Phuket Province
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 862 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colourful history. Known as the Pearl of Thailand, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 year. Today, Phuket is Thailand's largest tin producer. The surrounding waters contain a lot of colourful marine life, and the town is notable for its old European style architecture. It is a very attractive island for the sightseer, with lovely seashore, limestone cliffs, and forested hillsides. Phuket Island has a long shape from the north to the south and its general geographic characteristics are rolling hills alternating with basins and having 39 smaller outlying islands. The word "Phuket" is derived from the Malayan word "Bukit", which means hill. Phuket, the smallest southern province occupies 543 square kilometers. The overall length from north to south is 48 kms. and is 21 kms. at its widest part. Phuket borders Phangnga Bay to the north at the 490 meters wide Pak Phra Channel, joined to the mainland by the 660 meters Sarasin Bridge linking Chatchai Landing of Phuket and Tha Noon Landing of Phangnga. To the south and west lies the Andaman Sea, and the Krabi Sea to the east. It is administratively divided into three Amphoes: Muang, Thalang, and Kathu. The main occupation of the populations is rubber plant cultivation while the rest are engaged in the cultivations of coconuts, rice, fruits and fishing.

Tourist Attractions

Khao Rang It is a small hill, located behind the township area, maintained as a public park by the Municipality. It is also the location of Radio and Television Stations operated by the Department of Pubilc Relations.

The Native Handicrafts Center It is located on Thepkasatri Road and has artisans weaving silk, manufacturing lacquerware, silverware, jewellery and parasols.

Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village It is located on The pkasattri Road (3 km. from town). In the village, there are cultural performances show the Thai way of life with folk dances, Thai boxing, the unique aspects of Phuket and the south, a handicraft center, and orchid farm and the elephant show. It is open from 9.00-19.00 hrs. The show is presented 2 times daily from 11.00-12.00 hrs. and 17.30-18.30 hrs. The admission fee is $190/person.

For more details contact Tel: (076) 214-4860-1 or Bangkok Office Tel: 253-0295-7.

Crocodile Farm It lies just outside town, containing an aquarium, estuarine crocodiles and alligators.

Sixty Years Pillar Monument It is located at the stone bridge where Phuket Road ends and was constructed in 1969 as a memorial to Mr.Miles who devised the use of a dredger in minig operations in 1909.

Ko Sire This island is located 4 kms. southeast of Phuket, a monastic community, and the home of the Chao Le, "Sea Gypsies"

Wat Chalong This monastery is located 8 kms. from Phuket town and houses bronze images of the monks Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who are highly respected by Phuket inhabitants. Luang Pho Chaem is famed for his part in quelling a rebellion by Chinese mine workers who tried to occupy Phuket during the reign of King Rama V.

Laem Ka Noi and Laem Ka Yai The cape is 14 kms. from Phuket town close to Hat Rawai, where is safe for swimming.

Hat Rawai This popular beach has been famous for a long period of time. It is locat 14 kms. from the township area and here there is a Chao Le "Sea Gypsy" tribal village.

Ko Kaeo Pitsadan This island is accessible by a 30 minute boat trip from Hat Rawai and features beautiful sandy beaches and a shrine containing a replica of Buddha's Footprints.

Hat Nai Han This beach is located 18 kms. from the township area. Traveling, from Chalong 5-Way Junction through the road to Hat Rawai about 3 kms. a 4 kms. access road branches of on the right to Hat Nai Han. The beach is small but peaceful.

Heroines Monument Thao Thep Kasattri-Thao Si Sunthon Monument is located at Tha Rua Square, Amphoe Thalang, 12 kms. north of Phuket township area. It was constructed in 1966.

Hat Surin This is the famous beach of Phuket, located 26 kms. from the township area. However, the beach shelf is steep and the fairly heavy surf renders it unsuitable for swimming. There is a golf course above the beach line.

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park It is located 20 kms. from town and has innumerable birds, wild boars and monkeys to enliven botanical beauty cooled by sonorous cascades. There is also a beautiful waterfall called, Nam Tok Ton Sai

Thalang National Museum It displays the way of life, culture and history of Phuket and the south, located in Amphoe Thalang.

Wat Phra Thong This Golden Buddha Image Monastery is located just beyond the Amphoe Thalang Administrative Office. There a torso of Buddha image rises up from the ground.

Laem Sing Sing Cape is located one kilometers beyond Hat Surin features beautiful rocky reefs.

Ao Kamala This bay is located 3 kms. from Laem Sing.

Hat Nai Yang The beach is located on the road to the airport, 37 kms. from the township area and has a long secluded stretch of beautiful beach.

Hat Mai Khao This beach is located just beyond Hat Nai Yang to Phuket Airport. During December to February large size sea turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs.

Ao Patong This bay has a beautiful long beach totalling a distance of several kilometers, suitable for swimming. It is located 13 kms. from Phuket township area in Amphoe Krathu.

Pearl Farm There are pearl farms on Ko Nakha,Ko Rang Noi,Ko Rang Yai and Ko Bon. Those who are interested to visit the farm must have a permit in anticipation.

Marine Biological Research Center The center is located on the end of Laem Phanwa which is 9 kms. from the township area, being the place where marine researhes are carried out with a sea aquarium displaying fishes of different species, marine animals and beautiful shells.

Tin Mine Phuket has various types of tin mining operations all over the Island, especially land sluicing mine and dredging mine.

Laem Phrom Thep This cape is located 18 kms. from Phuket town, otherwise called by the local people, "Learn Chao" where from best scenery of Phuket can be seen.

Ao Kata This bay is located 18 kms. from the township area, divided into two bays, e.g., Kata Noi and Kata yai having beautiful beaches suitable for swimming.

Ao Karon This bay is located one kilometers from Ao Kata.

Ao Makham This is an important seaport of Phuket, located 8 kms. from the township area, being the location of a petroleum storage and ore smelting plant. Cargo ships are regularly anchored in the area.

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL September - October
This annual festival originated among immigrant workers in the 19th century and is one of the major events of Phuket's year. Residents of Chinese ancestry go on a ten-day vegetarian diet and there are ceremonies at local Chinese temples as well as parades that feature remarkable feats by ascetic believers.