Phuket, Thailand

Phuket - The Pearl of Andaman

Phuket is beyond comparison, called the Pearl of Andaman Sea; it has arrived as a great tourist destination. The beauty of this island, off the west coast of south Thailand is unique. Thailand's largest island, it has earned for itself the appellation "Playground of the rich". This tropical paradise has a little of everything - limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, thickly forested hill slopes, kilometers of rubber plantations and tropical vegetation of every kind. It is however, best known for its beautiful beaches. Most are on the West Side where the swimming is good, as is sunbathing and windsurfing. On the east are small islets excellent for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Pearl farming is also done here. In the west of the Island is Patong, a popular beach among residents. Soft, white sand plus clean water makes this beach an ideal place for relaxation under the bright sunshine. On top of that, Patong is known for plenty of restaurants, beer-bars and pubs.

Kata Beach composed of 2 lovely beaches called Kata Yai (Big Kata) and Kata Noi (Small Kata), is a thriving resort, suitable for holiday makers who look for tranquil surroundings with a bright sun, white sand, a calm clear sea and a colorful underwater world. Except those who like to stay in a busy area, Kata Beach has never disappointed any visitors. Various kinds of accommodations, restaurants, shops and aqua-sports facilities are available to tourists of different tastes.

Karon Beach just across a low hill to the north of Kata, the long white beach of Karon stretches magnificently with pines and palms standing tall over the rolling sand dunes providing a unique scene. It is flourishing side by side with Kata Beach, but is more placid. The sea water here is clean and the sand is powdery. It is one of the best places for swimming, diving and sun-bathing. You can come from Kata to Karon easily by road or by a path along the coast.

Mai Khao or Airport beach at the northern part is the longest beach in Phuket about nine km long. During October and February giant sea turtles come to lay their eggs.

Visitors to Phuket should not miss the opportunity to have a taste of Phuket's many kinds of famous seafood which is always fresh and palatable. Various seafood dishes are available in town and along famous beaches

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April - May and September - October are the hottest. The September-October period is also the wettest.