|
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 its 39 other small islands are included. The
islands 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, 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 Muang, 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.
|