Phuket,
a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is
the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters
as well, with a rich and colorful history.
Known as
the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its
enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over
500 year. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand.
The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life, and the town
is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive
island for sightseeing, with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.
Its population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces.
Approximately 1.75 million Rai of the area is forest land. The main
occupation here is rice farming. The average per capita income is 14,343
baht.
Location
and Boundaries
Phuket is an island connected by bridges
to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying
between 7'45" and 8'15" north latitude, and from 98'15" to 98'40" west
longitude on the map. Phuket, Thailand's largest islands, is surrounded
by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with
a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point,
Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers.
Geography
About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous;
a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches
derive. The highest peak is Mai Tha Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529
meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District.
The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south,
is formed by low plains. Streams include the Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin,
Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, none of which is large.
Climate
Phuket's weather conditions are dominated
by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm and
humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season
begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows
from the southwest. The dry season is from November through April, when
the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures,
at 33.4 degree Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur
in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degree Celsius.
TAT local office
- Tourism Authority of Thailand Southern office : Region 4
73-75 Phuket Rd., Amphoe Muang,
Phuket 83000 Thailand
Tel. (076) 211036, 212213, 217138 Fax. (076) 213582
Areas of Responsibility
: Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi
The office is open daily throughout the year, from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30
p.m.
General
- Bay - Cape
- Beach
Khao Rang
A
great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some
of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao
Rang Hill, on the city's northwest. There are also several restaurants
featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise
enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the
top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the model Governor
of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.
Chalong Temple
is
about 8 kms. outside town. Take Vichit Songkram Rd., to the Bypass Rd.,
and turn left, and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong will be on your
left. This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Por 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
Por Chaung, and Luang Por Gluam. Other monks, who were abbots of the
temple during later times, and who are the objects of respect and recipients
of the offerings by Phuket people generally.
Antique Buildings
The
beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction
of many fine old mansions and shops still well preserved. The architectural
style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has
a strongly Mediterranean chracter. Shops present a very narrow face
on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk
Rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets,
forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are
Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area
is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note
are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Changwat),
and Nakhon Luang Thai Bank.
Phuket Aquarium
More than one hundred species of sea life
are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water around
Phuket. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The aquarium is located at
Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission is 5 Baht for
children and 20 Baht for adults. A Songtaew (local bus) can be taken
from the Talad Sot, or Fresh Market. Tel. (076) 391126.
Phuket Butterfly
Farm and Aquarium
Tropical
species of butterflies, other insects, and many kinds of marine life
are on display. Located in Sam Kong about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket.
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Tel. (076) 215616, 210861.
Thai
Village and Orchid Farm
A show of Thai dance, handicrafts, culture, elephants and a demonstration
of old time tin-mining takes place among the orchids. Located in Sam
Kong, about 3 kms. from downtown Phuket. The morning showing starts
at 11:00 a.m. the evening showing at 5:30 p.m. Tel. (076) 214860, 237400
Saphan Hin 
A
land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for parks
and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located where Phuket Rd., meets
the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped
like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas
Miles, the Australian who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in
1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary
of tin dredging in Phuket. The Sport Center is located in the park.
Phuket Sea Shell
Museum
Perhaps
the world's most valuable collection of seashells has been put on display
at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores.
The emphasis is on shells from Phuket and Thai waters, which are among
the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part
of the world are featured. Wherever they originate, each shell in the
Shell Museum is the best of its type--very often the only of its type.
Displays have been created in a logical order, and visitors can see
at once differing characteristics among related species. There are numerous
rarities and freaks including the world's largest golden pearl (140
karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils
that represent the earth's earliest life-forms, and a shell that weighs
250 kilograms. One of the world's great private museums, the Shell Museum
is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. For details call 381266,
or 381274.
Phuket Fantasea
A large–scale nighttime amusement center on 350 rai (140 acres ) near
the village of Kamala Bay,
4 kms north of Patong. Thai cultural traditions are mixed with the latest
technology in "Las Vegas style". Magic elephants disappearing into thin
air, gymnastics, musical fountains, and a circus are among the many
attractions.
