In and Around Phuket
Thailand's largest island is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. This cosmopolitan wonderland of tropical forests, coconut groves, rubber plantations, and wildlife parks has plenty of room for everyone, and boasts some of the best beaches in Thailand, lapped by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
Many people who have come to Phuket to practice yoga and meditation find the island to be a special place for holistic practice. Forest and sea abound, as Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. Forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island and the west and south coasts have several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point
Phuket's prosperity came originally from its local tin industry but now tourism is by far its biggest earner. Visitors cross from the Andaman coast via two bridges, from where most will head straight for the sophisticated beach resorts of Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata on the west coast. On the other side of the island you'll find Phuket Town, a good place to taste local delicacies, and visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation centre in Phra Taew National Park close to the Bang Pae Waterfall. Phuket is also recognised as a mecca for water sports enthusiasts, and you'll find dive and snorkeling outfits in most of the island's resorts to take you by speedboat to fabulous outlying reefs and islands.
Many people who have come to Phuket to practice yoga and meditation find the island to be a special place for holistic practice. Forest and sea abound, as Phuket's topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. Forest, rubber and palm oil plantations cover 60% of the island and the west and south coasts have several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point
Phuket's prosperity came originally from its local tin industry but now tourism is by far its biggest earner. Visitors cross from the Andaman coast via two bridges, from where most will head straight for the sophisticated beach resorts of Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata on the west coast. On the other side of the island you'll find Phuket Town, a good place to taste local delicacies, and visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation centre in Phra Taew National Park close to the Bang Pae Waterfall. Phuket is also recognised as a mecca for water sports enthusiasts, and you'll find dive and snorkeling outfits in most of the island's resorts to take you by speedboat to fabulous outlying reefs and islands.
Map of Phuket
