Official Language:
Thai
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Currency:
Thai Baht
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Population:
Approximately 240,000 people call Phuket home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Phuket: There are two main seasons in Phuket. Between April and May the average temperature will range from 81 to 97°F/27-36°C. There may be a few thunderstorms that cool down the air and give a relief from the heat. In May the rainfalls average 25 days. Making this month the wettest month of the year. September and October are quite hot as well, with frequent rains, mainly during the nights. Daytime weather is nice. Phuket gets an average of 2540 mm of rain per year.
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PORT: Cruise ships dock at the Port of Phuket. It is a 20-minute drive to Phuket Town. Taxis or bemos (local transport) are usually available at the pier. Rates are relatively expensive and should be negotiated.
Phuket, known as the "Pearl of Thailand, is Thailand’s only island province. Phuket Town is the island’s capital with a location in the southeast and connected to the mainland by the Thep Krasettree Causeway. Phuket is home to pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and traditional villages. A land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is approximately the same size as Singapore. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Arab and Indian navigators have called here since the end of the 9th century. The first Europeans didnt arrive until the 16th century.
Phuket has many outlying islands. These islands may be visited either by hiring a local boat, or taking a tour. The islands include Ko Racha, Coral Island, Ko Rang and Phi Phi Island.
The wealth of Phuket derives from tin production. This started in the 1500s. The industry generated so much wealth that it enabled Phuket Town to have the first paved roads and cars in all of Thailand. Phuket remains the center of tin production in the country, with rubber, coconut and seafood adding to the prosperity of the island.
The culture combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of the indigenous ocean-going people. The architecture features the attractive Sino-Portuguese style and it is reflected in the spacious residences that are built by wealthy Chinese tin barons to show their success.
There is a great variety of shopping in Phuket. Visitors will find open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, and street stalls. There are plenty of western style department stores. Thailand offers a wealth of local crafts - ceramics, textiles, and tailor-made clothing. If you are shopping for gems and jewelry, then you might want to try the specialty shops like Gem Gallery. They offer good discounts, and are located along the main bypass road,. There you can also find shops selling Chinese and Thai ceramics.
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Attractions |
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Old Chinatown:
Chinese immigrants arrived into Phuket during the mid 19th century. Their legacy is reflected in the architectural style of the buildings - grand mansions and streets, around the inner heart of Phuket Town. Seeing the area on foot is the only way to appreciate the local Chinese heritage. Look for the fine latticework, colourful ceramic tiles and other traditional design elements in the facades along Krabi-Thalang Road and Dibuk.
Naga (Naka) Pearl Farm:
A well-known island pearl farm that welcomes visitors with demonstrations of how pearls are cultured and extracted. Visitors have the chance to buy local and imported pearls at reasonable prices. daily tours area offered and usually include a stop at other islands for swimming, snorkelling and other activities. For details click here. Open 9.00am-3.30pm daily. Pearl-extraction show at 11.00am.
Phuket Sea Shell Museum:
Located near Rawai beach at the southern half of the island. This museum contains some of the most valuable seashells from all over the world. Many are sought-after by collectors and are from Phuket and Thai waters. Visitors can view the world's largest golden pearl (140 karats) as well as a shell weighing in at 250 kilograms! Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Marine Biological Research Center and Aquarium:
The aquarium’s exhibits provide insight into the marine life and its environment.
Thalang National Museum:
The exhibits here provide insight into Phuket’s history and culture.
Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park:
Located approximately 16 miles from Phuket Town, the park serves as a remnant of the island’s natural forest ecosystem. There is a large variety of animals, including wild boars and monkeys, thatlive in this natural habitat.
Phuket FantaSea:
A 140-acre unique cultural theme complex that offers nighttime entertainment highlighting the charm and beauty of Tahiland and its traditions. There are a variety of shops and high-tech elaborate entertainment programs.
Temples:
Phuket is home to many temples. Be sure to visit Wat Chalong, one of the biggest temples on the islands, and Wat Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Temple) in Thalang. There is a large "half buried Buddha" in the temple floor at the Wat Phra Thong temple. According to legend, those who try to dig it up will die. Wat Phranangsang is Phuket's second oldest temple. During early history it served as the rallying point for the island's two heroines who saved Phuket from the Burmese in the 18th century.
Golf:
Banyan Tree Golf is an extensive facility that include an 18-hole golf course, driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and chipping areas. Also available is a pro shop that offers an impressive range of golfing accessories. The golf course is designed to challenge golfers of all abilities, featuring lagoons, coconut groves and generous fairways. Professional instruction is available.
Shopping:
The boutiques and markets are centered around Time Square Mall. Visitors can find great buys on Thai silk, cotton fabric and cultured pearls. The Native Handicraft Center offers a wide range of local handicrafts. There are vendors offering a selection of souvenirs pierside.
Beaches:
Phuket has many beautiful beaches with the best located along the west coast. Each beach offers long stretches of white sand with lots of action and activities. Larger beach resorts like Patong, really come alive at night. There are others like Nai Yang offering a quiet haven away from the crowds.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.phukettourism.org/phuket/att_islands.htm
Web: http://www.phuket.com/
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