Phuket is one of the best known island resorts in the world is located about 865 kilometers south of Bangkok. Apart from the numerous beaches around the island it's one of the most renowned diving regions in the World. The island is served by Phuket International Airport located in the north of the island.

Phuket 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 Phukets mountain range. The highest peak of the island is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes) standing at 529 meters above sea level.

Phuket City retains some interesting examples of Sino Portuguese architecture, which reflects the town's past as an important trading post. Wat Chalong is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the southern end of the island.

Phuket province in southern Thailand is pronounced (fuu-ket). Phuket is Thailand's largest island and second smallest province. Phuket Island 48 kilometers in length and 21 kilometers at its widest is on the west Andaman Sea coastline. The island is suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by the Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Phuket province is divided into 3 districts (Amphoe). Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang which are further sub divided into sub districts (tambon) and villages (muban). Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi as Phuket is an island there are no land boundaries.

Forests, rubber and palm oil plantations cover sixty percent of the island. The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southern most point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape) which is a popular sunset viewing point.

The Economy of Phuket rests on two pillars. Rubber tree plantations (making Thailand the biggest producer of rubber in the world) and tourism.

From the mid eighties the sandy beaches on the western coast of Phuket have been heavily developed into tourist centers. Patong, Karon and Kata beach being the most popular ones. Since the 2004 Tsunami, all damaged buildings and attractions have been restored. Today the island is going through an intensive period of leisure urbanisation with many new hotels, apartments and houses under construction.

Patong Beach is located on the central western coast of Phuket is one of the most popular areas on Phuket Island, owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and cheap shopping is located in Patong. The area has become increasingly developed. Patong, translated into English means (The forest filled with banana leaves).

Other popular beaches located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction 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 is 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.

Karon Beach and the town is further down the western coast of Phuket. The beach is much more quieter than Patong and a popular destination for tourists with families and couples. It is also popular with Scandinavian tourists, with many businesses catering especially for them.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, and SNUBA diving is one of the most popular activities on Phuket Island. Most dive sites are off nearby islands. The distances are fairly short and there are dozens of dive shops and boats to cater to your needs, mostly based near Chalong Pier. In addition there are good snorkeling locations located off several of the most popular beaches. Seek local information regarding riptides, currents, and safe snorkeling areas.

Phuket offers divers the true treasures of the Andaman Sea. Hidden below the surface in the warm clear nutrient rich water are vast schools of tropical fish. Manta rays and other pelagic fish the diverse underwater scenery its abundant marine life combined with the good visibility will delight underwater photographers and marine naturalists.

Dive sites vary enormously from the vast gardens of coral to the numerous caves and grottos and ship wrecks. Professional dive shops offer three major services in addition to equipment sales and rental. PADI certified training classes, one day dives, and multi day live aboard dive excursions.

There are many islands to the southeast including Bon Island, just a short boat trip away which is suitable for snorkeling. There are also several coral islands to the south of Phuket. The Similan Islands lie to the North West and Phi Phi Islands to the south east. All the islands are suitable for scuba diving.

The Sirinath National Park is approximately 30 kilometers from Phuket City is located on the northwestern coast of the Andaman Sea. It was established in July 1981 and covers an area of 90 square kilometers, of which 68 square kilometers is marine area including the Nai Yang Beach where sea turtles lay their eggs.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is approximately 25 kilometers from Phuket City in the northern part of Phuket Island. The park is Phuket’s last significant virgin rain forest. Ton Sai waterfall provides a wide variety of natural beauty of green trees, watercourses and pools.

Bang Pae Waterfall offers thick foliage surroundings and is the location of the Gibbon Centre an arboretum and a nursery to rehabilitate captured gibbons before returning them into the wild. You will find a small museum and information centre located near the bottom of the waterfall.

National Parks Thailand

Air Travel is the most convenient way to travel to Phuket. The only other realistic option is by car, minibus or bus, which takes in excess of 10-12 hours from Bangkok. The train completely by passes the Andaman coast, so it is not really an option.

Phuket with its growing popularity more discount airlines are flying to Phuket International Airport. Although many airlines now fly non stop direct to Phuket from Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong. The majority of travelers to Phuket transit through Bangkok.

Thai Airways International (TG) offers several non stop daily flights to and from Bangkok. TG also flies once daily nonstop to and from Chiang Mai. Internationally TG flies nonstop between Phuket and Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Frankfurt.

Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, One Two Go and Nok Air Thailand's budget carriers all have daily flights to Phuket from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports Bangkok. For details and information see Transport Services Thailand.

VIP Air Conditioned Buses first class air conditioned and non air conditioned buses have daily departures from the Southern Bus Terminal Bangkok Tel: +66 (0) 2 435 5019. Phuket to Bangkok from the Phuket Bus Terminal Tel: +66 (0) 76 211 480 for more information and links to various websites see Transport Services Thailand.

Phuket like Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise if you want. You can shop till you drop. Phuket has many interesting markets, shops, department stores and shopping malls around the island, prices are fixed in department stores.

In most of the small shops and markets bartering is normal; prices can be as much as 50% less than the asking price. Smiles and politeness will go a long way when negotiating and will always secure a bargain.

Phuket Old Town along Montri, Phang Nga, Rassada and Yaowarat roads, are a number of Phuket’s better handicraft and antique shops. Walking around this area is pleasant as many of the buildings and shop houses are of Phuket Sino Portuguese architecture.

The Downtown fresh food market is next to the beach bus station. The market is a favorite with locals for fresh fruits, vegetables and meats you will also find some clothes there. Phuket also has several weekend markets selling clothing, household items, plants and many other interesting items.

The Central Festival Phuket is a large modern shopping mall located on Chalermprakiat Road. The mall has a department store and is the place to go for brand name products. There are also numerous restaurants and a cinema in the mall. On the same road Big C and Tesco Lotus super centers are located, with attached shopping centers and restaurants.

In the centre of Phuket city on the corner of Tilok Uthit 1 Road, is Robinsons Ocean department store. The fairly small store has a good range of brand name clothing. Ocean Shopping Mall is further down the road the second floor is good for clothes and fashion accessories. Many of the items you see on the stalls in Patong can be purchased here for less.

Jungceylon on Rat U Thit Road, Patong is a huge three storey complex. It contains a mixture of shopping, dining and entertainment facilities, Carrefour, Robinson’s department store, SFX cinema and a selection of restaurants. Ocean Plaza Bangla department store is also worth a visit.

Markets and street stalls can be found all along the beach road. There are a few shops and stall open from mid day in the evening when the sun sets the streets come alive. Patong becomes a huge night bazaar and overflows into many of the side streets.

Regardless of your opinion about Phuket and what it has to offer. There's no denying that Phuket has a great range of restaurants, covering everything from local street food to international cuisine’s it all can be found in Phuket.

With over five million travelers visiting Phuket every year many hotel and resort complexes have international chefs serving the best in authentic Thai and international cuisine, catering for needs of world travelers.

Floyd’s Brasserie menu offers classic international cuisine favorites that embody Floyd’s unfussy approach to dining and philosophy of only the freshest and finest ingredients.

2 Gusti is a fashionable Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine that begins immediately upon entering the restaurant.

Irish Pubs have become wildly popular throughout Asia and Phuket is no exception. The Irish pubs are popular with expats and tourists who want to get back to familiar things and enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch.

Those of you that enjoy western fast food, such as KFC, MacDonald’s and Pizza House etc, it can be found in the many shopping malls, saver centers and superstores around Phuket.

Saphan Hin Park is at the south end of Phuket Road, the large multi purpose park with fitness centers, jogging trails, stadium, software development centre, restaurants, food stalls and a mangrove walkway. Muay Thai kickboxing Tournaments are held in the stadium every Friday evening.

The King Rama IX Park or Suan Luang on Chao Fa Road is a lovely green park with large trees, lotus ponds and walking paths. It’s popular in the early morning with joggers and Tai Chi practitioners.

The Rang Hill Fitness Park at the top of Khao Rang off Mae Luan Road, the park is nice and shady an idea area to go for brisk walks and jogging or to simply sit and relax under the large old trees. The hilltop features a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit. The first Governor of Phuket.

Patong Loma Park is along the beach at the north end of Patong is a refreshingly quiet spot to relax in the shade. Many festival events are held here during the year. The park is popular with local families for afternoon picnics.

The beach side areas of Patong and Phuket city in the evening, transform themselves into night time neon jungles. Bars blaring music from all eras, nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos.

There are excellent seafood restaurants, massage parlors, street vendors selling their goods, to open air stalls offering a mixture of delicious Thai dishes and savory food from around the world, creating an easy and relaxing atmosphere.

Phuket offers something for everyone amusement parks, good golf courses, bowling and sport centers. The green tropical jungles with spectacular waterfalls and views are idea for trekking. Patong Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting activities, shopping and recreational options along its long crescent bay.

Phuket’s scenic white sand beaches with crystal clear blue water and colorful reefs is rich in sea life, limestone cliffs, cool waterfalls and dozens of lush neighboring islands to visit and explore. Snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, swimming and sunbathing are among popular daytime activities.

Hotel accommodation in Phuket is generally more expensive than other destinations in Thailand. The range of luxury hotels are some of the most spectacular in Thailand, known for their outstanding services and facilities.

You will find no beach bungalows for 400-500 Baht a night in Phuket. However there are plenty of excellent mid range hotels and beach resorts, plus a good selection of budget hotels and guesthouses at reasonable prices.