Phuket is Thailand’s largest island (approximately the size of Singapore) and nestles against the Indian Ocean coast some 890km (556mi) south of Bangkok.
Phuket derives its wealth from tin and rubber, is blessed with teeming marine life, and has enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the main trade routes between India and China and was often mentioned in the ships’ logs of Indian, Arabian, Chinese and European visitors. The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly.
The island’s most famous monument is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon who rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders.
The island is blessed with magnificent bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, comfortable accommodation, superb seafood, tropically vegetated mountains, lovely waterfalls and parks, and delightful turn-of-the-century Indo/Portuguese and Chinese-influenced architecture which create an enchanting ambience.
Phuket’s Indian Ocean coastline boasts the finest beaches while the eastern coastline overlooks some 30 lesser islands occupying largely tranquil seas. Islands vary greatly in size. Some are large enough to sustain fishing communities, coconut plantations, sea crocodiles, deer and wild boar. Others are little larger than massive rocks, while still others resemble fortresses and are riddled with caves containing birds’ nests prized by gourmets.
Climate
There are two 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 and showers customarily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. September is the wettest month. The best months are November through February. Year-round average temperatures range between 21° and 34° Celsius (70° and 93° Fahrenheit).
The Town of PHUKET
The compact provincial town serves mainly as a dormitory and shopping center. Splendid colonial-style residences built by late 19th-century tin and rubber barons and shops from the same period provide a distinctive character.
Restaurants
Standard western fare is found in major hotels. Thai, Chinese and Islamic food is available island-wide. Phuket’s seafood, probably Thailand’s most delicious, is prepared in a variety of succulent styles, Southern food can be spicy hot but is well worth sampling. Tropical fruits abound; most prominent are pineapples and coconuts.
Island specialities the visitor may enjoy include:
Khanom Jeen Thai rice noodles eaten with a curry sauce made from minced fish or shrimp and fresh or pickled vegetables.
Mee Hokkian or Mee Hun Noodles fried with shrimp, pork, shellfish and green cabbage.
Mee Sapan Noodles with seafood and gravy.
Ho Mok Fish or seafood curry, made with coconut milk and steamed inside a banana leaf cup.
Nam Prik Kung Siap Sweetened crisp shrimps eaten with fresh and steamed vegetables and a dip of hot fermented shrimp paste.
Night Food Market
Festivals
Chinese Vegetarian Festival
Each year beginning on the first day of the ninth month of the Chinese year (usually late September or early October) Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a nine-day vegetarian diet. The regimen is undertaken in the belief that the body and spirit will be purified through it, that participants will gain great merit and that the subsequent year will be trouble-free. The festival’s first day is marked by a parade of white-clothed devotees and several ascetic displays, including fire-walking, ascending sharp-bladed ladders and pushing iron rods through various parts of the body.
Sports
For sports information, especially on diving, please see the chapter Sports on and around Phuket Island after the entries on the various beaches on Phuket.
Places of Interest
Run Hill
The Hill offers a nice view of the town of Phuket and has a Fitness Park.
Crocodile Farm
Southern Thailand’s largest crocodile farm is just outside town. It contains a colorful aquarium and some 1,000 marine, freshwater and estuarine crocodiles and alligators,
Handicrafts Center
The Handicrafts Center on Thepkasattri Road has artisans manufacturing lacquerware, silverware, jewelry, parasols, as well as weaving silk.
Thai Village
The Thai Village on Thepkasattri Road, open every day, serves a typical southern Thai lunch, followed by a cultural show including Thai dances, sword fighting and Thai boxing. Elephants are also presented, and there is a display of handicrafts.
Transportation
For transportation information, please see the chapter Transportation to/from and on Phuket Island after the entries on the various beaches.
Patong Beach
Phuket’s most developed beach is 15km (9mi) from town. Cabin and bungalow complexes, hotels, bars, nightclubs, discotheques, shops and restaurants front the crescent bay. Windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, sunbathing and swimming are among the activities offered.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is 20km (13mi) from town, the next beach south of Patong Beach.
Kata Beach
Kata, 17km (11mi) from town, is a long and peaceful beach, suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
Nai Harn Beach
Nearing Phuket’s southernmost point, the beautiful white Nai Harn Beach fronts a shallow lagoon and is protected by verdant, steep headlands. Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and sunbathing are popular activities.
Phromthep Cape
Phromthep Capeforms Phuket’s southernmost point and is the perfect place from which to witness spectacular sunsets coloring the island-dotted sea.
Rawai Beach
On the eastern side of the southern tip of the island, the palm-fringed Rawai Beach,17km (11mi) from town, hosts Phuket’s sea Gypsies. Several offshore islands have gleaming white beaches and dazzling underwater scenery which attracts dedicated fishers and scuba-divers.
Pansea Bay
North of Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, Sing Cape, Surin Beach and Pansea Bay, 24km (15mi) from town, unfold in rapid succession. A public nine-hole golf course fronts Surin Beach where swimming is not recommended due to powerful surf and treacherous undertow. The northern end of Kamala Beach, however, is suitable for swimming.
Sports on and around Phuket
Diving
Near Phuket, on Thailand’s west coast from Ranong down to Krabi are a large number of excellent dive sites. However, the area is sometimes tricky and can be difficult during the southwest monsoon from June to November.
Good sheltered water is found around the island at all times of the year. Spear-fishing though not encouraged, is fair to good down to a depth of some 15m (49ft). Thereafter, coral mostly run out and give way to a plain, fairly flat, sandy ocean bottom between 18-36m (60-120ft). The reefs are very colorful and picturesque and are particularly suited for snorkeling and photography.
As Phuket’s popularity among divers of all nationalities has increased, so has the number of dive sites. Nowadays, regular trips lasting up to two weeks are made to distant island groups in the Andaman Sea. Many of them are uninhabited and absolutely pristine, with dive sites to rival the best in the world .
In Phuket, half day tours are available to the west coast where a short trip by motor boat takes the diver to the coral reefs. By far the most popular tours, however, are the full day trips to the islands off Phuket’s south and eastern coasts. These islands include Ko Racha, Shark Point, Ko Dok Mai and Phi Phi islands.
Dive Sites
Ko Racha, to the south of Phuket some 2 hours by motor boat, has dives down to 30m (98ft) and a visibility range of 20-40m (65-131ft). In addition to the excellent visibility Racha’s’ attractions include huge rock formations, sloping coral reefs and steep drop-offs. From January to March manta rays and whale sharks can occasionally be seen, in addition to varied tropical marine life.
Shark Point and Ko Dok Mai, approximately 1.5hrs east of Phuket by motor boat, are beyond doubt two of the most popular dive sites in the area. Shark Point, a submerged reef, is a favorite sleeping spot for leopard sharks and sting rays. More daring divers have been hand feeding moray eels and leopard sharks (not with the diver’s own limbs). The visibility at Shark Point is 10-22m (33-72ft) with dives down to 25m (82ft).
The island of Dok Mai offers dives down to 30m (98ft) with visibility of 10-25m (33-82ft). In addition to a variety of coral this dive site offers an impressive wall dive and a number of cave dives.
The Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lek), some 40km (25mi) southeast of Phuket and about 2hrs by motor boat, are among the most beautiful islands in the world. They also have some excellent dive sites between 10m and 30m (33 and 98ft), with a visibility of 15m-25m (49-82ft). In particular, the islands offer several cave dives and many impressive wall dives. In addition there are many hard and soft corals and an abundant marine life. In the tropical reefs one can see, among other fish, white tip sharks, sting rays and moray eels.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are a group of nine virtually uninhabited tropic islands approximately 80 kilometers (50mi) northwest of Phuket. The group was declared a Marine National Park and increasing efforts are being made to keep them in their present pristine condition. The islands encompass some of the best dive venues in Thailand.
The dive possibilities range from viewing coral gardens to adventurous drift diving in strong currents. In the judgement of Asia Magazine (issue of October 18 to 20, 1991: "Every diver has particular favorites, but few would dispute that the Similans... are one of the best. The visibility tops 100 feet between the November-April peak season, revealing a wonder world among the giant granite coral-coated boulders stacked one atop the other to depths of 90 feet and more."
Ko Huyong, the southernmost island of the Similan group offers a magnificent coral garden in 7-14m (23-46ft) depth. The garden consists of many varieties of soft and hard corals and abounds with small colorful coral fish. This site frequently has over 30m (98ft) visibility, only slight currents and is considered a very safe site.
An extensive reef runs off another of the southern islands and provides at least 4 different dive sites. One bottoms out at 25m (82ft) and has many large rocks which provide a most interesting contour; many large schools of fish inhabit the area. Another part of the reef has an excellent 20m (65ft) dive, with a lot of small lava type rocks which provide a home for colorful anemones, hydroids and soft coral as well as moray eels and red grouper. The visibility is seldom less than 30m (98ft) and frequently more. There is often a strong current here, a good site for drift dives.
The central island of the group, Ko Miang, is the only island which is inhabited. There is also a number of excellent dive sites around this and the small adjoining island including one which features huge boulders leaning together forming many interesting tunnels and small caverns. This dive often has a strong surge which attracts a large variety of marine life. Small white tip sharks, rays, snapper and turtles are just a few of the species of marine life at this site.
An excellent night dive site is just around the corner and close to a safe overnight anchorage and a beautiful white sand beach. This dive site is a coral drop-off and depths range from 10m-20m (33-66ft). The almost complete absence of currents is what makes it ideal for night dives. Lobster and large red crabs are usually seen here.
Hin Pousar or Elephant Rock is one of the best known dive locations of the area; it has at least 3 more excellent sites. There are again many big holes and caverns created by the unusual rock formations. Anemones and coral provide a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, blues and browns. Frequently large rays, tuna or barracuda can be seen.
Further to the north lies an off-shore reef which comes up to within 8m (26ft) of the surface and drops off to over 35m (114ft). More tunnels, hollows and chimneys provide a site that never fails to impress even the most experienced diver. Two large sea cod and a huge resident moray eel add to the many interests of this site. Seldom is the visibility less than 25m (82ft) and usually much more.
These are only a few of the many dive sites available in the Similan archipelago. Each island provides its own special sites and there is something to be found to interest both the novice diver and the much traveled diver.
Similar conditions can be found at Surin islands and Tarutao Marine National Park (see entry under Satun) though no regular trips to these island groupings are yet available.
Tours to the Similans generally last five days, though some are much longer in order to explore other nearby islands including the Surin group, some 30km (19mi) to the north. For accommodation, divers have the choice of tents, dormitory bungalows and on-board berths. During the trip all meals are provided and at least nine individual dives are organized.
Golf
Phuket Golf and Country Club
6,393 yards, par 72
Phuket Golf and Country Club on the main road between Phuket town and Patong beach on a hilly and beautiful part of the island is the first major 18-hole course on the island. Each of the holes has been carefully planned; the first, for example, is a 14m (46ft) elevated tee requiring a 165-yard carry over lake and marsh, with alternative approaches proving equally challenging.
Green fees weekdays 150 Baht
weekends 150 Baht
Caddy fee 100 Baht
Open 8:00-18:00
Tel (076) 21-3383
Other Sports
Swimming can be enjoyed all year round and is mostly safe. Undertows can be problematic during the rainy season. It is best to seek the advice of local people regarding swimming conditions.
Snorkeling is good in sheltered bays all around Phuket and is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon, and Kata beaches. Fins, masks and snorkels can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island.
Windsurfing is available at all major beaches. Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day or week. Tuition from expert Thai teachers is free.
Sailing is available largely at Patong and Kata beaches. Toppers and dinghies are available at Patong. Catamaran Hobie Cats and Top Cats are available at Kata.
Water Skiing is offered at Patong on a half-hour or hourly basis.
Deep Sea Fishing tours are arranged daily, usually with early morning departures and late afternoon returns. Caught are red snappers, rainbow runners and other game fish.
Bowling is available at Pearl Bowl, Montri Road, Tel 21-1418.
Places of Interest on Phuket
Mai Khao Beach
The pine-lined Mai Khao Beach, 40km (25mi) from town, is Phuket’s longest beach. Between November and February each year gigantic sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs.
Nai Yang Beach
Nai Yang Beach to the south, 34km (21mi) from the town of Phuket and part of a National Park, is peaceful and excellent for swimming and relaxation.
Wat Phra Thong
Inland from Nai Yang Beach is Wat Phra Thon where a famous half-buried Buddha is enshrined. According to local legend, a boy tethered his water buffalo to a post protruding from the ground. Subsequently, both boy and animal fell mysteriously sick. Suspicious villagers uncovered the post and discovered it was the decorative topknot of a buried golden Buddha. They were able to unearth only the upper half of the image, over which they built the present chapel. Burmese invaders attempted to remove the image in 1785 but failed when they were attacked by vicious hornets
Wat Chalong
The Wat at Chalong Bay, immediately south of the town of Phuket enshrines statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, Phuket’s most revered monks.
Phanwa Cape
On the southernmost tip of Phanwa Cape,7km (4mi) from the town of Phuket, is the Marine Biological Research Center and Phuket Aquarium which displays several hundred exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colorful marine species found in Phuket’s teeming waters.
Transp. To/From and on Phuket
Bangkok - Phuket
Thai Airways has ten to twelve daily direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket, making it the most flown route. Almost all departures are around noon and in the afternoon (tourists don’t like to travel in the early mornings). While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 1:15hr. The price of a one-way ticket is 2000 Baht.
There is no rail service to Phuket. The nearest major railway stations are at Surat Thani (6 hours northeast by road, 25 minutes by air) and Hat Yai (8 hours southeast by road, 20 minutes by air).
Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 891km, 165 Baht, 7:30, 9:50, 15:05, 17:00, 18:45, 20:30, 22:30; aircon 299 Baht, 18:45, 18:50; VIP 379 Baht, 17:30, 18:00
Phuket - Bangkok
Thai Airways has eleven to thirteen daily non-stop flights from Phuket to Bangkok. Departures are in about equal intervals between 8:00 and 20:00. Flight time is around 1:15hr. The price of a one-way ticket is 2000 Baht.
Provincial Flights
Phuket - Chiang Mai
Thai Airways has a non-stop flights from Phuket to Chiang Mai four times a week. Departures are in the early afternoon. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 2:05hrs.
Chiang Mai - Phuket
Thai Airways has a direct non-stop flight four times a week from Chiang Mai to Phuket. Departure is around noon. Flight time is around 2hrs.
Phuket - Hat Yai
Thai Airways has one to two daily non-stop flights from Phuket to Hat Yai. Departures are in the early and in the late afternoon. Flight time is around 45min.
Hat Yai - Phuket
Thai Airways has two daily direct flights from Hat Yai to Phuket. Departures are in the early morning and the afternoon (different hours on different days). Flight time non-stop is around 40min.
Phuket - Ko Samui
Bangkok Airways has two flights daily from Phuket to Ko Samui. Departures are in the late morning and the mid-afternoon. Flight time is 40min.
Ko Samui - Phuket
Bangkok Airways has two flights daily from Ko Samui to Phuket. Departures are in the morning and the early afternoon. Flight time is 40min.
Phuket - Nakhon Si Thammarat
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat three times a week. There always is a stop-over at Surat Thani. Departures are in the early morning. Flight time is around 1:40hr.
Nakhon Si Thammarat - Phuket
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Phuket three times a week. Departures are around noon. There is always a stop-over at Surat Thani. Flight time is around 1:40hr.
Phuket - Surat Thani
Thai Airways has one daily non-stop flight from Phuket to Surat Thani. Departures are in the early and in the late morning (different on different days). Flight time is around 35min.
Surat Thani - Phuket
Thai Airways has a daily non-stop flight from Surat Thani to Phuket. Departures are around noon. Flight time is around 35min.
Phuket - Trang
Thai Airways has a non-stop flight from Phuket to Trang twice a week. Departures are in the mid-morning. Flight time is around 40min.
Trang - Phuket
Thai Airways has a non-stop flight from Trang to Phuket twice a week. Departures are in the mid-morning. Flight time is around 40min.
International Flights
Phuket has international connections with Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Transportation within the town of Phuket
Tuk tuks cost 7 Baht per person per trip anywhere within town.
Transportation to/from Beaches
Buses to the beaches leave the town of Phuket from the market on Ranong Road every 30 minutes between 8:00 and 18:00. Buses to Laem Ka, Rawai and Nai Harn leave from the circle on Bangkok Road at similar intervals.
Fares: Laem Ka, Rawai 10 Baht; Kata, Karon 12 Baht; Nai Harn 20 Baht; Ao Makhatu 10 Baht; Patong, Surin, 12 Baht; Kamala 15 Baht; Ko Siray 8 Baht; Sarasin, Nai Yang 20 Baht; Wat Chalong 12 Baht; Ao Pho 7 Baht.
First-class hotels within town offer complimentary transport to their own beach clubs.
Tuk-tuks may also be hired to go from the town of Phuket to any of the beaches. Fares must be negotiated before each trip.
Airport Connection
Local buses leave from the Ranong Road market between 9:00 and 11:00. The fare is 15 Baht.
Limousines leave the Thai Airways International Office opposite the Ranong Road market according to flight schedules. The fare is 50 Baht per person.
Jeeps can be rented on Rasada Road and most beaches. Rates are some 700-1000 Baht per day excluding gasoline.
Motorcycles can be rented at the same places. Rates are between 150 and 250 Baht per day excluding gasoline.