An unforgettable island idyll, Phuket, where white sandy beaches pour into the azure surf of the Andaman Sea, andenchanted visitors leave the hustle and hassle of 'modern' lives far away. For over twenty years, the spectacular sunsets, powdery beaches, and dramatic landscapes of Thailand 's largest island have seduced the seekers of paradise lost and earned the ' Pearl of the south' an international reputation as a resort with exceptional allure. Other charms include eco tourism, famous spas, fantastic sporting, leisure and shopping activities. Phuket 'pearl of the south'. Located in the sparkling, blue waters of the Andaman Sea just 70 minutes flying from Bangkok , Thailand's most popular beach destination has everything you could possibly want on a holiday: beautiful beaches, some of the finest resort hotels, water sports, exquisite seafood, international and Thai cuisine, mountains, forests, temples, coral reefs, turquoise seas and tropical sunshine all in plentiful proportions. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a romantic retreat or an action packed time with plenty of colorful nightlife, Phuket has it all.
First mentioned in Malaysian literature in 1,200 AD, Phuket has had an interesting history with influences from both East and West, including the British.
In 1785 a five week invasion by the Burmese was repulsed thanks to the ingenuity of two sisters, since elevated to national heroines. Realizing they were outnumbered; Chan and Mook persuaded all the island's women to dress up as men thus fooling the Burmese into believing that the island was too well defended. In fact the island's governor had just died and the Thai's were leaderless. As you drive to your hotel from the airport you will pass a statue, located in a roundabout, honoring the two sisters.
During the last hundred years Phuket has established its economic importance with the mining of tin and growing of rubber, although nowadays most tin mining activities have been replaced by tourism. A Journey around the island taking along the west coast road would allow you a great view of superb beaches such as Bang Tao, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn and Rawai. A final fitting to a day visiting some of the most picturesque beaches in Thailand would be to see the sunset at Cape Promthep located at the island's extreme southwest point. The Cape offers a superb view of the Andaman Sea and a few offshore islands.
Coming in towards Phuket town from Rawai, you could stop off and visit the Chalong pier where you can see hundreds of yachts and boats in the calm waters of Chalong bay. Driving a little further on in Chalong you could visit the most revered temple in Phuket, Wat Chalong. Ten minutes drive further will take you into Phuket town. Phuket town offers a great mixture of new and old influences. Sino Portuguese architecture is evident in the landmark buildings as you walk down Thalang Road towards the center of town. If you are in the mood for some respite from the mid day sun then a visit to Khao Rang Hill is in order. From here the view is outstanding. Cool shady trees provide shelter from the sun allowing you to gaze out at the sprawling metropolis that is Phuket. You can see the whole town, tranquil Ma'kam Bay and the turquoise, turtle shaped island in the distance.
Up north through Pkra Sattri road is the heroine's monument. Here you can learn the great history of Chan and Mook. These pair of heroines are famous for rounding up the islands women, dressing them as soldiers and scaring of Burmese invasion in 1785. Further up from the monument is Ton Sai waterfall. These beautiful falls are surrounded by orchids and exotic birds in the Khao Phra national park.
While most international visitors to Phuket head straight to the beach for their holiday, there is a world of treasure waiting to be discovered in charming Phuket town Phuket town is the provincial capital of Phuket and is home to all legal and government offices including immigration, the tourist authority of Thailand (TAT), the main bus terminal for inter provincial travel. The main post office, Thai airways, Government house (just to name a few) all reside in Phuket town.
Phuket town was settled by Chinese merchants who migrated from nearby Penang to set up businesses over a hundred years ago. The island was prosperous even then from revenues from tin mining and rubber plantations. These Chinese merchants built extravagant homes and offices in the Sino Portuguese style which developed centuries ago in the active trading port of Malacca .
Three hundred years ago, even Phuket had a community of Portuguese traders living on the island. They not only bought the chili pepper with them, but they bought their architecture, much of which can be seen only in Phuket town.
The wealthy residents of yesterday did not build homes near the western beaches for two reasons. They were afraid of the Burmese pirates and the wild animals such as tigers and boars that still roamed in the jungles so they sought safety clustered together in the centre of the island.
To capture the excitement of Phuket town from yesteryear, head to town either in your hotel/resort limousine or taxi, and get out on Thalang road. Here you will find merchants selling household goods, fabrics and everyday necessities in the same buildings and often the same families as well over a hundred years ago.
Of special interest is the Guan Choon Tong Herbal store at 16 Thailand Road where Mrs. Odsri Bumrungwong has worked and lived with her family for 70 years. Her father was a Chinese herbalist from Penang who moved the family to Phuket to bring traditional medicines for the local people. Each day Mrs. Bumrungwong mixes leaves, animal parts, herbs and roots into special formulas to ease pain, indigestion and to strengthen the body.
Crossing Thalang road is another street rich with history. On Yaowaraj road, numerous shops line a single block which offers distinctive arts and crafts of the region.
China house has textiles from Laos and silks from Thailand which have been designed into both casual and elegant evening wear.
Nearby is Ban Boran textiles which has a wide range of cottons from south china as well as Northern Thailand that can be used to decorate the home or turn into comfortable clothing.
Phuket town is well known for delicious Chinese food. Many visitors to the island come from Singapore and Taiwan in search of local delicacies including invigorating bird's nest soup and the wide range of desserts and dried foods only available on Phuket.
This main town on the island offers great shopping bargains with prices for souvenir items much lower than in similar boutiques near the beach.
Phuket town however has a lot more to offer the shopper than the beach resorts. From the central market located near the main roundabout where the local buses stop, streets fan out with each one offering shops selling clothing, handicrafts, silks, cottons, furniture and home accessories. Close by are cafes, restaurants, bakeries and deli's catering to both western and Thai tastes.
In the morning and evening an open air market happens across from the local bus stop selling fresh fruits, vegetables and Thai take out including a wide variety of curries, omelette's, sweets and drinks. If you're looking for some good old western fast food then head on out to Robinson's department store where there are lots of choices. When the heat of the midday sun starts to get to you then consider a drive to the top of Khao Rang hill. From here the view is outstanding and the cool shady trees in this quaint little park provide shelter from the sun. At night, 'those in the know' head to Ka Jok See for dinner where they might spot a visiting celebrity. Alternative nightlife entertainment to the wild beer bars of Patong beach are the Thai western pub venues of timber hut where many local expat's mix with the Thai music lovers. Phuket town is full of surprises and well worth a visit during a holiday to Phuket . PADI 5 Star National Geographic Instructor Development Center. 49 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand. Phone: (+66) 076292052 Fax: (+66) 076293034
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