Contact an expert 01473-214305 Phuket - Pearl of the Andaman |
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Phuket is Thailand's largest island and nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline, 867 kilometres south of Bangkok.. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China . Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, and powdery, palm-fringed beaches; sparkling island-dotted seas; sincerely hospitable people; superb accommodation 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.
Climate Phuket has two major seasons: the Rainy Season from May through October, and the Hot Season from November through April. There are many sunny days throughout the Rainy Season: showers customarily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. September is the wettest month. The best months are November through February. Average temperatures range between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius.
Phuket Town The compact provincial capital serves mainly as a dormitory and commercial and shopping centre. Splendid colonial-style residences built by late 19th-century tin and rubber barons, and shophouses from the same period, with shaded walkways, provide distinctive character. The Thai Village on Thepkasattri Road, the village serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular cultural show including Thai dances, sword-fighting, Thai boxing, southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display. Thalang National MuseumLocated near the Two Heroines Monument, this museum contains permanent exhibition of life in old Phuket, ancient artefacts and remains discovered on the coast and , materials used during war with Burma Island Attractions Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline . Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand with calm waters to rocky headlands pounded by raging surf. Counterclockwise,from Phuket's northern tip, where the Sarasin Bridge connects the island with the mainland, Phuket's major beaches (and temples and botanical gardens) Mai Khao Beach - (40 kilometres from town)This pine-lined stretch of sand is Phuket's longest beach. Each year, from November through February, gigantic sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs on Mai Khao Beach. We recommend the luxurious Sala Phuket Resort with its pool villas Nai Yang Beach(30 kilometres from town)This forms part of a national park. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation,picnics, swimming and snorkelling. Along Bang Tao Bay is a collection of
superior and deluxe resorts separated by landscaped lagoons and gardens. A shuttle
service operates between the hotels enabling diners to sample different restaurants and
cuisines. We
Pansea Bay, Surin Beach, (24 kilometres from town)Sing Cape & Kamala Beach These unfold in rapid succession. Swimming is not recommended at Surin Beach due to powerful surf and a treacherous undertow. The beach is a favoured spot for witnessing sunsets. The northern end of Kamala Beach is suitable for swimming. For that romantic honeymoon experience we recommend The Chedi, which is a collection of superior wooden Thai style bungalows set on a hillside under soaring palms
Patong Beach (15 kilometres from town)Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3-kilometre long cresent bay. Windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing number among popular daytime activities. Patong is equally well known for its vibrant nightlife, among which seafood restaurants prominently feature. On Patong Beach we recommend the Impiana Phuket Cabana set on the beach or the Novotel Phuket Resort set on a cliff top at the end of the beach boasting superb views and glorious sunsets Karon & Kata Beaches (20 & 17 kilometres from town) Both beaches are impressively long, relatively peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing and sunbathing. Karon Beach In between Karon and Kata Beach is one of Phuket's few charming traditional hotels, Marina Phuket Resortwhere you will find clusters of superior wooden Thai style bungalows set in landscaped grounds on a private headland.
Nai Han Beach (18 kilometres from town) The white beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing number among popular activities. Phromthep Cape-Adjacent to Nai Han Beach, Phuket's southernmost point is the perfect place from which to view spectacular sunsets.
Rawai Beach(17 kilometres from town)The palm-fringed beach is best known for 'sea gypsies', a formerly nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent.
Chalong Bay (11 kilometres from town)This beach has several restaurants selling some of Phuket's best seafood.A few kilometres inland from Chalong Beach is Wat Chalong . This Buddhist temple enshrines statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, Phuket's most revered monks. Phanwa Cape (10 kilometres from town)The southernmost tip of this cape is home to a Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket's Aquarium where visitors may inspect several hundred exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colourful marine species found mainly in Phuket's teeming waters. There is plenty to see and do around Phuket, so we suggest hiring a car or jeep to explore the island, venture into Phuket town, or even onto the mainland around as far as Krabi or Trang? To witness the stunning marine scenery there are day trips out to Phi Phi, Similan or Surin islands. There are also several cruises which sail around these islands too. Accommodation is available on Phi Phi Island for those who simply wish to soak up the fabulous scenery, go diving or snorkelling, and we recommend Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island Hotel . For the more adventurous, a jungle safari into Khao Sok National Park to stay at the Tree Tops Jungle Safari Resort or Elephant Hills is available from Phuket or Surat Thani. Across the other side of Phang Nga Bay from Phuket at Krabi is Rayavadee Resort, one of Thailand's other traditional deluxe hotels, located in a secluded private cove.
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recommend either the superior Dusit Laguna Resort, the Laguna Beach
Club, or the superb Banyan Tree where you can choose a luxury Thai style villa set in a
private walled garden, some of which have a private pool too!
