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Travel Infomation about Phuket, Thailand |
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Welcome to Phuket Phuket is Thailnd largest island, approximarely the size of singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometres south of Bangkok. |
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Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and courful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trade's ship logs. The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly. Phuket's most famous monument is the memorail statue of the heroines Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who rallied islanders in 1785 to reple Burmese invaders. |
Phuket is blessed with magnificent cover and bays, powedery, palm-finged white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitabll people,superb accommodations and seafood , delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays. |
HOW TO GET THERE By bus : |
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CLIMATE Phuket has two major season : the Rains Season from May through October, and the Hot Season from November through April. There are many sunny days throughtout the Rains Season : showers customrily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. Sebtember is the wettest month. The best months are November through February. Average temperatures range between 22 nd 34 degrees Celsius. |
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TRAVEL WITHIN PHUKET Phuket offer convenient intra-island transport servicees. Tuk-Tuk serve within municipal area or can behired to go to other place; rate are dependent on distance and negotiable Rot Song Thaeo (modified pict-ups) and regular buses run from the Talat Sot (fresh prouct market) near the fountain on Ranong Road to the beaches and other place. Departure every thirty minutes starting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fares are 10-20 baht depending on the distance. Transfer service between airport and town is provided by taxis which also deliver passengers to various beach-sites. |
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TRAVEL TO OTHER NEIGHBOURING PROVINCES There are regular bus services to Krabi, Nakhon Sithammarat, Phang-nga, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua Pa and Samui island. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal pn Phang-nga Road. Inter-provincial flights are available. Thai airways International fliesto Surat Thani, Nakhon Sithammarat, Trang and Hat Yai. |
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ATTRACTIONS MUANG DISTRIC Phuket Town serves mainly as a dormitory and shopping centre. Splendid colonion style residences built by late 79th-century tin and rubber barons and shophouses from the same period provide distinctive character. Rang Hill provides a pleasant view of town while dining, and has a Fitness Park, a series of hillside sculptural tableaux which enhance calisthenics. |
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Thai Village and Orchid Fram on Thepkasattri Road about 3 kilometres from town, serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thaidances, swordfighting, Thai boxing southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. |
Phuket Aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast. The aquarium displays hundreds of exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colourful marine species found in Phuket's teeming waters. Open daily from 8.30 in the morning until 7 o'clock in the after noon. A local bus can be taken from the town's fresh produce market. Phuket Butterfly Fram and Aquariu is only 3 kilometres from town via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. It has a fascinating collection of such troical creatures as butterflies, insects, marine life all arranged in natural surroundings. It is open daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Phuket Zoo located on the way to Chalong Bay, contains collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every day. Sapan Hin is a public park near sea at the end of Phuket Road. 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 in dredde to Phuket in 1990. Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured. There are numerous raities and freaks includeing the worlds largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. The museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. till 7.00 p.m. |
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Ko Si Re a twenty-square kilometre island, separated from the main island only by the small Thachin cannal, is some 4 kilometres northeast of the town and hosts the biggest Sea Gypsy village in Phuket. |
Chalong Bay Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the islands larest bay, is 11 kilometres south of the town. It is very picturesque but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some small island south Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the road leading to the bay. A few kilometres from the bay is Wat Chalong where status of Luang Po Chalong and Luang Po Chuang, Phuket,s most revered monks, are enshrined. Laem Ka at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay, is suitable for swimming. To the south, the palm-fringed Rawai Beach about 17 kilometres from town hosts Phuket's Chao Le people (sea gypsies). Several off-shore islands have gleming white beaches and dazzling underwater scenery which attract fishing enthusiasts and scuba-divers |
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The nearby Phromthep Cape forms Phuket's southern most point and is the perfect plact from which to enjoy spectacular sunsets and the sea. |
Ko Kaeo |
KRATU DISTRICT Patong Beach Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3-kilometre-long cresentbay. Windsurfing, snorkelling, saling, swimming and sunbathing number among popular daytime actuvities. Patong is equally well known for its vibrant nightlift, among which seafood restaurants prominiently feature. |
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Once in Patong, turn right to Kalim Beach which is a small beach with large rocks and coral reff. Accommodation is available. Kamala Beach is a 2 kilometre-long beach north of Patong. The beach is beautiful and queit. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available. |
Phuket Fantasea A large-scale nighttime amusement centre on 140 acres near the village of Kamala Bay, 4 kilometres north of Patong. Thai cultural traditions are mixed with the latest modren technology in "Las Vegas style". Magic elephants disappearing into thin air, gymnastis, musical fountains, and a circus are among the many attractions. |
THALANG DISTRICT Thlang National Museum is located near the Two Heroines Monument. The museum contain permanent exhibition of in old Phuket, ancient artefacts and remains discovered on the coast and materials used during war with Burma (Myanmar). It is open daily except national holidays from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. About 20 kilometres from town is Wat Phra Nang Sang, located on the Thepkasattri Road at Thalang district. An old and his torical lndmark of Phuket, the temple was once afort resisting Burmese invasion around 1785. Inside the old Ubosot are enshrined the three oldset and largest Buddha statues made of tin. Called the Three Kings, they positioned in the midsections of another three large statues. Wat Phra Thong is where only the upper half of a large Bddha statue emerges from the ground. Legend has it that during the invasion of Thalang town in 2328 B.E. (CIRCA 1785), the Burmese tried in vain to excavate the statue to take to back. Each time they dug into the ground, swarms of hornets would swoop on them and they had to give up. Later, the visitble part of the statue was covered with gold by the villagers and has remained as such until today. It is located about 20 kilometres from Phuket town past the Thalang distict office. |
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The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thalang district abount 20 kilometres from Phuket town. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in July of 1969, it has 13,925 rai (5,570 acres) of rich and fertile land and is the habitat to several types of wild animals. Major attractions include :- |
The Ton Sai Fall 22 kilometres from town on the Thepkasattri Road past the Thalang district intersection, then turn right and proceed on for another 3 kilometres. Although small in size, it nevertheless provides a cool, shady area for relaxation and the flow during the rainy season is quite strong. Another waterfall in the sanctuary is the Bang Pae Fall which is located at Tambon Pa Khlok past the Two Heroines Monument. There is an arboretum and a nurery to rehabilitate captured gibbons befr returning them to the wild. For nature enthusiasts. the sanctuary mapped out some walking traias. Further information may be obtained from the Nature Study Centre. About 24 kilometres from town is Surin beach, wich can be reached on Route No. 402. After reaching the Heroines Momunent, turn left and proceed on for 12 kilometres of large pine trees and agolf course. Surin beach is not recommented for swimming because of its steepness and heavy seas and winds during the Monsoon seasoon. About one kilometre from Surin beach is Laem Sing which offers small but white sandy beach; to the left is scenic rocky cape. Ao Bang Thao is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining. but it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five hotel development with golf course. There are however accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end ehich can be reached by taking the road north from Surin beach. Sirinat National Park is about 30 kilometres from town. Proceed on the Thepkasattri Road past the Thalang intersection. Take a left at Km.21-22 or go straight on to turn left for 3 kilometres at the road to the airport. The park occupies a total area of 90 square kilometres, and has an uninterrupted 13- kilometres-long stretch of beaches. |
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Nai Thon Beach nested at the foot of high hills a fine strip of sand. This quiet bay is suitable for swimming. |
Nai Yang Beach is where the park headquarters are located. The beach is blessed with shady pine trees providing excellent opportunity for swimming and relaxation. Off-shore is a large coral reef which serves as babitat for several species of sea life, particularly the sea turtles. Mai Khao Beach also known as the Airport Beach (Hat Sanambin), can be reached by taking the Thepkasattri Road on to the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge, then take a left turn at the direction sign pointing to Mai Khao Beach. It is the habitat of the sea cicadas and turtles. Sai Kaeo Beach just known the northern portion of Mai Khao beach, is a long white sandy beach wit groves of pines along the showe. Mangrove Forest satuated on the island's northern tip, cover a large area of 320 acres. a nature trail has been cleared for the convenience of visitors with signs indicating and explaining the various species. |
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OFF-SHORE TRIPS Phuket is well-euipped to provide off-shore trips making it a centre of tourism in the Andaman sea. Trips can be arranged to see forests and mountains, rocky formation, beaches, coral reefs and fishing. Most of Phuket's 39 satellite islands are located to the east and the south. Islands of special interest include. |
Ko Naka Noi just off Ao Por on the northeastern shore, is popular for its pearl farm. There are fine sandy beaches suitabel for swimming and a seafood restaurant. Tourists can chartered a boat at Ao Por or contact tour agecies for a tour package (generlly including lunch). Ko Taphao Yai 10 minutes by ferry from Ao Makham on Phuket's southest coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. Accomemodation is available. The terrain of Ko Lon is mountainous with level land along the shore. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. Ferry service from Ao Chalong are operated only in the rarly morning. Ko Hey or Coral Isand just off Phukiat's south coast, is known for its two beautiful beaches and coral reef. The island is part of a marine preserve. Accommodation, restaurants, various wartersports and diving facililies are available. Boats leave Rawai Beach or Chalong Bay. Package tours are also available. Ko Racha Yai or Raya Yai with its gleaming beaches can be reached by chartered boat form Ao Chalong. Travelling time is about 2-3 hours during off Monsoon season (December-April). Sightseeing services re available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available. A hilltop view point on the bay's south offers a magnificent view of the whole island. Ko Rang Yai lying off Phuket's east coast, has been developed for the out-of-doors minded tourist. Among various activities are sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting a pearl farm. Package tours are available. Noted for its exotic corals is Ko Mai Thon wich is also suitable for scuba-diving and fishing. Travel and accommodation arrangements can be made at the Mai Thon Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion. |
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Phuket is the ideal place from where to visit poppular attractions in neighbouring provinces, either on day tours or as overnight excursions. Principal destination include : Phangnga Bay localed northeast of Phuket, contains scores of limestone islands, some riddled with aquatic grottoes. This picturesque bay is an enduringgly popular excursion. Tours are offered by hotels and tour companies throughout Phuket. |
Phi Phi Islands in Krabi Province, is about 40 kilometres from Phuket. They are made up of the Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le ABOUT 2.2 kilometres apart offering picturesque land and underwater scenarios. Similan Islands are situated in Phangnga province. Phuket dive shops operate daily excursions to the Similan island during the high season of November - May when underwater visbility is at its best. ACTIVITIES AND RECREATIONS Scuba Diving Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighbouring islands, and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly popular Phi Phi Islands in nighbouring Krabi province, some 2 hours east of Phuket, and the Similand Islands, in Phangnga province, 110 kilometres northwest of Phuket, and the Raya Island, 1-3 hours due south of Phuket, depending on the type of boat. Several dive shops concentrated in the Patong, Kata and Chalong areas have Asian and European expartriate(s) speaking English and several other languages) and bilingual Thai dive instructors who offer inexpensive beginner's coureses. All diving equipment is available for hire. |
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Snorkelling The can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all around Phuket. It is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata beaches. Fins, mask and snorkel can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island. |
Swimming |
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DINING / NIGHTLIFE Standard western fare is found in all major hotels. Thai, Chinese and Islamic foods are available island-wide. Phuket's seafood, probably Thailand's most delicious, is prepared in variety of succulent styles. Southern dishes can be spicy hot but are well worth sampling. Tropical fruits abound, particularly local pineapples and coconuts. |
Phuket's nightlife is comparatively sedate and is concentrated in the town centre and Patong offering restaurants, bars, traditional massage, nightclubs and discos. |
SHOPPING |
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Laguna Phuket Triathlon is held in each December. The triathlon (a 1,000-metre swim, a5-kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometr run) attracts worldclass athletes from all over the world. |
| Tourist Season Opening Festival starting from November 1, is usually called the Pathong Carnival from the place where celebrations occur. Colourful parades, sports events, and abeauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities. Turtle Release Fair is held on Songkran the nationwide Thai water festival on April 13 wihich is also National Fisherman's Day. Baby turtles are released into the sea at various locations. Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival falls during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rewai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Sire celebrates on the 14th; and Larm La (east of the bridge on Phuket's northerntip) 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 evik and bring good luck. LOCAL FOOD Phuket is second to other provinces in term of cuisine and desserts and has its own style of perparation and cooking. Some of interesting local dishes include. Kanom Chin Phuket aversion of noodles taken at breakfast, usually served with a spicy curry sauce and fresh vegetables. Nam Prik Kung Sieb is a mixture of dried chili and smoked shrimps taken with various fresh vegetable. |
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 LOCAL TIME GMT + 7 hours |
 ELECTRICITY 220 Volts 50 cycles throughout the country. |