Phuket - Pearl of the South

Phuket is largest island located southern of Thailand, connected by bridges to the Andaman Sea coast in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7′45″ and 8′15″ north latitude, and from 98′15″ to 98′40″ west longitude on the map. This tropical island is mostly mountainous, forming 440 km mountain range from north to south. The highest elevation of the island is at 529 m above sea level. 70% of geographical area is covered by forest. The western coast is filled with tourists because of its geographical sandy beaches while the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Phuket is Thailand's largest islands and surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers.

In the past Phuket was known as Bukit, Junk Ceylon, or Muang Talang for variety of reasons. Bukit has its definition from the Tamil manikram which means Crystal Mountain. Junk Ceylon was named according to the Ptolemy's Geographical written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. and found on the old maps. Muang Talang was named as a change from Monton Phuket in Rama V's reign. The trading business had long been major economic income especially with the Europeans. The trading consisted of shipping and dealing with sailors. By the 16th century, the island made itself known to the Europeans, first Portuguese and Dutch, then English and French sailed to its fabled shore.

Tourism industry has become the major economic income for Phuket since early 1980. Hotels, restaurants, tour agencies and souvenir shops have become booming business all over the west coast. However, not only tourism is the economic income for this island. Majority of locals rely on agriculture products such as crops, coconuts, cashews, and pineapples. The most colorful and noisiest beach is Patong, also best for experiences in nightlife. Other beaches are much more quieter and well suited for conservative tourisms.

All kinds of entertainment can be found on the west coast. The tourists can experience a trip with submarine to discover the colorful marine lives while sailing, diving and snorkeling are typical entertainment ashore. Every beach offers excellence conditions for swimming and bathing. Only during the monsoon season that the red flags are hoisted to warn of the strong currents that the beach isn't safe for swimming. The life guards should warn tourists off the danger zone to a safer one along the beach. However, in the beginning of December 2006, the first U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys have been positioned around the Indian Ocean to detect against giant waves caused by earthquakes under the sea. The satellite-linked buoy will float on sea surface 1,000 km offshore, positioned between Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Asides from dining restaurants, pubs and bars, there is plenty of accommodations available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to five star hotels, so it won't be hard to find place to stay in. Whether you are on back-packing tour or a short vacation away from the busy office, the friendly people and relaxing atmosphere will treasure you with delightful experience


by Johan Hedin