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Situated at 8° north of the equator, Phuket is the largest island
in Thailand. At 540 sq km, it is about the same size as Singapore. Being
the wealthiest province in Thailand, it enjoys the highest per capita
income in the country. Tourism is the main source of income for a large
proportion of its inhabitants.
The residents of the island are mainly Thai, Muslim, Chinese, Chao-Ley
(sea-gypsies), European and Indian. About 30% of the population is Buddhist,
30% is Muslim and 35% is Chinese-Taoist-Buddhist; with the rest being
Christian and Hindu-Sikh. The official population of the island is around
300,000 with about three million tourists visiting on an annual basis.
The island has seen an unprecedented growth over the last ten years with
its infrastructure being constantly upgraded due to the large revenue
from tourism. The expansion of Phuket International Airport now allows
daily direct flights from major Asian and European cities. Three international
schools including a traditional British boarding school and access to
international standard health care have brought an influx of expatriate
residents including those moving out of Hong Kong after the 1997 takeover.
Beaches
The island is renowned for its long stretches of white sandy beaches,
especially on the west coast. Each beach has unique and distinct features.
Patong Beach is the most popular with tourists, Kata Beach and Karon Beach
are the best surfing and windsurfing areas and Naiharn Beach is quiet
and picturesque making it a favorite picnic site for locals as well as
tourists.
Water Activities
The world’s best sport fishing, diving and snorkeling can be found
in this region. The Andaman Sea surrounding the island is renowned for
surfing and windsurfing. This area is protected from the path of hurricanes
making it ideal for year-round sailing. Three world-class yacht races
are held here annually.
Sports
There are various sports activities and fitness centers. Mountain bike
riding, rock-climbing, horseback riding, elephant trekking, fitness clubs
and facilities such as tennis courts are all easily accessible.
Golf
Several world-class golf courses with excellent rates are a major attraction
for golf-enthusiasts. Hotels, condominiums and clubs on location provide
convenient accommodation, dining and accessibility to courses.
Shopping
The island is a shopper’s paradise. Hand-woven silks, woodcarvings,
antiques, custom-tailored outfits, designer eyeglasses and sunglasses
are all bargains compared to western prices. Souvenir shops carry handicrafts
ranging from mass-produced pieces to highly crafted antique reproductions
and authenticated antiques.
Accommodation
Four and five star resorts and hotels as well as backpacker-type bungalows
and everything in between can be found from the north to the south of
the island. Hotels are mainly located on beaches and in Phuket Town. Fully
equipped condominiums, apartments, houses and cottages are available for
long and short-term rentals.
Spas and Honeymoon
Phuket is becoming the spa center for all of Asia. On offer are Asian-style
complete rejuvenating and replenishing therapies for the mind, body and
soul. These exclusive establishments offer special honeymoon packages
that are luxurious and pampering. They promise the ultimate indulgence
in private garden settings. Low-budget operations have communal herbal
saunas and open-air massage platforms. Residents and tourists enjoy the
benefits of these homeopathic treatment centers
.
Restaurants and Nightlife
There is a wide range of Thai and international restaurants offering European,
American and Middle Eastern fare. The more upscale Thai restaurants have
classical music and dance performances. (Thai cuisine is considered by
many to be one of the best cuisines in the world.)
The island’s nightlife has something for everyone. Cabarets, Irish
pubs, British pubs, discos with DJ’s and live rock and roll, cafes
with live jazz, piano bars and a Las Vegas style show are just some of
the nightly entertainment that can be enjoyed.
Activities for children
Most of the four and five star resorts have activity centers for children
that include a playground, computer games, Internet access, arts and crafts
and baby-sitting services. Around the island, there is Zoo, miniature
golf, a theme park, a movie theater with English soundtrack, radio-car
course, Go-Kart, bowling, video arcades and many, many beaches.
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