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Phuket Travel Guide

Travel to Phuket - Amazingly Beautiful Southern Beaches

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Thailand's largest island and dubbed the ‘pearl of the Andaman’ Phuket’s natural beauty is renowned, with limestone cliffs, powdery white beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical inland forests all contributing to making it the south's most visited island.

Beyond the stunning scenery of Phang Nga are world class diving sites whilst Phuket Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture adds to the atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from simple backpacker bungalows to sumptuous tropical resorts – and everything in between.

The famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who mentioned the Phuket region in his book written in AD157, referring to it as Jung Ceylon. As the perfect stopover for sheltering from the monsoons traders from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and passed this way and during the 16th century the island was also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the island.

The area fell to the Burmese and back into Siamese hands on several occasions over the following centuries, finally coming under control of Thailand. Tin mining gradually failed to generate economic growth in Phuket and the island emerged as a tourist destination with great potential.

The island's long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence and fine cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims, it is possible to see an equal number of Thai temples next to mosques.

Attractions in Phuket

The north of the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge with a main road running south through the centre; off this numerous roads lead to the coastal resorts and Phuket’s legendary beaches, especially those along the western shore.

In Phuket Town at the south of the island you can enjoy its history and admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture of the city, especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads. Inland there’s Phra Thaew Wildlife Reserve where you can get away from it all with jungle treks. Families will welcome the Aquarium whereas back by the water Kata is getting a name for its surfing. Head to Patong for its 24-hour tourist strip of bars and similar entertainment.

Activities in Phuket

Horse-riding, yachting, kayaking, diving and more are all popular activities at Phuket. Head into the centre of the island in a hire vehicle to the inland hills, Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Reserve for walks and great views of the coast through tropical forest then return to Phuket Town to enjoy the Night Market. If you like what you eat there are cookery courses to hone your skills and if you’ve overindulged, spas aplenty. Then there are neighbouring islands to explore and boat trips, bungy jumping, go-karting, the watersports…

Relaxing

When you tire of the beach head to the Night Market in Phuket Town – great food; look out for khao mok khai roasted chicken on a bed of saffron rice, mixed with ginger which has been lightly fried to make it crispy.