Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is the size of Singapore, 48 km long and 21 km at the widest part. Phuket lies in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coast located 867 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, palm-filled, white beaches, small surrounding islands, hospitable people and great seafood. Also delightful Chinese-Portuguese architecture, numerous sporting and leisure opportunities, a lush tropical landscape – which helps to create a nice atmosphere for a truly memorable Thailand trip. The most famous beaches are Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn Beach. Phuket islands are ideal for sailing, diving, snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of sports and entertainment you could wish for. You can also take a trip with a submarine to discover the colorful marine life below the surface. There are plenty of accommodations, ranging from standard bungalows to 5-star hotels.

Phuket’s former wealth derived from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was one of the main trade routes between India and China, and is frequently mentioned in foreign ship company logos. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing, with beautiful beaches and wooded hillsides. Its population of 1.6 million people ranks on place 6 among all provinces. Approximately 2.8 million square feet of the area is forest. The main industry today is rice cultivation. The average income per head is 14,343 Baht.

But in recent times, Phuket’s main income was tourism, which has transformed the island into Thailand’s wealthiest province. One might expect that the prices are a bit higher than on the mainland. Western Phuket was hit hard by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in December 2004, but there is almost no evidence left on the damage.

Phuket is very popular as a tourist destination and most of the beaches on the west coast of Phuket town in the southeast and the airport in the north.

 

Krabi – a province that embraces both the mainland and some idyllic islands – is characterised by unique limestone formations and lush vegetation. The limestone outcrops are a magnet for both rock climbers and camera crews shooting commercials, TV shows and films. Krabi Town is the main jump-off point for travellers en route to the beaches and islands of Krabi Province. Those venturing north of Krabi Town into the interior will find a shrine, a hot springs waterfall and a wildlife sanctuary.