Phuket is one of the worlds top tourist destinations, and holds the coveted title of the Pearl of the Andaman. The island combines stunning natural scenery and golden sand fringed coastlines, with the quality facilities and amenities you would expect for such a popular tourist destination.
Phuket is an island, situated in southern Thailand, hugging the crystal blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Phuket is also a province with a registered population of 313,955, although the figures are believed to be near the 500,000 mark, especially during the peak tourism months of the year. There are several beaches in Phuket which attracts so many tourists every year.
The size of Phuket is approximately 543sqkm, and is roughly the same size as the country of Singapore. This is not your normal sized island. From the northernmost entry point at Sarasin Bridge, to the southernmost tip of Rawai, it will take you roughly one hour and thirty minutes by car. Driving from east to west from Phuket Town to Surin Beach, it will take forty-five minutes by car.
60% of this tropical paradise is still covered with forests, rubber and oil plantations. The island has rapidly changed over a ten-year period. This is due to the growth in tourism, and the relatively new infrastructure built to accommodate the influx.
Phuket wasnt always a tourist haven, and its illustrious history is very interesting. The strategic position and the vast resources of tin, made the island attractive to a host of French, Dutch and English colonizers during the late seventeenth century. At this point in history, the French held a monopoly over the Phuket tin trade. The French occupation of the island diminished by 1690.
One of the most famous historical events in Phuket was the planned Burmese invasion in 1785. British colonizers warned the Phuket authorities that the Burmese were gathering men to invade the island. Two women who will forever be associated with Phuket history are Than Phu Ying Chan and her sister Mook. Chan was the wife of the recently deceased governor of Phuket, and she and her sister decided to make a stand against the Burmese. They gathered all the manpower they could and competed in a month long siege with the invaders, until the Burmese decided to retreat. The two sisters are still revered on the island, and the Heroines Monument was constructed in their name and still stands today.
The most recent and infamous period of Phuket history was the tragic tsunami that caused havoc on 26 December 2004. This shocking catastrophe put the tourist scene into perspective and will forever be remembered as Phukets darkest day in history. 250 people were reported dead from the tsunami, but the figures are believed to be much higher.
The island has done remarkably well to recover from the tragedy, and even though it was only five years ago, the tourist scene is back in full swing.
The diverse nature of the island ensures visitors always come back for more. The diving in the Andaman Sea is some of the best in the world. There is a great mixture of quiet and tranquil villages such as Nai Yang, and heaving tourist regions such as Patong and Karon, which provide great international restaurants and a throbbing nightlife scene.
Phuket is still the tropical paradise it always was. Although the commercial regions of the island are where you will find the majority of the tourists, you can still find that idyllic island lifestyle within a short drive.
I don’t think that the biggest island in Thailand need introduction. One of the best holiday places to visit, perfect for family holidays and romantic weddings.
Just to say it simply, Phuket is amazing place for holiday. It is more expensive that Bangkok and Pattaya, but it can offer exclusive vacation for families and singles.
It is true, tourist destinations today have mostly been fishing villages about 10 years ago or navy bases.
With few words, one of the best resorts and biggest island in Thailand. Romantic place perfect for honeymoon.