Facts on Phuket

Posted by admin on August 11th, 2009 filed in Tourist tips

Phuket is one of Thailand’s southern provinces. Krabi and Phang Nga are the neighbouring provinces, but being Thailand’s largest islands, Phuket hasn’t any land boundaries. By air, the island is serviced by Phuket International Airport, which is positioned on the destination’s northern part. Phuket was most likely named after the Malaysian word ‘Bukit’, which translates as hill or mountain, as from a distance this is what the ‘Jewel of the Andaman’ resembles.

Positioned in the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket’s landscape is mostly mountainous. About 70 per cent of Phuket is covered by jungle. Several sandy beach areas can be found on the western coast, while more muddy beaches are located on the east coast. Nearby the island’s southernmost spot is Laem Promt, which is a favoured sunset watching point.

Since the 16th century, tin mining provided Phuket’s most significant source of income for the island since the 16th century. The mines employed many Chinese workers. Most of the miners were Hakka Chinese. Today, their influence on Phuket’s cuisine and culture still remain. Due to the decreasing tin prices, mining activities have now all but ceased. Today, tourism and rubber tree plantation provide Phuket’s main income. Phuket tourist & travel guide

For nearly three decades now, Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations, and the majority of the western coast’s sandy beaches have been transformed into crowded tourist hotspots, with Kata, Karon and Patong being the most visited ones. Along with the island’s picture-perfect landscape, the amount of international visitors to Phuket has grown drastically. All hotels and tourist attractions, damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, have been restored.

Another place that is similar to Phuket in Southeast Asia is Boracay in the Philippines, check this island out.