Phuket is one of Thailand many islands situated on the southwest coast of it. It is 860 km south of Bangkok. It is located in the Andaman Sea which is a part of the Indian Ocean. It’s the biggest island in Thailand and it is considered as a province, the island is 49 Km long and 21 Km wide, the total area of it is 570 Km2. All around it there are so many islands which the most famous is Koh Phi Phi.

It’s connected with the mainland of Thailand with Sarasin Bridge which crosses the 600 meters of water which makes Phuket an island. Phuket is composed of granite and sedimentary rock and there are so many hills covering the landscape, the most famous is the one with Big Buddha on the top, from there we can have a view of all over the island.

The island has about 70% coverage by forest which is generally located on the west coast.

The western coast also has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often more muddy and smaller. However, east coast is a considerate “green” with a lot of mangrove forest.
Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma’s Cape), which is a popular sunset view point.

Patong Beach

One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast due to easy accessibility to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket’s nightlife and cheap shopping are located in Patong and the area has become increasingly developed.

On December 26 2004, the tsunami scrapped one of the most famous beaches of Phuket. However, thanks to a burst of energy on the part of the population, has been rebuilt and cleaned at a record pace. Indeed, there is few or no trace of this tragic episode. Patong is considered the most dynamic range for outings and shopping sprees, especially with the big Jungceylon mall or places like the Hard Rock cafe and Tiger Bar.
Cultural pluralism is everywhere in the city, so you can drink and eat Italian or sauerkraut in some parts of the city. Most shops are open through the day and late into the night. All conditions are met in the city so that the services offered to tourists will be open 24 hours.
This bay 4km crescent-shaped is covered with fine white sand and is suitable for the practice of all water sports

Kata beach
Space, water sports available, local restaurants on the beach and a village atmosphere characterize Kata. Undoubtedly intended to relax rather than an active and sporty holiday, this wide range curve is currently divided into 2 bays, Kata Yai and Kata Noi, seperated by a rocky headland, Kata Yai is a range of two kilometers of white sand lined with trees and a few restaurants, while Kata Noi, the smaller beach, offers seclusion and tranquility.
Unlike Patong, Kata development was done slowly and with emphasis, with small guesthouses, some resorts, local restaurants and small shops plus some original attractions such as Dinopark Minigolf.
Club Med, established more than 15 years, is located in the center of the main beach and effectively preclude an ugly swing. The city center is located just off the beach with shops and events around the Kata Corner at the north end. The southern tip is occupied by restaurants on the beach and hotels.
There is a bus service between Kata and Phuket Town in the day. It is an ideal beach for family holidays and snorkeling practice in high season.

Karon Beach

Just 10 minutes south of Patong Beach is a long stretch of white sand, Karon. The second largest beach in Phuket is quiet, with many very good local restaurants and a wide range of accommodation, from family pension to resorts offering various sports and leisure activities.
The nightlife is not as varied or colorful than Patong. At Karon, people come to enjoy a good meal, drink on the terrace with friends or daydreaming while watching life unfold before their eyes. And if you fancy a change of scenery, it’s easy. Kata village is easily accessible on foot, and Patong is not far by car for a lively evening.
The beach is wide, space is not lacking and it is rarely crowded. Refreshments, fruit, sarongs, all this is offered by street vendors and local restaurants are located on the beach. So needless to move, unless it be to rent a jet ski or go snorkeling to explore the marine life of the southern end, where a coral reef stretching toward Kata and to a small island off (Boo island.)
Sand is a unique phenomenon in Karon – as you walk on the white sand, you will hear squeaking! Nobody seems to know why. From November to April, Karon offers perfect conditions, but from May to October, bathing is sometimes dangerous due to currents, so be sure to watch the flags.

Kamala beach
During the past years, Kamala Beach has changed dramatically from the small fishing village with buffalo trotting along the deserted beach in a small town lively and active. Many hotels have opened here and there, from the most luxurious to the cheapest, but all offer a great quality / price and excellent service, typical of Thailand and Asia report.
To get to Kamala, a distance of fifteen minutes drive north of Patong on a beautiful renovated road you can admire the stunning views of Kamala Bay with its turquoise waters and sandy white beach.
Kamala is divided into two bays. The main beach is a crescent with 3 km of pines on its first half and coconut or palm sugar on the other. A little further south, the second track is smaller and more isolated and home to the Terrace Resort Kamala Beach.
There are two routes to reach the village: “Kamala Road” wide and busy road passing through the outer and lined with small shops, grocery stores and gas stations, it leads to the famous Fantasea Park and continues to Laem Sing and Surin Beach
The second, “Kamala Street” is narrower and quieter. It crosses a small bridge near a newly built Thai Temple, through the school of Kamala along the bay and enters the heart of Kamala. Surrounded by many small and large restaurants and bars, it is nice for a stroll in the evening because of low traffic (unlike Patong Beach). Grocery stores, tailors, souvenir shops, diving centers and travel agencies offer their services throughout the day and are often open until late at night.
The beach is wide and sandy, with tropical blue water like you see on postcards. Chairs with umbrellas are available everywhere at low prices. You will not really bother by the hawkers here who know how to be discreet and do not insist if they refuse. However, if you’re tempted, do not forget to haggle tight!

Phuket Town
The city of Phuket, Thailand, was founded a little over a century by Chinese traders and Malays came to exploit the tin mines around the port of Phuket close being more adapted to receive larger vessels than the traditional port city of Thalang. Despite the difficulties inherent in growing a thriving city, and despite the massive fire that destroyed much of the city, Phuket town grew and prospered to become the commercial and social center and political of the island.
The early 20th century was a period of positive growth for Phuket. The exploitation of tin mines prospered, and caring and very competent governor Rasada Korsimbi contributed to the diversification of the economy of the island. Being the capital city of Phuket its modern expansion grew quickly; its streets mark out significant buildings and boats around the world did stop in its busy port.
Today, the main attractions of Phuket Town are the old Sino-Portuguese buildings, Chinese and Thai temples of refined architecture and popular markets. Most buildings downtown date back about a hundred years ago, during the first period of prosperity for the operation of tin. Their architecture, the so-called Sino-Portuguese, denotes the mixture of Chinese and Western influences. This style is also common to all mining in the Malay Peninsula coastal regions. These characteristics constructions are longer than wide, and the entrance is decorated with finely crafted fantasy lattice. You’ll see some lovely examples Dibuk Road, and if you walk up, you will pass the most important of them: The Town (Phuket’s Town Hall), the Provincial Court (Provincial Court), and the Nakorn Luang Bank. But the most representative of the architecture of the early century public building in Phuket is the Governor’s House (Government House).
These past few years, Phuket has grown considerably, but has managed to retain its customs and origin from its multi-ethnic roots traditions. The best way to enjoy an overview of the city of Phuket is to walk up to the hill of Rang Hill, just north of the city.

Nai Yang Beach
This place is known for its impressive forest of tall pines. Hawkers of fruits and food settled around the park, doing good business, especially on weekends. As everywhere in the south of Thailand, if you find a beach frequented by Thais, you will also find many stalls where you can taste all kinds of grilled seafood and other good things. Nai Yang Beach is no exception. At low tide, if you swim you will find nearby a large coral reef that is home to many marine species. Here, shells sometimes back to shore, especially after a monsoon storm. Nai Yang Beach gives a very different impression of the southern beaches. The Pearl Village Beach Hotel in front of the beach usually hosts an elephant, giving you the opportunity of a little excursion on his back in the sea with a few sessions of watering for a few baht. Nai Yang is also the last step safari beaches of the north coast.

Nai Yang National Park
Located at the north end of the island, there are two beaches, Nai Yang and Mai Khao beach, and covers no less than 10 miles (16 km) of white sand. From above, at low tide, the sea can seem muddy compared to the transparency of the beaches further south, it is partly for this reason that these beaches are less popular with tourists and are less developed. Another reason is the shore that falls steeply on several levels, creating unpredictable and dangerous ocean currents during the monsoon season. This makes it an ideal place for giant sea turtles (Giant Ridley Sea Turtle), which can weigh up to 850 kg (1874 lb) and are shy creatures, so preferring to have a beach to themselves. Each year, between November and February, these lumbering giants haul out onto the beach at night to lay their eggs, digging holes with their flippers to bury. They can lay up to 200 eggs. This instinctive behavior is older than 90 million years. Unfortunately, the number of sea turtles by making an annual appearance continues to decline. To ensure re-population, awareness programs have been implemented for the people, and young turtles born in captivity are released. The turtles usually lay very late at night, but maybe you’ll get to witness the miracle of nature. Then be very discreet and try not to disturb them. The authorities are closely monitoring the eggs, moving many of them in areas of special hatch.

Rawai Beach
This narrow and picturesque bay is a favorite among Thais for picnics. They will gather around the stalls of seafood in the shade of trees. On the other side of the road, there are many Thais and Europeans restaurants where many residents like to spend their evenings. The beach is not great but the water is shallow and safe for children, sheltered from the wind. Many longtail boats and speed boats (outboard) are anchored and can be hired for trips to neighboring islands such as Coral Island which is 15 minutes by speedboat. Not far away on the road back to Phuket, the Museum of shellfish (Seashell Museum) may be of interest to collectors. Rawai is one of the few places where you can buy shells.

Chalong Bay
Quiet and serene, this bay offers all kinds of boats (sailboats, yachts and cruise ships) shelter against strong winds. It is also the starting point for excursions to the famous islands such as Phi Phi, Coral Island, March Thon Island, Racha Islands and to dive sites Koh Doc Mai and Shark Point. The bay teems with life at the first light of day until 9, when the boats leave for the day’s destination. Then again bustle back cruises and excursions between 16 h 30 and 17 h 30. At night, the restaurants of the pier attract busloads of tourists arriving after admiring the sunset from Promthep Cape.

Phromothep Cape
‘Prom’ is the Thai name referring to the Hindu god Brahma “signifying purity and «Thep»is the Thai word for God. Promthep is a headland that plunges into the sea, forming the southern tip of Phuket Island. It is traditionally the first point on the coast that see the sea approaching the island.
No trip to Phuket is complete without taking a few photos of this magnificent panorama. The best time to visit is the sunset over the Andaman Sea. But do not miss the sunrise if it is possible, because many people find it even more spectacular and the crowd is less dense. The view is almost irresistible for a photographer, especially when the bay reflects the colors of coral reefs, changing shades of the waves crashing on the boulders.

Prom Thep Cape

Phuket is a jewel in the Andaman Sea offering tourists a multitude of things to do whilst visiting the Island. Here are a few suggestions…. good to do when you are not diving.

PHUKET FANTASEA

This spectacular Las Vegas style cultural show is the largest on the Island.  The show itself is set in a theme park which offers carnival games, shopping and a choice of restaurants. The show is a colourful tale of Thai fantasy, adventure and romance with trapeze artists, performing elephants and other animals.  The show also hosts the largest buffet in Thailand.

BIG BUDDHA

Big Buddha is a serene statue situated on the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and can be seen throughout the southern part of the Island.  Surrounded by beautiful tropical rainforest the views from here are spectacular. It is considered that the Buddha is a natural symbol of hope. Big Buddha, standing 45m high with a 25m base is officially called Phra Puttamingmonkol Akenakkin Buddha.   It has been built purely by donations out of Burmese white marble, which shimmers in the sun.  Big Buddha is dedicated to the King of Thailand, whereas the smaller brass Buddha image on the same site has been dedicated to the queen.

WAT CHALONG

Wat Chalong is the largest and most visited of the Island’s Buddhist temples. Wats, or Buddhist temples are important symbols in Thailand as the majority of the population are Buddhist . The Wat is open to on a daily basis from 7am to 5pm. Wat Chalong is associated with the revered monks Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang who were famous for working with herbal medicine and attending to the sick and injured.  During the tin miners rebellion in 1876 they tended to the injured on both sides and were active in mediation to bring the warring parties together to resolve their dispute. Many local Thais are blessed by monks and receive a string tied around their wrist to protect against illness and injury.  Since 1954 the temple has hosted an annual fair around Chinese New Year. There are many stalls selling local products, fairground rides and live music. Please remember when visiting the Temple that it is a place of worship and to act and dress accordingly.

PHUKET AQUARIUM

Phuket Aquarium is located at the end of Cape Panwa and is directly under the control of Phuket Marine Biology Centre, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Ministry of Natural resources and Environment.  The aim of the aquarium is to provide education and knowledge on the diversity of marine life, flora and fauna. There are over 30 tanks of fresh and salt water exhibits, all labeled in English and Thai with facts about the creatures. The star attraction is a large tank with a tunnel through the centre allowing people to walk through and be surrounded by sharks, groupers, wrasses to name a few. Outside there is a nature trail that leads to large pools with baby green and hawksbill turtles.  Injured adults are tended to in the rehabilitation area. The facility also has a marine biological centre with an endangered species unit. Other facilities include a small children’s playground and a coffee shop.

PHUKET’S VIEW POINTS

Phuket has amazing natural beauty. This can be appreciated by visiting one of the viewpoints around the Island.  Phromthep Cape is the Island’s most southerly hill. The cape also has a lighthouse, which is open to the public. It houses some interesting historical maritime artifacts.

Radar Hill view point is the highest point in Phuket at 529m. It has incredible views and is accessible via Chao Fa West Road. From here you can also see Phuket’s Bang Wad reservoir.

Kata viewpoint, locally known as Khao Saam Haad (3 beach hill) has great views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches It is located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches.

Windmill viewpoint is between Ya Nai and Nai Harn, where the large white windmills are facing out to sea. This is a quiet area with a covered sala with a seating area.

PHUKET WATERFALLS

Phuket has 4 waterfalls, Bang Pae, Ton Sai and the lesser known one, Ao Yan. Bang Pae and Ton Sai are in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park on the east of Phuket. This area is virgin rain forest and is host to many birds, monkeys and barking deer. Bang Pae is north of Phuket Town and is the largest of Phuket’s waterfalls. Bang Pae is particularly popular with local Thais for swimming during the wet season and picnics.

Ton Sai, also known as Banyan Tree Waterfall is west of the National Park. It is possible to walk through the forest with a hired guide to Bang Pae. This waterfall is more family orientated with facilities including toilets, restaurants and a small children’s playground. The waterfall is easily accessible but it is not as impressive as Bang Pae. There is also a well signed trek 2km long behind the waterfall. It is easily found by taking the road east at Thalang’s main traffic lights. It is well signed.

Kathu waterfall does not have a lot of water during the dry season, but it helped by 2 artificial pools halfway up. The waterfall has stairs and several levels leading to the cascade. It is possible to rest at the tables and chairs on the way up. Kathu waterfall is easy to find, turn left at Caltex onto Route 4020 if you are coming from Patong continue for 1km until you see the black marble sign.

Ao Yan waterfall is very quiet and not visited a lot. It is located behind the beach next to Ao Yan near Cape Panwa. To reach the waterfall is it essential to have good shoes as the trek is difficult. There are several drop pools, all small but it is possible to bathe in them. The waterfall can be found by taking the small road at the western end of the beach by the prawn farm. At the end of the road there is a parking area. The path leading up the hill is 100m to the right of here.

GIBBON REHABILITATION CENTRE

Unfortunately, Thailand’s wild gibbon population suffers at the hands of poachers they often kill the mother to take the baby, which is then sold into the illegal pet trade. A young gibbon is “cute”, but at the age of 5 years they can become aggressive and develop sharp canine teeth that inflict severe injury. This leads to abandonment or killing of matured aggressive pets. The centre in Khao Pra Thaeo National Park, near bang Pae waterfall tries to rehabilitate abandoned pet gibbons back into the wild. This is a long process as often the gibbons have to learn what to eat in the wild, regain strength and mobility and basically learn how to become a gibbon!! The centre is staffed by European volunteers who pay to work at the sanctuary, which is open  daily between 10am and 4pm. As it is a nonprofit organization donations are always welcome.

PHUKET MANGROVES

Mangroves are a crucial part of Phuket’s tropical and coastal ecology. They are important as nurseries for fish and crustaceans. In recent years mangrove areas have been replanted as they are a natural defense against large waves and flood damage. This became apparent following the 2004 tsunami. The mangrove is also a good natural filter of impurities in the water and can hold large amounts of carbon in the roots.

There are several ways of seeing the mangroves. Tours using ATV’s is perfect for families. An ATV can carry two people. There is an ATV camp in the Thalang district whose tours include rubber plantations and deserted beaches fringed with mangroves. It is also possible to visit the mangroves on bikes. The tour companies provide top of the range light weight mountain bikes with a suppoet vehicle and an English speaking guide. Kayaking in the mangroves is also another popular activity. The journey is about 2 km along the Klong Mudong which is alive with bird life, macaque monkeys and many other animals.