Phuket

Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean , is 862 kms. From Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was aregional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful history. The surrounding waters contains a lot of colorful marine life. It is a very attractive island for the sightseer, with lovely seahore, 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 basin and having 32 smaller outlying islands. Phuket, the smallest southern province occupies 543 square kms. 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 metres wide Pak Phra Channel, joined to the mainland by the 660 metres Sarasin Bridge linking Chatchai landing of Phuket and Tha Nun 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: Thailand and Krathu. The main occupation of the population is rubber plant cultivation while the rest are engaged in the cultivations of coconuts, fruits and fishing.

Attraction
Khao Rang (เขารัง)
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 Station operated by Department of Public Relation.

Leam Phrom Thep (แหลมพรหมเทพ)
This cape has the most beautiful sunset view in Phuket. It is located 18 kms. from Phuket town, otherwise called by the local people “Leam Chao” where from best scenery of Phuket can be seen.

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

Ao Kata (อ่าวกะตะ)
This bay is located 18 kms. fromship area, divided in to two bays: Kata Noi and Kata Yai , having beautiful beaches suitable for smimming.

Ao Karon (อ่าวกะรน)
This bay is located 1 kilometre from Ao Kata.

Hat Surin (หาดสุรินทร์)
This is the most famous beach in Phuket, located 26 kms. from the township are. 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.

Laem Sing (แหลมสิงห์)
Sing Cape is located 1 kilometre beyond Hat Surin features beautiful rocky reefs.

Hat Nai Yang National park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดในยาง)
It is located on the road to airport, 37 kms. from Phuket town. The park covers an area of 90 square kilometers and has long secluded stretch of beaches fringed by casuarinas trees. There are ; Hat Nai Thon (หาดในทอน), Hat nau Yang (หาดในยาง), Hat Mai Khao (หาดไม้ขาว), and Hat Sai Kaew (หาดทรายแก้ว). From November to February gigantic sea turggle ashore to lay there eggs there. For accommodation contact the National Park Division, Royal Forestry Department.

Vegetarian festival (งานเทศกาลกินเจ)
This festival falls in September – October every year. It 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 the feature remarkable feats by ascetic believer.