 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 it’s
39 other small islands are included. The island’s 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). Visitors are not recommended
to travel to Phuket between September and October as
they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit,
however, 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 Mueang, 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.
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