Phuket, Thailand’s largest island with an area of about 540 sq. km., located in the Andaman Sea, 8.1º N 98.3º E and about 890 km South West of Bangkok, also known as "Pearl of the Andaman", is blessed with a western coastline that boasts some of the finest beaches while on the eastern coastline overlooks some 30 islands occupying the large tranquil bay. With a local population of about 300,000 and growing and with most of the basic infrastructures in place on the island, it is not difficult to see why this island is such an attraction to both Thais and foreigners alike. 

Off Phuket's eastern coastline are the various surrounding Islands which varies greatly in size. Some are large enough to sustain fishing villages and communities, while others are slightly larger than massive rocks. During the rainy or monsoon season, usually between May till October, brought about by the South - Westerly winds, washes and cleanses the beaches along the western shoreline. When the monsoon season ends, all activities and businesses on the island comes to full bloom. For sun seekers, this is the place to be in. 

 

 

 

 

 

Thus, with its magnificent bays, powdery, coconut-fringed white beaches, friendly and hospitable people, offering a multitude range of accommodation standards, availability of exquisite fresh seafood, mountains and hills with lovely waterfalls and parks, and also buildings and shop houses of old colonial  Sino/Portuguese architectural designs and with Chinese-influenced touches, these and many more factors differentiates Phuket with the others, in offering a truly unique ambience.

                          

 

 

 

There are some similarities of these architectural designs, dating back to the Strait settlement period, basically found in Penang, Malacca and Singapore.

Phuket Info