) This section may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this section if you can. (September 2008) This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (November 2008) Hat Patong (หาดป่าตอง) 15 kilometres from town, Patong is Phuket's most developed beach which offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3-kilometre long crescent bay.

Windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing number among the many popular daytime activities. Patong is equally well known for its vibrant nightlife, among which seafood restaurants feature prominently. Laem Phromthep (แหลมพรหมเทพ) Phromthep Cape is a headland forming the extreme south end of Phuket. "Phrom" is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God.' Local villagers used to refer to the cape as "Laem Chao", or the God's Cape, and it was an easily recognizable landmark for the early seafarers traveling up the Malay Peninsula from the sub-continent. Hat Karon (หาดกะรน) The second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches, some 20 kilometres from town. Large resort complexes line the road behind of the shoreline, but the long, broad beach itself has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked upon. There are plenty of restaurants and tourist stores right across the street from the beach. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu Island. There is also its sister beach Karon Noi.

View Point (จุดชมวิว) This 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. Wat Chalong (วัดฉลองหรือวัดไชยธาราราม) This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Cham, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion, in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham, abbots of the temple during later times. Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre (สถานีพัฒนาและส่งเสริมการอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าเขาพระแทว) Its duty is to promote, distribute and wildlife within Khao Phra Thaeo wildlife park. The park is full of virgin forest and also actively conserves a number of wild animals; they would otherwise be extinct in Phuket. It is a center for study of the environment and the forest vegetation is spectacular.

Giant trees supported by huge buttresses are thick with creepers and climbers of every description. [edit] Local Culture [edit] Events and Festivals Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Fair (งานท้าวเทพกระษัตรี - ท้าวศรีสุนทร) is held on March 13 every year to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to repel Burmese invaders. Vegetarian Festival (เทศกาลกินเจ(กินผัก-เจี๊ยะฉ่าย)) is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month (end Sept or early October). Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet, a form of purification believed to help make the forthcoming year “trouble-free”. The festival is marked by several ascetic displays, including fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed ladders. Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (งานแข่งเรือใบชิงถ้วยพระราชทาน) is held in December. The Kata Beach Resort hosts international yachtsmen, largely from neighbouring countries who compete in the Kata Beach area for royal trophies.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon (ลากูน่าภูเก็ตไตรกีฬา) is held in each December. The triathlon (a 1,800 - metre swim, a 5.5 -kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometre run and a 6 –kilometre fun run) attracts many athletes from all over the world.[citation needed] Phuket Travel Fair (เทศกาลเปิดฤดูการท่องเที่ยวจังหวัดภูเก็ต), starting from November 1, is usually called the Patong Carnival, from the place where celebrations occur. Colourful parades, sports events, and a beauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities. Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival (งานประเพณีลอยเรือชาวเล) falls during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rawai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Si-re celebrates on the 14th; and Laem La (east of the bridge on Phuket’s northern tip) 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 evil and bring good luck. [edit] Cuisine A Pong, Sri Lankan style dessertLocal dishes include: Fried or Boiled Noodle Dishes (หมี่ผัดหรือหมี่น้ำแบบต่าง ๆ), usually with pork or chicken, are available at many noodle shops in the town such as Mi Ton Pho, Mi Sapam, Mi Ao Ke, Mi Hun Pa Chang, and etc. Khanom Chin (ขนมจีน), a version of noodles taken at breakfast, usually served with a spicy curry sauce and fresh vegetables. Nam Phrik Kung Siap (น้ำพริกกุ้งเสียบ) is a mixture of dried chili and smoked shrimps taken with various fresh vegetables. Cashew nuts and pineapples are rarely grown in Phuket but are available all year round.

The nuts are available dried, fried or coated.‎ See more Phuket - Thailand For Visitors Phuket Old Town Phuket is Thailand's largest island, a idyllic site for the country's premier international beach resort. Much of the island's charm is that the ocean facing west coast is lined with a series of bays where white sand beaches span between two rocky points. This makes for a series of relatively intimate places rather than one big unbroken stretch of sand lined with high rise hotels and packed with people. See the Phuket beaches page for an overall map to the main beaches and towns of the island. As befits a mature international resort destination, Phuket has a large variety of sun and surf activities so there's something for just about everyone. See our list of things to see and do for some ideas about what Phuket has to offer. Some would argue that Phuket's development as an international destination has made it a little less exotic. While this is certainly true of some places, there's still a lot of local color to be found for those willing to step away from the beach and look for it.

Of course, we can't talk about Phuket without mentioning the tsunami which affected a wide area of the Indian Ocean on 26 December 2004. The big wave affected different beaches to varying degrees. Karon, which has a rather steep beach, was relatively unaffected, while Patong's long gentle slope allowed the water to flow several blocks inland and well past the second floor of the buildings nearer the beach. Many businesses in Patong were effectively destroyed. However, the wave had barely receded when re-building began to be discussed. Many businesses were able to re-open within three or four months, although some hotels took slightly longer. By the time we next visited in November 2005, just a month shy of one year since the tsunami, things were pretty much back to normal. There are lots of shiny new taxis, tuk-tuks and buildings, but other than that there is very little sign of the event that took so many lives. Find an error? Have a suggestion? Please contact us . 10 Best Islands in Thailand – Touropia Travel Experts flickr/ stevec77 Ko Lanta is made up of a group of islands off the coast of Thailand in the Krabi province.

The largest island of the group is called Ko Lanta Yai also known as simply Ko Lanta. Several beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows. This region is an important destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, who come to the islands to view the coral reefs and the ocean life, including manta rays and whales. There is also an abundance of tropical plant life, including the remnants of the ancient rainforests. flickr/ Kris_B Ko Samet is known for being a favorite respite from the bustle of Bangkok. Though the majority of the island is a national park, there are a number of vacation spots located there with different amenities depending on the type of experience sought. One of the great attractions of Ko Samet are its white sand beaches. Visitors can choose from peaceful and relaxing settings or popular beaches with lots of activities. Ao Noina, Ao Phutsa, Au Nuan, and Ao Wai are known for being more serene, and feature cozy accommodations and stunning sunset views.

Hat Sai Kaeo and Ao Hin Khok are busier, and visitors to these beaches frequently come to sunbathe, swim, windsurf, or enjoy nightlife. Where to Stay in Ko Samet 7Ko Tarutao Ko Tarutao is one of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago in southern Thailand. This island offers accommodations including campsites and bungalows that can be rented. Tourists to this island can enjoy the pristine and quiet atmosphere of the area, and can also view the rugged mountain and jungle scenery, including the limestone cliffs for which this part of Thailand is famous. Visitors can have a good chance of catching a glimpse at some exotic wildlife, particularly if they visit the beach on the western part of the island, which is frequented by large turtles. 6Ko Samui flickr/ aldask Ko Samui is one of the most visited islands in Thailand. There are abundant accommodations for travelers ranging from small bungalows to exclusive villas on the island.

There are several festivals that take place every year on Ko Samui, including the Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Ten Stars Samui Art Party, and several street fairs with vendors selling local delicacies, clothing, and souvenirs. Sailing enthusiasts also gather for the yearly Samui Regatta, and triathletes and their supporters flock to Samui for the annually Triathlon Event. flickr/ kara_vanmalssen Located near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand and the biggest in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago. It is a mountainous island known for several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs, rainforests and long white sandy beaches. In less than ten years, Ko Chang has become a major tourist destination in Thailand although still far quieter than islands like Phuket or Ko Samui. White Sand Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located on the island’s northwestern corner, it’s the longest beach on Ko Chang. The central section of the soft sandy beach is lined with resorts and hotels. flickr/ Jelle Oostrom Ko Tao is fast becoming the favorite destination of those who come to Thailand for recreational purposes.

The island’s caters especially to scuba divers, rock climbers, and hikers. Around 7000 new divers get certified on Koh Tao each year making it one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn to dive. Fishing enthusiasts also visit the island in increasing numbers, hoping to catch a specimen of one of the abundant marlin, snapper or barracuda. With the exploding tourist population of Ko Tao, a number of resorts, bars and nightclubs have opened up, though it is still possible for those seeking a more relaxed vacation to find quieter, less developed areas of the island. flickr/ MikeBehnken Ko Phi Phi is a small archipelago in the Krabi Province in Southern Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants while the smaller Ko Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming location for the 2000 movie “The Beach”. Ko Phi Phi was severely hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed.

Redevelopment has, however, been swift, and services are back with building regulations in place to limit the height of new hotels and other buildings to preserve the island’s stunning views. Insider Guide: Best of Phuket - CNN.com Insider Guide: Best of Phuket By Tina Hsiao & CNN staff, CNN Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Even if you're not a Sri Panwa guest, a few drinks at its Baba Nest rooftop bar will make you feel like a rock star. CNN Insider Guides are thoroughly checked for accuracy. Given the fluid nature of the travel industry, however, some listings may fall out of date before guides can be updated. The best practice is to confirm current information on official websites before making plans to visit any business or attraction. (CNN) It's hard to explain Phuket's allure. Perhaps the easiest way would be to compare it to a super-sexy but rebellious supermodel. The Naomi Campbell of the tourist trail. Phuket's beauty has never been in dispute. Its natural attractions are stunning.

What plagues Thailand's biggest island is a reputation for petty crime, unsafe roads, aggressive taxi drivers, jet-ski scams and over-developed beaches. Read More Thai authorities promise they're working to rebuild the island's reputation as a family-friendly holiday destination by cleaning up these messes. (Whether their efforts are cosmetic or concrete will play out in the months and years to come.) But there is, of course, another, far more positive Phuket. That would be the one that pulls in about a couple million visitors a year, including the world's rich and famous, who come for world-class luxury resorts, spectacular diving, island hopping, beach bumming, dining and nightlife. Too tempted to resist? Here's a quick guide to the best of Phuket. Hotels Luxury Trisara Trisara's pool villas look like they pour right onto the treetops, with the Andaman Sea within reach. A surprisingly child-friendly super luxury offering -- the kids' club is impressive -- Trisara's 39 villas represent no nonsense, non-gimmicky tropical cool. Marble-tiled bathrooms and plenty of white paint make the one- and two-bedroom pool villas refreshingly bright and airy.

For larger parties, some of the 18 residential villas, ranging from two to five bedrooms, are put back into the rental pool, with the huge, four-bedroom oceanfront residence holding bragging rights thanks to a 30-meter-long private pool. Trisara Phuket, 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110 Thailand; +66 (0) 7631 0100 Sri Panwa Sitting on the edge of the Cape Panwa peninsula, Sri Panwa is the coolest of Phuket's luxe accommodation offerings. The vibe on this best of Phuket resort is young and hip, lacking the stuffy air of pretentiousness found in many of the island's top hotels. If you're particular about personal space ask for the adjoining villas, FS1/1 and FS1/2. Looking to hold a big blowout? The five-bedroom pool villa A5 is 2,000 square meters and has a 300-degree view of the islands off the cape.

Sri Panwa recently took delivery of a 14-meter speedboat that holds up to 20 passengers, which guests can charter to check out the nearby island, such as Koh Maiton, Phang Nga and the Similans. The boat's name is Free Willy, making it the perfect yacht for a stag party, no? Sri Panwa Phuket, 88 Moo. 8, Sakdidej Road Tambon Vichit, Muang Phuket, Cape Panwa, Phuket 83000 Thailand; +66 (0) 76 371 000 Indigo Pearl This artsy island retreat advertsises "the most luxurious private pool villas in Phuket." We can't say we've seen every private pool villa in Phuket but we've seen more than a few and these ones definitely make a case for themselves as top of the class. Rooms come with neat designer touches and pillow menus. The Coqoon Spa is a bit gaudy but fun. It looks a place where the truly special might convene for tribal council.

The whole place exudes tropical class -- raw timber, brass rivets, swaying palms, lots of landscaped greenery -- and there's a nice Thai restaurant on site. Indigo Pearl, Nai Yang Beach & National Park, Nai Yang, Phuket 83110 Thailand; +66 (0)7 632 7006; Mid-range Baan Krating This mid-priced Phuket resort with a jungle vibe is on Ao Sane Bay, just north of Nai Harn beach in the south. Bungalows are tucked hillside, leading down to a small private beach. With plenty of natural charm and lots of tall old trees on a secluded hillside, those who associate Phuket with overdeveloped modernity will be surprised such a resort still exists on the island. There are 65 rooms total. For something rustic and natural, the deluxe rooms have thatched roofs. For a newer and more contemporary stay there are also deluxe pavilion rooms -- all of which have private terraces.

Baan Krating Phuket Resort, 11/3 Moo 1, Wiset Road Ao Sane Beach, Rawai, Phuket 83130 Thailand; +66 (0) 7628 8264 Budget The modern and clean Chinotel opened in December 2010. For a no-nonsense base in Phuket Town, there's the Chinotel. Its 24 basic rooms are compact, but have all standards such as LCD television, air conditioning and a minibar. Set in a five-story townhouse -- all rooms have a balcony/terrace -- the higher floors (4th and 5th) that open up to Ranong Road enjoy views of Phuket Town above the power lines. If a stronger (free) Wi-Fi signal trumps your desire for a non-obstructed view, stay in the lower half of the building. This busy neighborhood is filled with wet markets open in the wee hours of morning till mid/late afternoon, so it's a great place to witness how the locals really live.

Chinotel Phuket, 133-135 Ranong Rd., Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand; +66 (0) 7621 4455 Dining Acqua's Catalana-style lobster salad. Acqua is among the best of Phuket's Italian restaurants. It's owned by chef Alessandro Frau, executive chef at Sheraton Laguna Phuket for four years before starting his own venue in 2009. Expect it all. Traditional, regional and modern interpretations of Italian food, including pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy. If you don't know your Gillardeau from your Fine de Claire, Alessandro's always around and happy to share his passion for food. Signature dishes include "yellow fin tuna and swordfish Carpaccio" and Catalana-style lobster salad.

Acqua Restaurant, 324/15 Prabaramee road Kalim bay, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83100 Thailand; +66 (0) 7661 8127 Kan Eang @ Pier In the evening the nearby pier lights up, making Kan Eang a relaxing place for al fresco dining. Satisfying hungry diners for nearly 40 years, Kan Eang means "at ease." And that it is. An unpretentious restaurant beside Chalong pier in the south, Kan Eang serves Thai, seafood and international fare. But skip the international. The catch is delivered live every morning by local fishermen, thus the most popular items on the menu are barbecue seafood. Sold-by-the-weight catch includes fish, cuttlefish, Phuket lobster sashimi, tiger prawns and blue crab. Chefs at Kan Eang use coconut husks instead of a standard charcoal grill as they're aromatic and cook slower and all the way through so the seafood is not charred on the outside.

Kan Eang@Pier Restaurant, 44/1 Moo 5, Wiset Road, Chalong, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand; +66 (0) 7638 1212 Kruvit Raft You're eating on a raft floating in the middle of the island so you can guess what the specialty of the house is. The menu changes to accommodate the seafood catch of the day, but consistent faves include barbecued lobster, steamed tiger grouper with soy sauce and steamed blue crab. The atmosphere is low-key and informal -- the "raft" is like a floating mini-pier (it's made of weathered wooden planks) and tables sit beneath cute thatch roofs. Kruvit Raft, Moo 6 Front of Maphro Island, Ko Kaeo, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand; +66 (0)8 6687 0892 Baan Rim Pa Baan Rim Pa's lower level seats only 25, so it's a popular spot for private parties.

Literally meaning "house next to the cliff," Baan Rim Pa is on the rocky headlands north of Patong Bay. An open-air dining institution open for more than 20 years and set in a two-story teak house, it serves a range of Thai cuisine. Diners get to eyeball views over the entire bay as they listen to the waves crashing onto rocks below. That is until pianist Tommy Doyle shows up to hit the grand piano on the main level's Piano Bar from 7 p.m. nightly (except Monday). If you tire of Thai food but don't want to give up the view, Baan Rim Pa is adjacent to Joe's Downstairs (modern cuisine) and Da Maurizio (Italian) -- all part of the same restaurant group. Baan Rim Pa, 223 Prabaramee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand; +66 (0) 7634 0789 Raya House No tourist fare here. A Phuket institution, Raya House serves island specialties. Open for 17 years, this converted two-story residence serves Phuket-style Thai food.

Owner Pa'Gularb (Auntie Rose), a former Bangkok Bank executive, started Raya House because all her friends told her that her cooking was delicious. And they weren't just being nice. Her dishes are damn fine. Auntie Rose still goes to the market and picks out ingredients herself and follows traditional recipes from her own family. Anything with crab is pretty much guaranteed to be great -- leading the way is her signature crab with curry and coconut milk. This dish is so popular that it's regularly ordered up (via cargo) by wealthy patrons in Bangkok. Raya Guest House, 153/7-8, Moo 5, Ao Nang, Krabi Town 81000 Thailand; Nightlife Owner Khun Lek opened Ka Jok See (meaning "stained-glass window") more than 10 years ago. Today it's one of the busiest restaurants/bars in town so reservations are recommended. The place has bucket loads of atmosphere. Set inside a gorgeous old shophouse with beamed ceilings, the photos on the walls are suitably aged and fight for space with quirky Thai art.

Later into the night things get a bit wild when Khun Lek turns Ka Jok See into a dance bar. Ka Jok See, 26 Th Takua Pa, Takua Pa Thailand; +66 (0) 7621 7903 Seduction Beach Club & Disco Seduction adds a bit of cool to an otherwise sleazy neighborhood. For the most part, Patong's Bangla Road is a sleazy night zone -- even a tad depressing if you're sober. But there are a few quality nightclubs that keep things going till the early morning hours. Seduction Beach Club & Disco is one such venue bringing in top international DJs (Paul Oakenfold has played here). Three separate levels pump out different styles of music. The first level beach bar plays R&B and hip-hop. On the top level is the actual nightclub, where DJs spin house and club hits. For the VIP set there's an exclusive members-only open-air lounge on the top floor called BLOW. We're not sure what inspired the name. It's windy up there?

Seduction Beach Club and Disco, 70/1 Soi Bangla, Ratt U-Thit 200 Pee Road Patong Beach, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand; Sanaeha Phuket Sanaeha Phuket is the place to experience live music as the locals do. Recently renovated and expanded, this is where all the hip and trendy people of Phuket Town play. Drink "Thai style" by ordering a bottle of whiskey to share with your friends. The wait staff will keep the ice, soda water and cola coming as long as you keep emptying your glass. The talented Joob and the Gang hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. Like most local bands, Joob covers Thai songs but throws in a few Western surprises.

Sanaeha, 85 Yaowaraj Road, Kathu, Phuket 83110 Thailand; +66 (0) 7621 8515 Skyla's Treehouse The bar here claims its drink are "infused with tastes reminiscent of sun, perpetual summer and exotic Thai coasts." We'll let them get away with a little over-the-top lyrical indulgence because the place is so damn cool. It's right on the beach, the drinks are good -- even if we'd like a little more of that solar flavoring -- and the beach parties draw good-looking crowds of happy people. Skyla's Beach House, North End of Kamala Beach, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83100 Thailand; +66 (0)8 2519 3282 Beaches What with Phuket being Thailand's biggest island, finding a beach to collapse on for the day isn't a challenge. Picking the right one is. Here's a rundown of some of the most popular, as well as a few spots the locals don't want you to know about.

One warning: for the less-crowded beaches along the west coast, take care to heed the color of the flags in the sand (i.e. red = don't go swimming). Tales of tourists drowning in Phuket hit the headlines far too often. Patong There's no such thing as a "quiet day at the beach" in Patong. There's no such thing as a "quiet day at the beach" in Patong. When bulldozers move into an island destination, it's always the nicest beach that gets sacrificed first for development. In Phuket's case it was Patong, now the busiest tourist spot on the island. While most locals heap a fair share of scorn on this place, action seekers will find everything they could want here. There are shops along Thaweewong beach road, restaurants and the Jungceylon mall close by at the end of perpendicular "entertainment" road Soi Bangla. What you lose in serenity you make up for in activities.

Jet-skis rip through the water (watch out for scamming rental guys who pretend to find damage you didn't create) and paragliders launch from the shore while beach chairs and umbrellas stretch across the sand as far as your sunburned retinas can squint. Patong Beach, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83000 Thailand; Surin Surin's Catch beach club keeps the party going after sunset. Small and relatively quiet, this lovely little stretch of beach north of Laem Singh and south of the Laem Son headlands has a more cosmopolitan vibe than Phuket's other beaches. The trendy Catch Beach Club is fun -- it belongs to Twinpalms. In-house guests are welcome to use the loungers, but if you drop in for just the day it will cost you 1,500 baht (price includes food, drinks, sun chairs and towels). Away from Catch, less pricey beach massage beds and loungers for rent line the sand, and there are plenty of beachfront places selling cheap but quality Thai food.

Surin beach, Phuket Thailand; Nai Yang Nai Yang is close to the airport so can be a bit noisy, but it's a nice stretch of beach with plenty of beachside hut restaurants. It's also good for snorkeling as are there some pretty coral reefs off the shores. On the north end is secluded Sirinath National Park. It's shady and lined with leafy trees, and usually only a handful of snack vendors will bug you. Nai Yang Beach, Sakoo, Phuket Thailand; Kata Yai and Kata Noi The beaches of Kata are good for anyone who craves a bit of action, but is put off by Patong's madness. When the rain comes down the surf's up. Kata Yai is the place to ride waves between April and October. Sure, it's not Oa'hu, but the surf is decent enough that it can host the yearly Kata Surfing competition. It also offers the best snorkeling off the shores of Phuket during high season. "This is the only beach in southern Phuket that has coral right off the northern and southern points of the bay," says John Williams, co-owner of Siamdivers.com.

"Tropical fish commonly seen are lionfish, schooling reef fish, parrotfish, butterfly fish, triggerfish and pipefish," adds Williams, author of three dive guides including "Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Thailand." Kata Beach, Pakbang Road, Kata Beach, Phuket Thailand; Banana Beach (Haad Hin Kluay) Between Bang Tao in the south and Nai Thon in the north (it can be a bit difficult to find), this popular-with-the-locals beach is close to hillside Trisara Resort. It's one of the most secluded stretches of beach on the island, with only one small bar/restaurant. If you're driving from the south, you can see the small beach through the trees --- look for the orange "Banana Beach" sign nailed to a tree on the left, about 400 meters from the Trisara entrance. Park and walk down the narrow steep-ish dirt path (not suitable for small children). If it's too difficult to find, get a round-the-island long-tail taxi man to take you on his boat. Banana Beach, Coral Island, Phuket Thailand; Bang Tao White like washing powder.

The sands of Bang Tao attract many an upmarket tourist. Bang Tao is a beautiful, long stretch of beach facing the massive Laguna Phuket complex with its cluster of upmarket hotels -- Sheraton, Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit, Outrigger. A 10-minute walk southward along the beach will get you to a small, practically deserted beach -- though there's also the newly re-opened blue and white Babylon Beach Club run by the Watermark group. There's also a wooden Reggae Bar that cantilevers on stilts over the incoming high tide, and two unassuming Thai restaurants --- a great place to catch the sunset then retreat to the elevated restaurants and/or bar as the tide comes in over the sand up to the steps. Bang Tao Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket Thailand; ​ Shopping / Attractions Water sports Water sports rentals can be found at all the main beaches in Phuket, be it jet-skiing, diving or snorkeling. Though most visitors tend to head offshore for their fish-watching needs, during the November to April high season snorkelers can explore the coral right off the shores of Kata Yai beach.

But much of the fun of visiting Phuket includes hopping on a boat to check out all those incredible, development-free beaches on the surrounding islands. A hired long-tail boat will take you around to a few islands, such as Koh Rang Yai, Koh Maphrao, Koh Ratcha and Coral Island. You can also book an organized day-trip through your hotel. Though there are quite a few operators, the itineraries and prices vary little. For something really special, professional operators such as Siam Dive n' Sail and Elite Yachting run live-a-boards and crewed charters. Siam Dive n Sail, 85/15 Baan Sai Yuan Soi 9 Mu 7, Rawai, Phuket 83130 Thailand; Big Buddha The smiling Big Buddha stands 45 meters high at some 400 meters above sea level. The smiling Big Buddha stands 45 meters high at some 400 meters above sea level. Phuket has plenty of Buddhist temples and Islamic mosques. But none top the 45-meter-high Big Buddha. Towering over southern Phuket, this white marble statue is famous for its great big smile.

The grounds offer fantastic views of the island and sea. To get there, drive toward the Chalong Circle and head north on Chaofa West Road. Access roads up to the Buddha are well marked. Phuket Big Buddha, Yot Sane 1, Karon, Phuket Town, Phuket 83100 Thailand; Phuket FantaSea/Siam Nirimit Phuket FantaSea is the island's biggest performance show, featuring dancers, trapeze artists, elephants and other live animals in a 3,000-seat indoor theater. Tacky and touristy as it is, even the locals can't deny it's actually a pretty entertaining way to spend an evening. Prior to the show, FantaSea puts on one of the biggest buffets in Asia. The food served in the massive hall isn't awesome Thai fare by any means, but the place is beautifully decorated so it's a nice way to fill up before the main event. Another great performance show is Siam Nirimit, modeled after the successful Bangkok version. This cultural stage event -- with an optional buffet dinner -- takes viewers through the regions and eras of Thailand by highlighting traditional songs, dance and martial arts.

If you're with kids and trying to decide between the two, go for FantaSea. Those with a strong interest in Thai culture will want the latter. Phuket FantaSea/ Siam Nirimit, most hotels offer transportations and tickets, which start from 1,500 baht ($50), or book online. Dinner buffet starts at 6 p.m. Phuket FantaSea, 99 Moo 3, Kamala Beach Kathu, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand; Siam Niramit Phuket, 55/81 Moo 5, Chalermprakiet Road Rassada, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand; Splash Jungle Water Park When lying on the beach gets old, live out your battle fantasies in Splash Jungle's Aqua Play Pool. Splash Jungle Water Park is among Phuket's top kid-friendly attractions.

Though slightly on the small size, it's a clean, safe facility with a decent selection of fun waterslides, a play area for younger kids, a wave pool, lazy tube river and "hot spring." There are two onsite cafés selling the usual Western fare -- burgers, fish and chips and a few Thai dishes. Splash Jungle Waterpark, 65 Moo 4 Mai khao Soi 4, Phuket 83110 Thailand; Phuket Weekend Market Think Bangkok's Jatujak weekend market, but on a much smaller scale. (That's a good thing.) Open Saturday and Sunday from around 9 a.m. till late, the Phuket Weekend Market has plenty more than just touristy items. There's food, clothing, jewelry, home decor, antiques, secondhand goods, plants, pets and probably even a kitchen sink or two as well.

Phuket Town Weekend Night Market, Wai-Rat-Hong-Yuk Road Kamala, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand; Old Phuket Town Far from the beaches, the traditional Phuket and its unique culinary and historical story can be found in the old quarter of Phuket Town, which dates from the end of the 19th century. There are plenty of hip shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, including the batik shops along Thalang Road run by ethnic Malays and Indians. The area is also filled with Chinese temples, crumbling mansions, cultural museums and a nunnery. Phuket Heritage Trails, which specializes in walking tours of the Old Town, is one of the best ways to get a full view of the area. Old Phuket Town, Thalang Road, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand; +66 851 589 788 Phuket Indy Market Calling all hipsters. Open Thursday and Friday on Dibuk Road in Phuket town, along the Limelight Avenue complex, the Phuket Indy Market attracts a young Thai crowd. There's secondhand stuff, some food and handmade original art.

For refreshment, there's a beer garden, which for better or worse has live Thai music. Lard Ploy Khong Market, Dee Book Tad Mai Road, Phuket Town, Phuket Thailand;

Question: Phucket is the largest of which country's islands?
Answer: THAILAND