Phuket is Thailand's largest island (approximately the size of Singapore) and nestles against the Indian Ocean coast some 890km (556mi) south of Bangkok. Phuket derives its wealth from tin and rubber, is blessed with teeming marine life,and has enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the main traderoutes between India and China and was often mentioned in the ships' logs ofIndian, Arabian, Chinese and European visitors. The Portuguese, French, Dutch, English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly.

Phuket island's most famous monument is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thep Kasattriand Thao Sisunthon who rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders. The island is blessed with magnificent bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches,sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, comfortable accommodation, superb seafood, tropically vegetated mountains, lovely waterfalls and parks, and delightful turn-of-the-century Indo/Portuguese and Chinese-influenced architecture which create an enchanting ambience.

Phuket's Indian Ocean coastline boasts the finest beaches while the eastern coastline overlooks some 30 lesser islands occupying largely tranquil seas. Islands vary greatly in size. Some are large enough to sustain fishing communities, coconut plantations, sea crocodiles, deer and wild boar. Others are little larger than massive rocks, while still others resemble fortresses and are riddled with caves containing birds' nests prized by gourmets.

Tourism
In the past decade, this industry has become the biggest earner for the area, and it continues to grow. One of the biggest issues now is how to retain the benefits of tourism while sustaining the natural attractions that brought the visitors here in the first place. Phuket now gets more than 3 million visitors every year, and this number is growing. The area is a popular holiday destination for both Asians and Westerners.

Phuket's nightlife is sedate (compared with Hat Yai, Pattaya or Bangkok) and is concentrated largely in the town centre and Patong Beach in restaurants, bars (many featuring video entertainment), massage parlours, nightclubs and discotheques.

Getting there

By air
Getting to Phuket is easy, Thai Airways has almost a dozen flights from Bangkok daily, and more are laid on for busy periods.The flight is just over 1 hour. There are also direct flights from Chang Mai, Hat- Yai, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pattani.

During peak months-November through February: most flights are full and must be booked well in advance. Thai Airways has a special window for reconfirmation at the airport. It is a good idea to reconfirm your departure immediately upon arrival. Thai Airways flies between Bangkok and Phuket hourly. The flight takes one hours and ten minutes and costs about 2,000 Baht each way.Thai Airways Telephone +6676-211-195 in Phuket or +662-234-3100 in Bangkok.

When you arrive at Phuket Airport, charter guests will be taken to their hotel destinations by the tour buses. For other travelers there are two options: the minibus and limousine service at the ground floor entrance. Minibuses are basically 150 Baht (to Patong), limousines around 650 Baht. Tuktuks are not allowed to pick up guests at the airport, as transport is monopolized by
Thai Airways.

When Heading back to the airport travel agencies supply minibuses and limousines to the airport by the hour. Basically the same price range as coming from the Airport.

By bus
There are several companies operating air-conditioned bus service between Phuket and Bangkok for the determined masochist. The most comfortable is named V.I.P. Bus Service. Contact the Phuket Town Bus terminal at Tel:+6676-211-480. This trip takes at least 14 hours. The ticket is 600 Baht for one-way.

By train
There is no train service to Phuket. The nearest station is at Surat Thani from which buses may be connected to Phuket, a journey of some six to eight hours and costing around 200 Baht. Private hire taxis are probably a better bet if there are two or more individuals participating.

Getting around
You may travel all around Phuket Island by Tuk-tuk, Motor-Taxi, and Sonk-Tak. The fee may vary depends on the distant. Private cars; Jeeps and motorbikes can be hired from a car-rent company for your convenience.

Motor Cycle Taxi's are probably the easiest way to get around Patong, Kata, Phuket Town or any of the other beach resorts. All you have to do is wave them down by holding your arm out and moving it up and down as they drive by. Alternatively, they have many pickup points stationed around the Island and Towns where you can go directly to and pick up a ride. The same goes for Tuk-Tuk drivers, just tell them where you want to go and they'll do the rest.
Basic fares around Phuket
20 Baht for a person with a tuktuk inside Patong Beach 
150 Baht for a tuktuk to Kata Beach
400-500 Baht with a tuktuk to the Airport
200 Baht with a tuktuk to Phuket Town
20 Baht for a person with a motorcycle taxi in Patong Beach.

Climate
Temperatures. Year-round temperatures on Phuket vary between 21-34ºC. Water temperatures range from 26-28ºC, which means wetsuits are not necessary to enjoy water sports. The northeast monsoon season, roughly November till April, brings consistently sunny weather, cool breezes and low humidity, with moderate seas. The southwest monsoon, May till October, sees the rainiest and most unpredictable weather along with frequent swells off the Indian Ocean.

Islands attractions
Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand with calm waters to rocky headlands pounded by raging surf. Secluded coves lie hidden among densely forested headlands tumbling around white beaches. In several such places, visitors can feel years away from civilization. Phuket's Indian Ocean coastline boasts the finest beaches while the eastern coastline overlooks some 30 lesser islands occupying largely tranquil seas.

Islands vary greatly size, some are large enough to sustain fishing communities, coconut plantations, deer and wild boar. Others are little larger than massive rocks. Others again resemble fortresses, are riddled with caves containing the birds' nests prized by gourmets.
Counterclockwise from Phuket's northern tip, the island's major beaches, temples and botanical parks are as following:

The pine-lined Mai Khao Beach (34 kilometers from town) is Phuket's longest beach, site between November and February each year, where gigantic sea turtle struggle ashore to lay theirs eggs.

Nai Yang Beach, to the south (30 kilometers from town) forms part of National Park and is peaceful, excellent for swimming and relaxation.
Inland from Nai Yang Beach is Wat Phra Thong where a famous partially-buried Buddha is enshrined. Further east, (20 kilometers from town), the beautiful Ton Sai Waterfall Forest Park and Khao

Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park have innumerable birds, wild boars and monkeys to enliven botanical beauty cooled by sonorous cascades.
Further south, Pansea Bay, Surin Beach (24 kilometers from town), Sing Cape and Kamala Beach unfold in rapid succession. A public 9-hole golf course fronts Surin Beach where swimming is not recommended due to powerful surf and a treacherous undertow. The northern end of Kamala Beach is suitable for swimming.

Patong Beach (20 kilometers from town) is Phuket's most developed beach. Cabin and bungalow complexes, hotels, bars, nightclubs, discotheques, shop and restaurants front the crescent bay. Windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, sunbathing and swimming number among major activities.

Karon (20 kilometers from town) and Kata (17 kilometers from town) are the next major beaches. Both are long, largely peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing. Kata is partially fronted by Club Mediterranean Complex.
Nearing Phuket's southernmost point, the white Nai Han Beach (18 kilometers from town) fronts a shallow lagoon between steep headlands. Swimming, windsurfing, sailing, sunbathing and snorkeling are popular activities.

The nearby Promthep Cape marks Phuket's southernmost point is the perfect place from which to view spectacular sunsets.

To the east, the palm-fringed Rawai Beach (17 kilometers from town) hosts Phuket's best known 'sea gypsies'. several offshore islands have gleaming white beaches, and dazzling underwater scenery that attracts dedicated fishermen and scuba-divers.
To the northeast, Chalong Bay (11 kilometers from town) extends in a broad sweep and, a few kilometers inland, Wat Chalong enshrines statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, Phuket's most revered monks.

Finally, on the southernmost tip of Phanwa Cape (10 kilometers from town) is a Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket's Aquarium which displays several hundred exotic, grotesque and flamboyantly colourful marine species found mostly in Phuket's teeming waters.

Internet Cafes
There are also several Internet Cafes in the small communities around the island and especially in the more developed tourist locations. For those with a laptop computer, access to internet service providers is possible through one of the many computer shops found throughout the island.

Accommodation
First-class hotels located within town offer complimentary transport to their own beach clubs. Economy-class hotels are also available within town. First-class resort hotels with spectacular views offer air-conditioned accommodation, as do many cabin and bungalow complexes on Phuket's most popular beaches. Yet other 'native-style' complexes, built of bamboo, rattan and Nipa palm thatch, Phuket's coastal hills and beaches to offer comfortable and relatively inexpensive accommodation.