What comes into the mind of travellers when we talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket must definitely be one of the answers. Especially when we think about the island in which there is plenty of accommodation and all kinds of facilities. In addition, a number of various activities can also be found in this island.
In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to Thanlng the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thaland town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local resedents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as 'Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, repectively. There are still hightly respected by Phuket residents even today.
When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving weath. The island's long history has shaped the distintive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk of life.
Getting to Know:
1. Phuket is located approximately 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.
2. There are only two seasons in a year the green season ( May to October) and the hot season (November to April)
3. Phuket is divided into 3 adminstrative districts: namely, amphoe Mueng, Amphoe Thaland and Amphoe Kathu.
09 December 2010: There have been reports of some tourists being reluctant to visit Thai provinces along the Andaman Sea coast, including Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi, due to fortune tellers speculating that a major earthquake will take place around the end of December, triggering a tsunami. Such speculations have no basis in scientific fact. An earthquake is a random natural phenomenon that the global scientific community agrees cannot be predicted in advance. However, up to now the advance bookings for accommodations in the provinces along Thailand's Andaman Sea coast remain solid, with year-end international tourist arrivals expected to reach anticipated levels. Following the tsunami of 26 December 2004, the government of Thailand established the National Disaster Warning Center. http://www.ndwc.go.th/home/ The Center has initiated many measures including monitoring systems in the Andaman Sea, installing tsunami direct detection units, a tsunami warning alarm system, evacuation plans and routes, and periodic drills for communities located on the Andaman Sea coast. Thailand is very well prepared to protect visitors and residents in the unlikely event that another tsunami takes place. Data by Tourism Authority of Thailand, 09 December 2010 Key Tips
The beaches of the south coast are typically crowded, while the north is far more tranquil.
All the major beaches (such as Patong beach, Kata beach, Karon beach, Nai Han beach, Mai Khao beach , Nai Yang beach) offer instruction and equipment for diving, snorkling, wind surfing and sailing. Don't forget to notice red flag! before swim.
