- Where is Phuket Island
- Phuket history
- Phuket beaches
- Where to go in Phuket
- What to bring from Phuket
Amazing Phuket, attracting tourists from all over the world, is the most famous resort in Thailand, as evidenced by the significant number of visitors during the high season. The popularity of the island is explained by the fact that not only beaches of amazing beauty, numerous clubs, but also historical sights are concentrated on its territory. The favorable climate attracts Russian tourists all year round, so almost every Russian knows where Phuket is.
Where is Phuket Island
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, located in the southwestern part of the kingdom. The distance from the capital of Thailand is about 860 kilometers, and from the northern border of the equator, the island is separated by 830 kilometers. Phuket is washed on all sides by the warm and calm waters of the Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. Thanks to the Pakphra Strait, Phuket is separated from the Kra Isthmus. At this point, two bridges were erected, connecting the island with the mainland of Thailand.
The total area is 570 square kilometers, including the land resources of the small islands surrounding Phuket, which stretches from north to south for 48 kilometers. The closest neighbors of the island are provinces such as Phang Nga and Krabi, where visitors to Thailand also strive to get there every year.
The landscape is mainly formed by plains and low mountains, the height of which reaches 500 meters. The plains are used by the local population, as a rule, as agricultural land for planting coconut and hevea trees. In the mountainous regions of Phuket, you can see relict tropical forests, mangroves, which are included in the list of natural heritage of Thailand and are carefully protected by the state. The low-lying part of the island is occupied by resort areas, considered, according to the international tourist community, one of the best in the world.
Phuket history
For several centuries Phuket was known under the names Halang, Junk Seylon, and Jen Saylen, and there are direct references to this in the historical chronicles of different periods of the island's history. The most reliable information about Phuket was found by researchers on the images of ancient maps that fix the routes of sailors. Thanks to cartographic data, scientists have been able to establish that the island in the Middle Ages was an important strategic and commercial facility between India and China.
Initially, Phuket belonged to the emperors of the kingdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat and was the capital of the principality. When the time of the reign of the Sukhothai dynasty came in Thailand, the Phuket authorities established an alliance with the Takuapa principality, which was famous throughout the district for its rich natural reserves of tin.
In the 16th century, Dutch travelers built their own port in Phuket, after which the southwestern territories of the island were transferred to foreign traders for the purpose of mining tin. Throughout the 17th century, there was a long struggle in Phuket between Europeans who arrived on the island for the right to take the lead in the tin industry. As a result, in 1688, the Siamese revolution took place, the result of which was the elimination of the French from the island and the return of Phuket to its former status.
Since the 18th century, the island defended its independence during a bloody war with the Burmese. The most memorable event during this period was the prolonged resistance of the inhabitants of the southern part of the island against the Burmese invaders, who were forced to retreat and abandon the idea of conquering the principality.
In the 19th century, Chinese tin mining workers began to actively arrive in Phuket. Soon, the Chinese were so assimilated in a foreign country that the number of the indigenous population decreased by almost five times.
XX and XXI centuries, when the island officially became a province, Phuket began to rapidly develop the industry of international tourism, which is still a priority in Thailand's politics.
Phuket beaches
On the coastline of the island, you can find a huge number of beaches of different levels of comfort. The choice primarily depends on your individual preferences. The list of the most popular beach areas among tourists includes:
- Patong, called by the inhabitants of Phuket, "banana forest". Young people flock here who want to spend active leisure time not only on the beach, but also in the nearest clubs, restaurants and bars. Patong has the best souvenir shops and supermarkets offering local produce. The only disadvantage of the beach is the presence of garbage left by vacationers.
- Lovers of a quiet pastime in the bosom of picturesque nature will appreciate Karon Beach, which stretches along the western coast of Phuket. White sand, clear water, gentle slope, high level of service are the main advantages of the beach. The range of additional services includes excursions on the water surface, diving and acquaintance with traditional Thai cuisine.
- Kata is ideal for family holidays due to its convenient location and developed infrastructure. Tourists who have visited this beach note a gradual descent into the water, a well-groomed area and a small number of people even in the velvet season.
- Bang Tao is designed for tourists with a fairly high income, since everything on this beach is equipped in accordance with European quality standards. The Bang Tao coastline is considered the longest in Phuket and is about 8 kilometers. The leading principle of the management of the beach is the fulfillment of any wishes of vacationers. To this end, Bang Tao has built luxury hotels, luxury restaurants, world-renowned brand stores and spas.
- Nai Thon is a favorite beach holiday destination for wealthy tourists who are attracted by the secluded atmosphere, the absence of intrusive street vendors and the opportunity to spend time in complete harmony with the virgin nature. Surfers visit Nai Thon quite often, since from May to November high waves rise on the sea, creating excellent conditions for practicing extreme sports.
- Kamala has gained its popularity among the elderly and couples. The difference from other beaches is that all Kamala hotels are equipped with special paths leading directly to the sea coast. At the request of vacationers, waiters bring soft drinks and a variety of dishes to the beach. Also, a popular service is Thai massage, which has a beneficial effect on the body.
Where to go in Phuket
Besides a great beach holiday, Phuket has many places to visit during your vacation.
Khao Sok National Park, a tour of which is included in all Phuket tourist programs. Firstly, you will see the unique fauna of Thailand, and secondly, you will see the amazing Rafflesia flower with an inflorescence about 1 meter in diameter. A walk in the park will give you real pleasure and will allow you to get to know Phuket from a different perspective.
The Orchid and Butterfly Garden and the Royal Park will amaze you with its scale and variety of exotic plant species. In the butterfly park, you will plunge into the magical atmosphere created in natural conditions. In all natural parks of Phuket, individual excursions on various topics are additionally organized.
Krabi Island and Coral Island are particularly popular. Holidays on these islands include not only beach tourism, but also acquaintance with bizarre limestone figures, riding underwater motorcycles, photographing surrounded by colorful inhabitants of the underwater kingdom, etc.
Shows "Fantasy" and "Siam Niramit" are suitable for fans of entertainment programs in the national Thai style. In the show "Fantasy" the role of professional actors is played by elephants trained in various tricks. Siamn Niramit will delight its visitors with a mesmerizing performance with the participation of the best creative teams of Phuket. After the entertainment program, tourists can purchase souvenirs made by local craftsmen.
The Oceanarium, Water Park and Tiger Zoo should not be left without your attention, especially if you come to Phuket with your family. In these places, everything is aimed at a children's audience, including food and recreation areas. A favorite pastime in the water park is water rides, and at the Tiger Zoo for a moderate fee you can chat with tiger cubs while in the same enclosure. An excursion to the Oceanarium will leave an extremely positive experience, as you will see a lot of fish, corals, sea stars and urchins.
Temple complexes and the Big Buddha statue are key historical sights of Phuket, visiting which you will learn about the peculiarities of Buddhist culture. The white-stone statue of Buddha is colossal in size, and at its foot there is a temple, where you will have a unique opportunity to communicate with real monks.
What to bring from Phuket
Returning from vacation, do not forget to bring your friends and family some nice presents from paradise Phuket. First of all, it is worth purchasing a variety of products used in traditional Thai medicine. These can be balms infused with snake venom extract, cream for muscle pains, snake vodka for rubbing, skin emollients, etc. Thais are renowned all over the world for their skill in making this kind of product.
The fair sex will be delighted with cosmetics based on natural ingredients, aromatic oils, handmade soap, coconut oil, enamelled jewelry and clothes featuring a batik pattern.
In souvenir shops you will find miniature figurines in the form of animals revered by Thais, badges, key rings, sea shells, antiques with elements of ethnic decor, ceramic vases and dishes.
Admirers of Asian cuisine can buy the famous Mekhong whiskey made from sugar cane, rice wine, Thai tea, fresh exotic fruits or a set for making the traditional Thai soup Tom Yam.
Traveling to Phuket is a great way to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing and exploring the cultural as well as historical heritage of Thailand. Knowing where Phuket is located, you can easily organize your trip yourself and get the maximum positive experience.
