phuket travel guide

Otherwise known as the “Pearl of the Andaman”, Phuket is a mesmerizing island which has harmoniously merged all the elements of a tropical paradise with a touch of luxury, offering tourists an all-year-round water wonderland. Situated around 860 kilometers south of Bangkok, it is the country's largest island nestled in the Andaman Sea. Its white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays, limestone cliffs and tropical forests contribute to make Phuket one of the most busiest and well-known tourist destinatiions in the world. Visitors can experience in this island paradise Sino-Portuguese architecture, local hospitality, seafood restaurants, accommodation choices and countless attractions. Some of the most fascinating places in Phuket are Hat Patong, Hat Kalim, Hat Kamala, Hat Karon, Hat Kate, Hat Nai Han, Hat Rawai, Koh Racha, Koh Si-Re, Ao Chalong, Phrom Thep Cape, Phuket City & Old Buildings, Phuket Sea Shell Museum, Phuket Fantasea and Wat Chalong.

Also referred to as the "Pearl of the South" , the beautiful island of Phuket is today one of the most favorite holiday destinations in the world. Surrounded by the azure waters of Andaman Seas, Phuket is perhaps one of nature's best-kept secrets, hidden away in the shades of the green hills of the spectacular Phuket Mountain Range. Sightseeing in Phuket is not restricted to the beaches of Phuket, which, however, form the predominant tourist attractions of Phuket.

If you have a passion for history and a thirst for knowing more about the social history of the Thais, Phuket offers you a number of museums where you can get to know more about the culture of Thailand. Try the Talang National Museum to unravel the secrets of the history of Phuket. The Talang Sea Shell Museum promises to mesmerize you with its vast store of sea shells, gathered from all across the world. Visit the several temples dedicated to Buddhism which are scattered all around this charming city for a deeper insight into the philosophies of life.

The Sea Gypsies residing along the coastal fringes of Phuket form a major tourist attraction by themselves. Get ready to be enthralled by this charming tribe as you visit the Two Heroine's Memorial in Phuket where you can learn more about this interesting tribe during your trip of sightseeing in Phuket.

Phuket is one of the popular tourist destinations in Thailand and attracts travelers from all across the globe. How to get there to Phuket is not difficult to answer as there are several modes of transport making it all easy.

By Air:
Phuket Airport now is an international airport, so Phuket can be reached directly from points all over the world. For further information contact Thai Airways International or travel agents. Thai Airways numbers in Bangkok are Tel. (02) 2800070 2800080, and in Phuket, the numbers are Tel. (076) 211195, 212499, 212946 www.thaiair.com. Bangkok Airways Tel. 66 (02) 270 6699 www.bangkokair.com.

By car or coach:
From Bangkok use route 4 passing Nakorn Pathom, Prachuabkirikan, Chumphorn Provinces, Kraburi and Kaper districts in Ranong Province, and Kuraburi, Takua Pa and Takua Tung districts in Phang-nga Province. There you will reach Ban Kok Kioy, the last big town on the road to Phuket, which, though an island, is.reached by crossing the Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge. The total distance is about 867 kms.Bus transport includes both air and non - air conditioned coaches leaving from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal daily. Phone numbers to contact for further information:

Travel Around:
Once here, getting around Phuket is case of either doing it the easy way, or doing it the adventurous way. If staying in one of the island's epicentres like Patong or Kata, getting around is a breeze. Most hotels are within close proximity to the beach, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and activity centres, which makes getting round on foot the best option. In less populated spots, or if you want to explore locations around the island, you have the choice of having your hotel arrange transport in the form of a taxi, hirecar or tuk-tuk, or taking the local transportation.

Car Rental:
Budget Car and Truck Rental: 076-205396, 076-205397
National Car rental: 076-396038-44
Avis car rental: 076-351243-25
Sutin Car Rent: 076-342918, 01-8922812
Pure Car Rent: 076-211002,076-217797
Silver Car Rental: 076-288995
Via Rent a Car: 076-341660,076-340007