Gem
of the Andaman Coast, and Thailand's top beach resort is Phuket Island.
Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21km wide by
48km long, Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a province in its own
right. Sparsely populated outside Phuket town, the landscape is one of
lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted
with a dozen spectacular beaches. Set against a backdrop of palms and
casuarinas, each idyllic stretch of sand has a character and charm of
its own.
Accommodation can
be found in abundance and the facilities are as comprehensive as the range
of accommodation. Restaurants are excellent, both in their setting and
in their menus, featuring a selection of culinary delights from fresh
seafood or spicy Thai dishes to other Asian cuisine and Continental specialties.
Cocktail lounges, discos and nightclubs give ample choice for after dinner
entertainment.
The
island's size and its wealth of beaches offer plenty of different focal
points, each with its own identity. Patong Beach, for example, is the
most developed area and suits those who like a kaleidoscopic variety of
attractions with ready access to all parts of the island.
Tempting though it
is simply to laze on the beach and soak up a tropical suntan, Phuket offers
many sporting options for visitors seeking action with a taste of adventure.
Scuba diving is perhaps the island's most popular and best developed sport.
However for those who prefer to keep their heads above water, yachting
and deep-sea fishing are two marvelous sporting alternatives.
On land, sporting
attractions vary from daredevil bungee-jumping to the very different challenges
of golf on any one of several superb 18-hole courses. Horse riding and
go-kart racing are further choices.
More than just a
place of sun, sea and sand, Phuket affords ample scope for sightseeing.
Molded by various influences over the centuries and made rich through
tin mining, Phuket has evolved into a distinctive culture, giving rise
to a number of sights and events unique to the island. Early prosperity
is witnessed in several well-preserved mansions of considerable architectural
interest, while a further reminder of past influences survives in the
annual Vegetarian Festival held in October.
By
Air : Thai Airways International operates daily from Bangkok.
There are also direct air links with Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia,
Singapore and Europe.
By
Road : The island is linked to the mainland by the 700m long
Sarasin Causeway therefore, access is easy. There are many overnight bus
services from Bangkok.
By
Rail : The island can also be reached partly by train and partly
by bus.
By
Sea : There are many ferry services to the island and Phuket
remains a favorite stop for cruises.

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