Phuket, Thailand

The island of Phuket, which is located in the Adaman Sea, is the largest and best-known island in Thailand. The island has exquisite nature and the lifestyle attracts people from all over the world. The paradise island’s economy is dependant on tourists and the approximately 1.5 million visitors, who come to the island each year, make the island very international. About 35 percent of the island’s 250,000 inhabitants are Chinese.

It’s fast, convenient and affordable to travel from the island to other parts of Asia, thanks to the airport and boat traffic. For example, a flight to Bangkok only takes 45 minutes and costs a few dozen euros. Many other islands, which are beyond paradise for most people, are easy to reach by boat.

The beaches in Phuket are said to be the best on Thailand’s western coast and the area has become the favorite of many travelers. Who wouldn’t appreciate white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a tropical climate? The most popular beaches on the island are Patong, Karon and Kata Beach. Patong is the busiest beach, while Kata is the most peaceful.

Phuket has very beautiful nature, which everyone should experience. There is a coral island on the Southside of the island, which is easiest to see while scuba diving. In general, Phuket is a great diving location due to its clear waters and colorful sea life. The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is located 19 km north of the island’s capital, Phuket Town. The park has the Tone Sai and Bang Bae waterfalls.

Phuket offers excellent opportunities for all kinds of different activities. In addition to sunbathing you can ride an elephant, pet a tiger, travel to nearby islands, try parasailing, bungee jump, visit a nature reserve, rock climb, play golf, get a massage, go shopping, watch Thai boxing, see the latest movies for a couple of euros, go bowling, try karting, go clubbing, work out at the gym, try some new culinary experiences etc. etc. You can take part in all these activities and so much more after getting settled!

The possibilities are endless! Phuket is a favorite among divers and snorkelers and trips are organized from Phuket to many other different locations. Raya Divers is a diving center located on the island, which offers AE students discounts on diving trips and courses. Other water sports are also well-represented and you can go on a fishing trip, ride an elephant, go on a jungle safari or horseback ride on the beach. Phuket also has several world-class golf courses, one of which is located right next to the university campus. Phuket Town offers a chance to see more of the local way of life as well as go to bowling alleys, Thai boxing arenas and large shopping centers.

Facts and History

Country: Thailand
Population: app. 320,000 (63 million in Thailand)
Area: 543 sq. km
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (THB)
Electricity: 220 Volts
Religion: Buddhism, Islam
Time Zone: UCT + 7

The first mention of Phuket in history was by the Greek geographer, Ptolemy. The island was referred to as ‘Junk Ceylon’. Phuket fell under Thai control in the 13th century and the area was important because it had natural reserves of gems, ivory, firewood, spices etc. The area was also a great exporter of tin and rubber and the Dutch, English and French competed with each other for trade in the 17th century.

After Thailand’s capital, Ayutthaya, fell to the Burmese in 1767, Phuket was also under the same rule, until King Taksin drove out the invaders. The Burmese then decided to raid Phuket from sea and capture as many people as possible to be sold into slavery. Luckily, however, the Burmese fleet was discovered and the people of Phuket were warned in advance. The counterattack was gathered and led by Kunying Jan, the wife of the recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook. The Burmese siege lasted a month, but the people of Phuket were victorious. King Rama I awarded the sisters titles usually reserved for royalty only. Jan became Thao Thep Kasattri and Mook Thao Sri Suntorn. The sisers are still thought of as heroines and a monument has been raised in their honor on Thep Kasattri Road.

When tin became more important in the 19th century, Chinese workers flocked to Phuket. The influence of the Chinese can still be seen in the food and culture of the island.

When Thailand began attracting tourists, Phuket was immediately one of the most popular destinations and it has remained popular to this day.

Climate

Phuket’s climate is tropical. The area has a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. The average temperatures range between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius. Even the rainy season is quite warm and the rain usually comes in short bursts and there may be several days in between showers.

Must-See Sights

Old Phuket Town – A maze of one-way streets and narrow alleys. Walk around and admire some fine examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture. Visit a night market and take yourself back in time.

Phuket FantaSea – a theme complex with carnivals, shopping, handicrafts and a Las Vegas-style show which portrays the myths and magic of Thailand with special effects and state-of-the-art technology.

Laem Promthep – Phuket’s southernmost point. A perfect place for enjoying spectacular sunsets.

Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World – Over 40 species of butterfly, insects, native trees and flowers. The garden is also home to many kinds of tropical birds.

Phuket Orchid Garden & Thai Village – An enormous orchid garden, elephants, Thai restaurant, cultural shows, handicrafts etc.

Wat Phra Thong – A temple, which enshrines a famous partially-buried Buddha image.

Wat Chalong – One of Phuket’s most important temples. The spiritual center of the island.

Namtok Ton Sai & Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary – An idyllic setting. Rich in wildlife

Vegetarian Festival – Usually held in October. Lots of vegetarian food and unusual body piercings. Not for the faint-hearted.

Hat Patong Beach – One of the most popular and most crowded beaches on Phuket. Vibrant nightlife.

Kata Beach – A peaceful and impressive beach. Suitable for surfing, snorkeling and swimming.

Hat Rawai Beach – Has a village of ‘Sea Gypsies.’

Ao Chalong – Some of Phuket’s best seafood

Transportation

Airplanes
Thailand’s second largest airline hub is the Phuket International Airport. It is situated in the northern part of the island.

Trains
There are no direct train services to Phuket. The closest station is in Surat Thani, which is five hours away by bus.

Buses
A daytime bus service (songthaew) runs to most parts of the island. However, the buses only run back and forth from point A to point B and do not circle around. So either choose one beach to see per day, or be prepared to travel back to where you started from and hop on another bus to take you to your next destination.

Long-distance buses to the mainland leave from the BKS terminal in Phuket Town. The BKS buses are the most reliable.

Taxis and Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are quite modern in Phuket, but the drivers can be a handful. Be prepared to negotiate, or you will most likely be overcharged.

Motorcycle taxis can often be the cheapest way to get around, but they are not very comfortable, so they’re best for short trips.

Long-tail boats
A relaxing way to get to where you are going. The slow speed enables you to admire the scenery. If you’re in a hurry, choose a motorboat.

Food and Drink

Phuket offers a wide range of cuisine from around the world. You can also choose your dining venue from a large number of options; an air-conditioned restaurant, an open-air restaurant with a view or a fast food restaurant. If you’d like to taste some authentic Thai flavors, buy a snack from a street vendor. The food stalls on the streets sell everything from fruit to spicy salads. Sweet, savoury or spicy; take your pick!

Fried or Boiled Noodles: Usually served with pork or chicken. Available at many noodle shops.

Khanom Jeen: Breakfast noodles. Most often served with spicy curry sauce and fresh vegetables.

Nam Phrik Kung Siap: Dried chilli and smoked shrimp with fresh vegetables.

Cashew Nuts & Pineapples: Delicious and grown in Phuket. The pineapples are especially sweet.

Pad Kanaa Moo Grob: Sauteed leafy greens (similar to kale) and crispy pork.

Kao Man Gai: Chicken and rice (usually infused with padanus leaves). Sold at many small stands.

http://www.phuket.com/dining/index_cuisine.htm

Currency

The currency of Thailand is Thai baht (THB). One baht is divided into 100 satang. One euro is approximately 50 baht, depending on the exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted at major establishments, but you might have to pay an additional fee for paying with them. Cash will be needed for transportation, street vendors and smaller stores.

Vaccinations

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Tetanus-diphtheria are should be kept up-to-date. Hepatitis A and B are recommended. Japanese encephalitis is recommended for those who are planning on spending a month or more in rural areas or who are going to spend a lot of time outdoors in rural areas after dusk.

Safety

Phuket is a relatively safe island. Beware of pick-pockets in crowded areas and don’t keep all your cash in one place, but divide it among your wallet and pockets. Do not leave valuables in your hotel room, especially if you choose cheaper accommodation.