Phuket island

Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colourful history. Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 year. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life, and the town is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing, with lovely seashores and forested hillsides. Its population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces.

Phrom Thep Cape
“Phrom” is Thai for Hindu “Brahma”signifying purity, and “Thep” means ‘God’. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey’s have been found all along the Malay-peninsula’s west coast.

Nai Han Beach
A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

Viewpoint
From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, and also Poo Island. It is one of the island’s best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Han Beach.

Patong Beach Phuket

With its broad stretch of white sand, all sorts of water sports activities and a pumping nightlife, Patong, a magnet for visitors from all over the world, is easily the tourism capital of Phuket. Those looking for a quiet, secluded beach will want to avoid Patong as it is the road well travelled. However, if luxury, shopping, international cuisine and after-hours excitement are what you desire then you may never want to leave Patong.

Visitors to Patong Beach are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation as it is home to more hotels and guesthouses than any other area of the island. Many of Phuket’s best hotels can be found directly across the road from the beach. They include the Absolute Seapearl Beach Resort, Patong Beach Hotel, the Holiday Inn, Club Andaman, La Flora, and Impiana Phuket Cabana. There are also cheaper guesthouses for budget travellers.

Patong’s status as the main tourist area of the island means that it’s the place to go for the best international cuisine in Phuket. From Western fast food to star-rated continental restaurants, Patong has plenty of options to satisfy most tastes. Popular international restaurants include Casablanca, Sam’s Steak House, and The Old Fisherman’s. There are also plenty of Thai restaurants in the area, too, including some of the best on the island.

Patong Beach is home to the largest nightclubs on Phuket and Patong’s nightlife is the most vibrant and lively you will find on the island. Bangla Road is where it’s at and the arcades of smaller bars that branch off of it. Tiger and Banana are the biggest night spots in, with Thaipan close behind, while Safari bar, on the outskirts of Patong, is the main after-hours joint.

The infamous ‘girlie bars’, although prominent, are restricted to certain lanes and clustered together for you to either enjoy or ignore. Recently, more sophisticated upmarket places have been opening up, such as Seduction disco, Club Lime and, in nearby Kalim, White Box.