Things to do in Phuket

The spirit of Phuket Island lives in the friendly smiles and gentle nature of its people, and the magnificence of its surroundings. Phuket, Thailand is commonly referred to as the “Pearl of the South” and is the largest island in Thailand.

Phuket Island runs 34 miles north to south and 16 miles east to west. Phuket is broken by a chain of mountains and valleys mainly from a north-south range running down the west coast. This accounts for about 70% of the land area. The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song (12 Cane Peak) is 529 meters. The other 30% of the island is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern portions of the island. Lying in the Andaman Sea off southern Thailand’s west coast, the island’s terrain is incredibly varied, with rocky headlands, long broad sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, forested hills, small estuaries, lagoons and tropical vegetation of all kinds. Its large size has allowed microclimates to develop in different areas of the island.

Phuket’s history dates back to 1025 AD. The island’s present name derives its meaning from the Tamil word, “manikram” or crystal mountain. Phuket was traditionally used as a way station on the route between India and China for seafarers to stop for shelter. In 1933, with the change from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province. Phuket is truly a tropical wonderland and offers something for just about everyone.