Located
approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket,
Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of
the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources-
rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches,
tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to
making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most
popular island and province.
Nestled
in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of
Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province
covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding
small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an
area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other
small islands are included. The islands total length, from north
to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3
kilometers wide.
Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3
sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of
the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to
Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.
Staying
on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year -
the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November
to April). The low season of phuket is between September and
October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a
visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see
the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the
crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed
beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 C and 33 C.
Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area
covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the
remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and
eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major
rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe
Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.
Phuket
has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural
heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned
diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell
delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality
has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In
addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to
tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different
needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to
sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these
characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.
History of Phuket
Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was
once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical
formations gradually changed the capes location, finally
detaching it from the mainland.
A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first
person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year
157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was
located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present site of
Phuket Island). Natives called the place Cha Lang, which evolved
to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the north of the
island.
As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung
Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma,
China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was
also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese, Dutch,
English and French traders flocking to the island. This
contributed to making the development of mining so
unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to
Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.
Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe,
Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious
immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in
the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the
Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those
buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.
Thalang
town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal
area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of
the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents
and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It
took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the
command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of
such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as
Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor
them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12
kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still
highly respected by Phuket residents even today.
However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing
Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and
Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish a town and
established a rice farming community. On the other hand, the
area to the south of the island (Phuket City today) was
developed and became a tin trading center.
When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more
immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket
was promoted to be a Monthon administrative unit under the
supervision of the central administrative body (located in
Bangkok).
In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who
contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket was
appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the
welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the
countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.
The
tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic
growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin
fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later
emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This
polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that
provides visitors with memorable experiences.
The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of
the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture,
architectural influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately 35
percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims, it is
possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai temples) located
next to Mosques.
Phi Phi Banyan Villa
Phi Phi Island, Ton
from THB 1450
Lanta Mermaid Boutiq
Koh Lanta Yai, Klong
from THB 1200
Centara Grand Beach
Ao Nang, Phaiplong B
from THB 5400
Railay Bay Resort &
Ao Nang, Railay Beac
from THB 2000
Located
approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket,
Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of
the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources-
rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches,
tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to
making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most
popular island and province.
Nestled
in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of
Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province
covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding
small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an
area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other
small islands are included. The islands total length, from north
to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3
kilometers wide.
Staying
on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year -
the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November
to April). The low season of phuket is between September and
October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a
visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see
the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the
crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed
beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 C and 33 C.
Phuket
has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural
heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned
diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell
delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality
has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In
addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to
tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different
needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to
sample than just Phuket's famous lobster. Altogether, these
characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.
Thalang
town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal
area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of
the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents
and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It
took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the
command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of
such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as
Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor
them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12
kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still
highly respected by Phuket residents even today.
The
tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic
growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin
fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later
emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This
polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that
provides visitors with memorable experiences.
