Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand's largest island located in Southern Thailand, on the west-facing Andaman sea coastline. It is one of Thailand's most popular holiday destinations, with beautiful beaches, coves and bays.

One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Rawai. To the north of Patong are Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach.

There are many islands to the southeast, including Bon Island, just a short boat trip away. There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the north west, and Phi Phi Islands to the south east. Islanders engage in a lively tourist trade, catering to snorkellers and scuba divers.

Things to See & Do

* Phuket town
* Patong Beach
* Fanta Sea - entertainment park
* Chalong Temple
* Watersports

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Baht (THB)
Language - Thai
Population - 80,000 approx (Phuket city)
Land Area - 543 km² (Phuket province)
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code - +66

Port Location - Rassada port is located in Phuket town.

Travel Links - Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island, and is Thailand's second largest hub, second only to Bangkok. There are very frequent flights to/from Bangkok as well as direct flights to many other airports in the region, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and direct charters to Europe and Australia in the high season.

Buses to mainland destinations including Bangkok, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phang Nga, Ranong, Satun, Sungai Kolok and Surat Thani use the BKS terminal off Thanon Phang Nga in Phuket Town.

Ferry services connect from Rassada Port in Phuket Town to Ko Phi Phi and on to Krabi on the mainland twice a day, taking 90 minutes.