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PHUKET
Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk, Having shed its seedy image of old, Patong Beach is a fully fledged bustling holiday resort. Every year it gets more and more popular with hordes coming to soak up the sun, scenery and often beer. Let us tell you all you need to know and much much more......,For many the sun, the beach and partying goes hand in hand. Phuket's reputation as a partying hotspot is well deserved with an international crowd of revelers but it's not all loud music and dancing - bars, live bands and jazz features highly as our guide will tell...,With so much to see and do very few leave Phuket without participating on at least one tour. National parks with hidden lagoons, beautiful tropical islands and elephant safaris are a few examples. You can plan and book your tours before you leave home. |
Jungle trek, snorkelling or simply sightseeing? Phuket has a huge range of tours from coach trips to private excursions. Island tours leave daily stopping at places like national parks, temples and areas of interest. Some specialise in giving a flavour of local island life with stops at rubber and coconut plantations, while others focus on shopping and visiting spas. Please read our tour reviews to see what Phuket has to offer....
Attractions (Island)
Lon Island :
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Ko Lon leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.
Keaw Island :
A fine beach, natural surroundings, and coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai, south of Phrom Thep. There is also a giant Buddha Statue. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat from Rawai.
Coral Island or Hey Island :
This island off Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available.
Taphao Yai Island :
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200 meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.
Raya (or Racha ) Islands :
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
Raya Yai Island
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.
To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.
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Phuket Festival & Events
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
is held from the first through the ninth nights of the ninth Chinese lunar month; that is, in September or October. It was first celebrated in 1825, when a troupe of actors enacted these rites toward off a plague. Vegetarian food is eaten by participants and white clothes worn during the period of the fest. Selfmutilization is practiced by those whose bodies become the temporary residence of powerful gods. Parades of worshippers brave fireworks while carrying images through the street; others walk on fire or climb bladed ladders. Participants number in the thousands.The whole forms one of the most bizarre festivals in Thailand.
Thao Thep Krasatri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival
is held on 13 Macrh yearly in memory of the two heroines who led the defense of the island against the Burmese in 1785.
Tourist Season Opening Festival
is usually called the Patong Carnival in English according to from the place where celebrations occur, and is held on November 1. There are many stalls with merchandise and food, parades, sports event, and a beauty competition for foreign tourists. The fest is held to cement solidarity among the government, the private business sector, and the people.
Phuket King's Cup Regatta
was first held in 1987 in honour of His Majesty's 60th birthday. The King of Thailand is a noted boating enthusiast and yachts come from around the world to participate in the competition, which is the largest and most popular in Southeast Asia. It is held yearly on the anniversary of His Majesty's birthday, 5 December. Site of the regatta is Nai Han Bay.
Laguna Phuket Triathlon
This annual year end event sees the world's top triathletes and hundreds of amateurs competing for prize money and placing on the world triathlon circuit. The course, which includes swimming, bicycling, and running through the beautiful natural surroundings of Laguna Phuket in Tambon Choeng Thale, takes from two-and-a-half to five hours to complete.
Attractions Beach
The west coast of the island has some of the best beaches to be found anywhere and, during the sunny and dry November-May season, the water is calm, clear and warm.
Each beach has its own style and distinctive points of interest. Some, like Patong are hot spots for nightlife, while others, like Nai Yang are quiet havens away from the crowds.
The main beaches are as follows:
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