General Information

Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which is often dubbed as “the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south”. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South’s wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if it’s 39 other small islands are included. The island’s total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea – the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year – the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). Visitors are not recommended to travel to Phuket between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, however, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23?C and 33?C.

Phuket’s topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

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 walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket’s famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

History of Phuket

Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the cape’s location, finally detaching it from the mainland.

A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place “Cha Lang”, which evolved to “Tha Lang” – the name of the main town to the north of the island.

As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. 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. This contributed to making the development of mining so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.

Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe, Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.

Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today.

However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish a town and established a rice farming community. On the other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket City today) was developed and became a tin trading center.

When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket was promoted to be a Monthon administrative unit under the supervision of the central administrative body (located in Bangkok).

In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.

The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences.

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 Wats (Thai temples) located next to Mosques.

By air

This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators are as follows:

Phuket Air offers daily flights to Phuket and the journey takes only 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 or visit www.phuketairlines.com for more details on flights.

Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket with Pattaya and Samui. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 66 2265 5678. Reservations can be made at tel. 66 2265 5555. Alternatively, browse its website at www.bangkokair.com for more flight details.

Thai Airways International has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Phuket route. In addition, they have regular flights connecting Phuket with Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat Provinces. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 02 628 2000 or book your seat online at www.thaiairways.com

One-to-Go by Orient Thai operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 1126 or visit www.onetwo-go.com for more information.

Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Visit www.airasia.com or call 02 5159999 for reservations.

Nok Air has several daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket with a flight time of 1.20 hours. Visit www.nokair.com or call 1318 to make your reservation.

Getting to Phuket from abroad

There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.

Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please call airline offices for more details.

Transportation to and from the airport

Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport costs approximately 400 bahts but the fare to the beach ranges between 500 bahts and 600 bahts (The rate may decline now). Minivans charge approximately 80 bahts /person to town, but 120 bahts/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

By bus

Air-conditionedditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours.

Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.

By rail

There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.

By Ferry

During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500bahts. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Getting around Phuket

Car Rental Service

Avis Car Rent Airport Tel: 0-7635-1243, Kata Beach Resort Tel : 0-7638-1530-3

- Boomerang Travel & Tour 71/13 Patak Road, Chalong Bay Tel: 0-7638-1690

- Dusit Laguna Hotel Bang Thao Beach Tel: 0-7632-4322-9

- Hertz Car Rent Thawon Palm Beach Hotel, Karon Beach Tel: 0- 7638-1034-7

- Holiday Inn Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0608

- K.M. Travel Phangnga Road Tel: 0-7621-0893

- Le Meridian Karon Noi Beach Tel: 0-7634-0480-5

- The Metropol Hotel Montri Road Tel: 0-7621-5050

- Pansea Surin Beach Tel: 0-7632-4017-20

- Patong Merlin Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0037-41

- Pearl Village Nai Yang Beach Tel: 0-7632-7006

- Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Tel: 0-7638-1038-40

- Phuket Airport Tel: 0-7632-7258

- Phuket Cabana Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0138-4

- Phuket Car Center Takua Pa Road Tel: 0-7621-2671-3

- Phuket Island Tel: 0-7638-1010

- Phuket Yacht Charter 5/3 Chao Fa Road Tel: 0-7621-6556

- Phuket Horizon Car Rent 235/4 Yaowarat Road, Tambon Talat Nua, Muang

District Tel: 0-7621-5200

- Pure Car Rent Opposite Thavorn Hotel, Ratsada Road, Tel: 0- 7621-1002

- Via Rent A Car 70/85 Rat U-Thit, Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0160

Motorcycle taxis

It costs approximately 20 bahts / person / trip to travel around Phuket City. Alternatively, motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from several operators along beaches. The cost may vary from 150 bahts 300 bahts / day, depending on the number of cylinders.

Songthaeo and Tuk-Tuk

Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 bahts to 25 bahts / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 bahts to Patong Beach, 230 bahts to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 bahts to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 bahts.

Taxi Meter

Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 bahts surcharge.

Getting to nearby provinces

By bus

There are regular bus services (VIP, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) to neighboring provinces such as Krabi, Phang-nga, Chumphon, Ko Samui (bus/boat), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua-Pa and Trang. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal off Phang-nga Road. For more up-to-date schedules and fares, call Phuket Air-conditioned Bus Station, tel. 0 7621 1977.

Taxis & Vans

There are shared taxi and van services between Phuket and other nearby provinces. Fares of both are generally around double the fare of an ordinary bus. The stations of both taxis and minivans are also on Phang-nga Road.

By air

Some domestic airlines operate flights from Phuket to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai and Samui. For more details, check with your travel agent or the TAT office.

Getting to nearby islands from Phuket

Boats to nearby islands can be found at the following ports:

Rawai Beach

An old local port, it is from here that long-tail boats depart for nearby islands such as Ko He, Ko Racha Yai, Ko Mai Thon, Ko Lon, etc. The chartered price depends on the distance.

Ao Chalong

The largest port of Phuket that has all kinds of boats, including cruisers of tour companies which organize package tours to other islands.

Ao Makham

Located near Phanwa Cape, the port is only for cruisers and container ships.

Boat Lagoon Port (Ao Sapam) The port is for traveling boats of tour companies.

Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival

Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival falls during the middle of the sixth and eleventh lunar months yearly. The sea gypsy villages at Rawai and Sapam hold their ceremonies on the 13th; Ko Si-re celebrates on the 14th; and Laem 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 evil and bring good luck.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

Laguna Phuket Triathlon is held in each December. The triathlon (a 1,000-metre swim, a 5-kilometre bike race and a 12-kilometre run) attracts world-class athletes from all over the world.

Phuket King ’s Cup Regatta

Phuket King ’s Cup Regatta is held in December. The Phuket Yacht Club hosts international yachtsmen, largely from neighbouring countries who compete in the Nai Han Beach area for royal trophies.

Phuket Travel Fair

Phuket Travel Fair , held on November 1, was first initiated in 1985 at Patong to welcome in the tourist season and designed to foster co-operation among tourism-related operators both in the private and public sectors. Many colourful and interesting activities are organised, such as merit-making in the morning, water sports contests, a Miss Visitor Contest, among others.

Seafood Festival

Seafood Festival, held around May yearly, is designed to publicise the delicious seafood of Phuket and attract visitors during the rainy season. Activities include a Marine Tourism Resources Parade, seafood stalls, demonstrations of regional cuisines and cultural shows.

Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair

Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair is held on March 13 every year to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to repel Burmese invaders. Many activities and celebrations are organised.

Tourist Season Opening Festival

Tourist Season Opening Festival , starting from November 1, is usually called the Patong Carnival, from the place where celebrations occur. Colourful parades, sports events, and a beauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities.

Turtle Release Fair

Turtle Release Fair is held on Songkran, the nationwide Thai water festival, on April 13 which is also National Fisherman’s Day. Baby turtles are released into the sea at various locations.

Vegetarian Festival

Vegetarian Festival is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month (usually October). Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet, a form of purification believed to help make the forthcoming year “trouble-free”. The festival is marked by several ascetic displays, including fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed ladders.

How to get there

Festivals