Phuket – Better than Ever!
Phuket, Thailand’s largest tropical island is better than ever!
Spectacular scenery bathed in stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue seas
awaits at Asia’s most popular beach destination. The island of fun provides
an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft beaches, superb hospitality
and great value accommodation.
Randall Marketing announces expanded partnership with A Hotels & Resorts International
Randall Marketing has announced an expanded partnership with A Hotels & Resorts International, Thailand. Randall Marketing already represents the 4 ½ Star, Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa, Kata Beach, Phuket, and will now include Four Seasons ...
Centara Buys Astudo
Thailand-based Centara Hotels and Resorts recently signed a deal to acquire Astudo Hotels and Resorts. The acquisition comes into effect on 1 April 2010. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
Astudo currently operates 7 resorts in Thailand with ...
Laguna Phuket to Open New MICE Venue
Laguna Phuket has unveiled plans for a new venue capable of hosting a wide variety of meetings and incentive programmes, conferences, gala dinners and other events in a spectacular tropical waterside setting.
Latitude, a 1,000 square metre ...
More Phuket News
Recommended Accommodation on Phuket Island
Aspery Hotel
Aspery Hotel is favourably located only a 3-minute walk from the beach, and close to the shops and famous Patong Beach nightlife.
Hotel Aspery is a modern boutique-style hotel. Enjoy the well-appointed and contemporary rooms, including the refreshing rain shower in the bathroom. Write home using the free Wi-Fi internet access.
Rejuvenate at the spa and with a massage. Follow it with a dip in the pool. When going out, ask at the tour desk for advice. For excursions, use the car rental facility. The currency exchange is also useful.
Enjoy tasty food at the chic restaurant on an attractively open and airy terrace, and a drink at the bar.
Book now or look for more information & guest reviews!
Amari Coral Beach Phuket
Sitting on a secluded headland at the southern corner of Patong, Phuket’s most popular beach, this resort affords spectacular views of the picturesque bay.
Amari Coral Beach Resort & Spa offers first-class accommodation, 2 swimming pools, diving and sports facilities and a range of fine restaurants. The hotel has been completely renovated in a contemporary modern design. In addition, the Sivara Spa makes sure that you can really relax and spoil yourself. Soothing treatments and skilled therapists combine to provide an oasis of tranquillity: a perfect retreat from the everyday stresses of your life. Choose from a variety of treatments including authentic Thai massages, facials and body polishes.
Book now or look for more information & guest reviews!
Randall Marketing announces expanded partnership with A Hotels & Resorts International Randall Marketing has announced an expanded partnership with A Hotels & Resorts International, Thailand. Randall Marketing already represents the 4 ½ Star, Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa, Kata Beach, Phuket, and will now include Four Seasons ...
More Phuket Hotels
Whether it’s world class diving in the Andaman sea,
golf at championship courses or exciting
eco-adventures in tropical forest, Phuket is a place to extend your
horizons. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to surrounding islands, or a
serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Or simply enjoy Phuket’s
vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach.
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Phuket climate
Phuket is typical of other tropical islands and has three seasons, warm,
rainy and hot. Average temperatures in Phuket are between 25 and 30C. This
means visitors and residents enjoy an enviable outdoor lifestyle all year
round. The most popular time to visit is during the warm season from
November to February when the temperature is cooler and rain infrequent,
this is also the most popular time for diving and water sports. The rainy
season is from May to October with the highest level of rainfall generally
in September. The hottest months of the year are March and April.
Phuket’s Geography
Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea,
approximately 890km from
Bangkok. It is
Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as
Singapore, and is
surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total
land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra
channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to
the mainland.
Phuket is quite hilly. There are a few peaks above 500m, the highest
being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The
lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and
coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the
island, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by
rocky coves and headlands. The east coast comprises limestone shoals with
only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the
horizon. Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters
surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been
disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.
The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the
mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the
original inhabitants of Phuket.
According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the
population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The
figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost
completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese
at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around
Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an
east-west axis.
The National Statistical Office of Thailand’s most recent census
conducted in 2000 shows Phuket to have a population of 250,000. In reality,
this figure is likely to be quite a lot higher as this data does not take
into account those who live and work in Phuket, but are registered as being
resident elsewhere, a fairly common occurrence. Together with this are the
seasonal workers, and visitors of which there are a significant number all
year round. Taking this into account, some estimates have calculated a
figure as high as 500,000 during peak periods.
Just 1 hour north of Phuket Island, in mainland Phang Nga province,
Khao Lak is a beautiful area with long, long stretches of sandy beach fringed
by the mountains of the surrounding national parks. Recently "discovered" it
offers nature lovers an unspoilt landscape of beaches, jungle covered
mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. Development has been
careful with comfortable resorts and bungalows blending into the scenery
along the coastline. A great place to relax.
Phang Nga, a land of tin mines and beautiful scenery, nestles among
soaring mountains which rise up around the town. Phangnga is located 788 kms.
from Bangkok and covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres, most of which is
mangrove and evergreen forest. The area is bordered to the west by the
Andaman Sea and consists of plenty of spectacular islands.
Islands
Similan Islands: This group of nine small islands has been rated
by Skin Diving Magazine in the USA as one of the ten most beautiful spots in
the world. This is the largest island in the national park and has a curing
bay resembling a horse shoe. The underwater view here is spectacular with
beautiful coral reefs, idea for diving. The beach on the island is white,
fine graining sand. On the north end of the island are extraordinary-looking
rocks. Once of them, for example, resembles a sailboat. This spot is
fantastic view point.
Surin Islands: There are five islands in this national park: Surin
Nua Island (Koh Su Rin Nua), Surin Tai Island (Koh Su Rin Tai), Ree Island
(Koh Ree), Khai Island (Koh Khai) and Klang Island (Koh Klang). This group
of islands is close to the marine boundary between Myanmar and Thailand and
has one of the most remarkable panoplies of coral reef life to be found
anywhere. Snorkeling gear would be proficient enough to see the coral.
Tourist attractions within the national park are:
Yao Islands: Yao Yai Island (Koh Yao Yai) is the biggest
island in Koh Yao District. There are many beaches on the island, such as
Tikud Bay, Klong Sorn Bay, Sai Bay, Lo Pa Raed Beach, and Laem Nok-ok. Lo
Pier is an important pier on Yao Yai Island. The water at the pier is
sparkling clear with school of fish swimming around. Visitors can also see
how the local villagers make dried anchovies, a famous product of the
island. On Yao Yai Island are inexpensive bungalows for rent along with
home-stay programs with local villagers in order to learn their life style.
Yao Noi Island (Koh Yao Noi). There are many beautiful beaches, such
as Pa Sai Beach and Tha Khao Beach. There are resorts, inexpensive
bungalows, or home-stay programs available on the island. Visitors can also
rent a boat from Yao Noi Island to "Pa Koh", numerous small islands nearby,
such as Lao Ka Lao Island, Lao La Ding Island, etc., or to Hong Island in
Krabi.
Khai Islands: Khai Nok Island (Koh Khai Nok) is
well known for it's rocks, beaches, and clear water. Visitors snorkel and
see beautiful coral and fish. Dolphins can also be spotted here. There is a
restaurant on the island. Khai Nai Island (Koh Khai Nai) is a small
island which beautiful sandy beaches, coral and fish.
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