Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung

Amazing Thailand : Phuket

Located 867 Kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand's largest island, shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 Kilometres wide by 48 Kilometres long. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it has a coastline fringed with sandy white beaches and quiet coves, bathed by the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea and set against a backdrop of green hills, coconut groves and rubber plantations.

Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tim and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major tradings routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ships' logs. The Portuguese, Dutch, English and French came to trade. Other visitors were less friendly, and Phuket's most famous monuments is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who rallied the islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders.

Blessed by nature and the smiling hospitality of its people, and supported by superb tourism facilities, Phuket is today one of the world's premier tropical resorts. Palm-fringed beaches, an island-studded sea, superb accommodation, delicious seafood numerous sporting and leisure opportunities and, of course, year-round sunshine, combine to produce the perfect recipe for a truly memorable holiday.

Climate

Phuket has two main seasons: wainy from May through to October and hot from November to April. However, there are sunny days throughout the wet season, showers customarily lasting little more than 2-3 hours. The best months to visit ae Novermber to February. Average temperature range between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius.

Beaches & Bays

Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches ranges from gentle crescents of white sandto rocky headlands. Counter-clockwise, from the Sarasin Bridge connects with the mainland, the major beaches and bays are :

Mai Khao Beach

This pine fringed stretch of sand is Phuket's longest beach. Each year, from November through to February, giant sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs here.

Hat Nai Yang.

This forms part of the Sirinat National Park, and is backed by casuarinas pines, as well as a mangrove forest. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation, picnics, swimming and snorkelling.

Ao Pansea & Hat Surin

The two scenic coves offer very picturesque settings, although dangerous undercurrents can make swimming unsafe.

Hat Kamala

Another fine stretch of sand. The northern end, which is partly shaded by casuarinas, is suitable for swimming.

Hat Patong

Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3 Km. crescent bay. In addition to its daytime attractions, Patong is also known for its vibrant nightlife, among which seafood restaurants prominently feature.

Karon & Kata Beaches

Both beaches are impressive, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and sunbathing.

Nai Han Beach

This white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon betwen rocky headlands. Condiions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.

Rawai Beach

The palm-fringed beach is best known for its village of "sea gypsies"m, formerly a nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent.

Chalong Bay

A location popular for its several restaurants serving some of Phuket's best seafood.

Phanwa Cape

The southern tip of the cape is the location o the Marine Biological Research Center and Phuket's Aquarium, where visitors can see several hundred exoti and colorful marine species.

Major Sights & Attractions

Mueang Phuket

The compact provincial capital serves mainly as a commercial and shopping center, although races of the old Sino-Protuguese architecture provides distinctive character.

Khao Rang

This provides a pleasant view of the town, while also having a Fitness Park and a series of hillside sculptural tableaux.

The Thai Village

On Thanon Thep Krasattri, the village serves typical southern Thai specialities for lunch and dinner, as well as staging cultural shows featuring Thai danes, sword-fighting, Thai boxing, elephants and local customs. Handicrafts are also on display.

Thalang National Museum

Located near the Two Heroines Monument, the museum contains a collection of exhibits of ancient artifacts and oter materials illustrating life in old Phuket.

Wat Phra Thong

Inland from Hat Nai Yang, the temple enshrines a famous, partially buried Buddha image. Local legend relates how a boy tethered his buffalo to what he thought was a post sticking out of the ground. Subsequently both boy and animal fell mysteriously ill. Suspicious villagers uncovered the post and found that is was the decorative topknot of a buried golden Buddha. They were able to unearth no more than the upper part of the image, over which the present temple was constructed. When Burmese invaders attempted to remove the statue in the 18th century they were attacked by a swarm of hornets.

Namtok Ton Sai & Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctury

An idyllic setting colled by sonorous cascades, this 22 sq,km, area is rich in wildlife, including bears, porcupines, gibbons and macaques, as well as over 100 bird species.

Wat Chalong

A few kilometres inland from Ao Chalong the temple enshrines statues of Phuket's two most revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.

Pearl Farms

Several pearl farms are located in and around Phuket. Pleaase contact TAT's Phuket office for details of arranging visits.

Native Handicrafts Center

Located on Thanon Thep Krasattri, the Center has artisans skilled in silk weaving, lacquerware, silverware, jewellery-making and the crafting of parasols.

Phuket Butterfly Farm Insects World

Here, situated 3 km. from town, is a fascinating collection of such tropical creatures as butterflies, insects, all displayed in natural surroundings Open daily 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tel : 076-215-616, 076-210-861

Wat Phra Nang Sang

A historical Phuket landmark, Wat Phra Nang Sang was originally a fort built to resist Burmese invaders. Enshrined in the main hall are three old and large Buddha statues made of tin.

Tours & Cruises

Several tour operators arrange island tours, visit to pearl farms, island cruises, dive safaris and more. Full and up-to-date information on these andother sightseeing and touring ptions are available from TAT's Phuket office on thanon Phuket Tel:076-212-213, 076-211-036

Sporting Opportunities

Golf

There are four top 18-hole golf courses in Phuket, which offer excellent and challenging play: Phuket Country Club Tel : 076-321-038-40 in Kathu; Blue Canyon Club Tel : 076-328-088 in Amphoe Thlang Laguna Phuket Golf Club Tel : 0766-324-350 at Hat Bang Thao and the Loch Palm Golf
Club Phuket Tel : 076-321-929, 076-321-933-4 at Kathu. All offer reasonably priced geen fees, glf club rentals and caddy services.

Horse Riding

Three riding clubs - one on Thanon Patak, on the way to Hat Kata; Ban Sai Yuan, on the route to Hat Nai Han and Laguna Phuket at Bang Thao have facilities for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Windsurfing

This sport can be enjoyed at most major beaches. Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full-day or week. Expert tuition is also available.

Sailing

Small boat sailing is popular especially at Hat Nai Han, Hat Patong and Hat Kata, Toppers and dinghies are found at Hat Patong, while Catamarans Hobie Cats and Top Cats are available at Hat Kata.

Waterskiing

Popular at Hat Patong on a half-hour or hourly basis. Cable waterskiing is available at Phuket Waterski Cableway, located behind the Loch Palm Golf Course in Amphoe Kathu.

Deep Sea Fishing

Daily tours, departing early morning and returning late afternoon, cruise around the smaller offshore islands for game fish.

Swimming

Enjoyed throughtout the year, with conditios good in most locales. However, there are understones off certain beaches, especially hazardous in the rainy season, and it is best to seek local advice regarding safety.

Snorkelling

This can be enjoyed at many sheltered bays around Phuket, the most readily accessible spots being Hat Patong, Hat Kata and Hat Karon. Fins, masks and snorkel can be rented on a daily basis from numerous shops around the island.

Scuba Diving

Dive boats regularly leave Phuket for expeditions o 1-7 days around neighbouring island, as well as further afield, notably to Mu Ko Phi Phi, in Krabi, some 2 hours east of Phuket, and Mu Ko Similan, which lie in Phangnga some 110 km. north-west of Phuket. Several dive shops concentrated i the Patong, Kata and Chalong areas have thai and expatriate dive instructors who are qualified to privide expert tuition All diving equipment is available for hire on March 1

Sea Canoeing

This form of eco-tourism, exploring island and marine caves that are accessible only by canoe, has become extremely popular in recent years. Day tours ad overnight camping trips, mostly in Phang-nga, are offered by various sea canoe companies, witl full details being available from TAT's Phuket office.

Yacht Charters

Yatch charters, either with or without crews, as well as sailing courses are available. Contact TAT's Phuket office for names of charter companies and full details.

Special Events

Vegetarian Festival

Phuket's biggest and most exciting annual celebration, the Vegetarian Festival takes place over the first nine days of the 9th lunar month(usually October). It is a time when Phuket islandeds of Chinese descent follow a vegetarian diet as a form of purification in order to ensure good fortune in the coming year. It is marked by colourful processions, and by devotes performing amazing acts of self mortification, icluding fire walking and piercing the body with skewers.

King's Cup Regatta

Each year in early December, the Phuket Yacht Club hosts international yachtsmen, who compete for royal trophies in a series of races from Mu Ko Phi Phi to Phuket.

Phuket Triathlon

During October and November, the triathlon(consisting of a 1.8 km. swim, a 55 km. bike race and a 12 km. run) attracts top-class athletes from around the world and qualifies winners for the pretigious Hawaii "Ironman" triathlon.

Thao Theo Krasattri & Thao Sisunthon Fair

Held annually on March 13, he fair commenmorates the Tw Heroines who raillied the people of Thalang to repel Burmese invaders in the 18th century.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Tradition

In the middle of the 6th and 11th luna months Chao Le (Sea gypsies) celebrate a time-honoured tradition in which they float model boats in a symbolic gesture of banishing bad luck.

Tourist Season Opening Festival

First initiated in 1985 at Patong to welcome the start of the tourism season, the Fair is staged on November 1st and features many colorful and interesting activities, such as merit-making, watersports contests and a "Miss Visitor" contest

Getting There

By Air

Thai Airways International operates several daily flights Bangkok-Phuket, with a flight time of 1 hour (Bangkok office Tel : 02-280-0060, 02-628-2000; Phuket office Tel : 076-211-195, 076-212-946) Bangkok Airways also has flights from Bangkok, some via Ko Samui (Bangkok office Tel : 02-229-3434, 02-229-3456;) Phuket office Tel : 076-225-033-4). Phuket is also served by international flights from Malaysia, Singapore, Jaan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia.

By Bus

Air-conditionaed and non air-conditioned coaches leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal daily. Please Tel : 02-4334-3233, 02-4335-1199 for more information.

By Car

It is 886 Km. by road from Bangkok to Phuket, the drive taking about 12 hours.

By Rail

There is no direct rail link with Phuket. The nearest railway station is PhunPin, in Surat Thani from where bus services connect with the island. For further informatio, please contact the Travel Service Unit of the State Railways of Thailand, Tel : 02-223-7010, 02-223-7020.

Accommodation

Phuket offers a huge range of accommodation in all categories, from super deluxe resorts to beach bungalows. A full list of hotels may be obtained from TAT's Phuket Office.

Shopping Cultivated pearls, batiks, pewterware and tailor-made clothing are Phuket's best known buys. The widest range of sops, including department stores, are found in Phuket town and at Hat Patong.

Phang-Nga

Situated immediately north of Phuket, from where it is an easy excursion option, Phang-Nga covers an area of 4,170 sq.km. and its provincial capitals lies 788 km. south of Bangkok. The province's main attractions stem primarily from the area's geological formation. This has produced an extraordinary number of islands, caves and rocky outcrops, the most notable being those preserved in the marine national parks of Ao Phang-Nga, Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin. Inland the major sights are caves, waterfalls, temple and the archaeological site of Ban Thung Tuek.

Given its remarkable geological make-up, Phang-Nga is essentially a province to explore, as well as where to find some of the counry's best scuba dive sites. There are, however, beaches and a choice of resort accommodation, which allow for a tranquil vacation amid the most stunning natural scenery.

Climate

The rainy season is from May through to October, though even then most days have some sunshine. The best time to visit is between December and April.

Islands

Ao Phang-Nga

Designated a marine national park in 1981, Ao Phang-Nga covers a coastal and offshores area of some 100,000 acres. Mangrove forests are found along the shoreline, but the most striking feature is the bay itself, which is dotted with more than 100 islands, weirdly shaped limestone outcrops swathed in tangles of creepers and shrubs, and mostly uninhabited. Some rise sheer from the water, others are humped or jagged and all present a haunting aspect. Many have notable features, such as Khao Khian, where prehistoric rock paintings can be seen on the cliffs; Ko Panyi where there is a Muslim fishing village built on stilts; Ko Phanak with beautiful caves, and "James Bond Island", which is famed as the location for the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun". Several tour companies operate organised excursions to these and numerous other islands, departing either fomr the Customs Pier (Tha Dan) on te Phang-Nga mainland, or from Phuket.

Mu Ko Similan

Like Ao Phang-Nga, Mo Ko Similan are also preserved as a national marine park, extending over an area 32,000 aces. Set in the Andaman Sea abot a 3-hour boat ride from the mainland, the nine islands of the archipelago are quite distinct form those of Phang-Nga in being granite, not limestone, formations and possessed of a different kind of beauty. Although there are sandy beaches, the islands offer little in the wat of hiking trails or other onshore attractions and are most famous for their more than 30 excellent and varied dive sites. Coral walls, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, rock reefs, swim-throughs and other underwater features offer a wide variey of dive opportunities, while plenty of shallows afford excellent conditions for snorkelling.

Mu Ko Surin

This national marine park, comprising five islands and covering more than 33,000 acres, is located north of the Similans and is best reached from the Khura Buri pier (125 km north of Phang-Nga town), from where it is a 4hour boat ride. Again the main attractions are scuba diving and snorkelling, with the local coral formations being especially good. However, the two largest islands, Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai (North and South islands respectively) have good potential for exploring on land, wit several hiking trails and, on Ko Surin Tai, a Sea Gypsy Village.

Other Attractions

Tham Phung Chang

This cave is located within the grounds of Wat Phra Phat Phra Jim Kaet behind the Provincial Hall. Inside are stalagmites, stalactites and a stream that runs all year round. Two-hour excursions on foot, cane, or raft through the cave are available (Contact Thongthae Sea Canoe Tel : 076-412-292)

Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park

Principal features of this national park, which covers an area of 18,000 acres, are its waterfalls of Lampi, a medium-sized cascade with three levels reaching a height of about 100 metres, and Ton Phrai, a large waterfall with a powerful flow year-round.

Wat Suwan Khuha

Located at Mu2, Tambon Krasom, this is one of Phang-Nga's most important and most fascinating Buddhist monasteries. Located within the temple compound is a series of superb caves, the largest of which (Tham Yai), measuring more than 20 metres by 40 metres, enshrines Buddha mages, the biggest being a magnificent 15-metre Reclining Buddha.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

Extending over a vast area, the park encompasses both mountain and coastal environments and includes a number of interesting features, including Hat Khao Lak, Hat Nan Thong, Hat Bang Niang: those have big range of accommodation and Khao Lak Mountain, famous for its shrine to Chao Pho Khao Lak and the 5-tired waterfall of Lam Ru.

Tham Lot

Beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formatios can be seen in this cave, which is located in the Ao Phang-nga area.

Ban Thung Tuek Ancient Town

Of interest to history buffs, the site of Ban Thung Tuek, in Amphoe Khura Buri, bears a few archaeological remains that attest to its ancient importance as a port of call for Arab, Indian, and Malay merchants engaged in the spice trade.

Sporting Opportunities

Scuba Diving

Some of Thailand's very best dive sites are located off the shores of Phang-nga especially around Mu Ko Similan and Muko Surin. Visit these waters is by joining excursions organised by dive operators.

Snorkelling

As with scuba diving snorkelling conditions in he waters off Phang-nga are excellent.

Sea Canoeing

Many of the islands in Phang-nga are riddled with marine grottos, to which Phuket based sea canoe operators offer organised tours.

Special Events

Free The Turtles Fair

Held usually in March at Hat Thai Mueang, the 7-day festival is celebrated by the release of baby turtules into the sea.

Getting There

By Air

Thai Airways International adn Bangkok Airways operate several daily flights from Bangkok o Phuket, from there you can take a bus of rent a car for the 58 km. drive to Phang-nga.

By Bus

There are four daily bus services from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Tel : 662-435-1199) to Phang-nga, he journey taking 12 hours.

By Car

It is 788 km. from Bangkok to Phang-nga, the drive taking around 12 hours. From Phuket to Phang-nga is 7 km. with a travel time of about 1 1/2 hours.

By Rail

There is no direct rail service to Phang-nga, and the closet railway station is Surat Thani, a two-hour bus ride away. For more information please contact Bangkok's Hua Lampong Railway Station, Tel : 1690 or 662-223-7010, or visit www.srt.motc.go.th

Accommodation

A range of hotel and resort accommodation is available on Phang-nga mainland, while basic accommodation in lodges, bungalows or tents is provided on both Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin. Full details are available from the TAT offcie in Phuket.

Shopping

Phang-nga's most famous local buys are its artificial flowers made from rubber and fish scales. The quite exquisite products ae sold at the Phang-nga Provincial Agricultural ffice (Tel : 076-412-019) and the Farmers Housewives Group.

Krabi

For many, Krabi, located 814 km. south of Bangkok, is the most beautiful province along the Andaman coast. It is the kind of place where tired cliches like idyllic and pristine take on fresh meaning, with the beaches displaying the characteristic qualities of the Andaman coast - soft, fine white sand, warm clear water and lush tropical greenery spilling on to the shore. Providing a dramatic backdrop to the most beautiful locations are rust-hued cliffs, some soaring to 1,000 feet. There are also offshore islands, most famously the twin Phi Phi isles, the location for the movie 'The Beach' and newly popular Ko Lanta.

Much also beckons inland and among Krabi's wealth of "green" attractions is Khao Phanom Bencha Natioal Park, a lush nature preserve noted for its impressive waterfalls, as well as a comparative wealth of wildlife. Further north is Than Bokkhorani National Park, another immensely picturesque area of limestones mountains, waterfalls, pools, mangrove forests, caves and islands.

Climate

The weather is similar to that of Phuket, and sunny days can be expected even in the May - October rainy season.

Beaches & Islands

Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

This marine national park covers the coastal area and offshore island within the park limits include the tranquil casuarinas-backed beach of Hat Noppharat Thara, the long sandy stretch of the more developed beach of Ao Nang, Mu ko Phi Phi and Susan Hoi(Shell Cemetery), a beach of fossilized limestone and shells formed some 40 million years ago.

Mu Ko Phi Phi

Now famous as the location for the movie “The Beach”, there are two principal islands in the Phi Phi group, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The former is the larger and has been developed with bungalow accommodation and other tourists facilities. Phi Phi Le, smaller and uninhabited, is stunningly beautiful with sheer cliffs, idyllic bays, hidden coves and caves.

Laem Phra Nang

Around the headland from Ao Nang are three of Krabi’s beast beaches, Ao Phra Nang, Hat Rai Le and Ao Nam Mao. The area can be reached only by boat and is quite spectacular. Rock climbing and a trek up the cliffs to a hidden pool and a magnificent view point are among the attractions.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Several different islands are encompassed by the park, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, while the main island of Ko Lanta Yai is an up-and-coming resort destination.