Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources - rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.
Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.
Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.
Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of Phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23°C and 33°C.
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. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties named Amphur Muang, Amphur Talang and Amphur Kathu.
Phuket Overview
Phuket is among the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, yet remains rooted in tradition and awash with unspoiled natural beauty. From the Dusit Island Resort, Phuket, the island is yours to explore.
A good place to begin is by uncovering Phuket's history. Phuket is home of several historic buildings, including the temples Wat Phra Tong, holding an enshrined image of a golden Buddha, Wat Chalong, which commemorates Phuket's struggles throughout the ages, and the Phra Nang Sang Temple. All are located within a short distance of the Dusit Laguna Island Resort. The Thalang Museum provides an in-depth background to Phuket, and is also conveniently close to the Dusit Laguna Island Resort.
Phuket is known for its stunning views, whether it is looking out from the white sands of Bang Tao Beach next to the Dusit Island Laguna Resort, walking through the antique buildings of Phuket town, or taking in the magnificent view from Khao Rang Hill. Some very unique sightseeing can be done at the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Center and the Sirinat National Park, both of which feature rare plants and exotic wildlife. Both are just a short drive from the Dusit Laguna Island Resort.
Phuket's shopping encompasses everything from open-air markets and street stalls selling the finest Thai silk to western department stores stocked with designer goods. Guests at the Dusit Laguna Island Resort should clear space in their suitcase for the many handicrafts, jewellery and antiques available in Phuket.
When the sun sets over Phuket, the island comes to life. From the fine restaurants and world-class bars of Bang Tao, to the infamous, outrageous entertainment at Patong Beach, the best in Phuket nightlife is all just a short distance from the Dusit Laguna Resort.
Phuket Attractions Close to the Hotel
- Wat Phra Thong
- Thalang National Museum
- Bang Tao Beach
- Phuket town and historic buildings
- Khao Rang
- Wat Chalong
- Phuket Shopping
- Patong Beach
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Center
- Sirinat National Park
Historical Places of Interest
- Laem Phromthep or Phromthep Cape
Literally translated as 'Brahma's Cape', Laem Phromthep is one of Phuket's most important landmarks. There is a saying that you haven't been to Phuket unless you've visited Laem Phromthep. It is here that visitors soak up the sun and savour the breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the island's southernmost tip. The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as it is a popular observation point at sunset. - The View Point
Located at the mid-point between Nai Han Beach and Kata Noi Beach is the View Point, a popular spot for visitors and photographers. The high cliff features a striking panoramic view of three beaches: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, as well as Pu Island. Visitors will be stunned by the picturesque bay view and outlying islands. - Wat Phra Thong
Unlike any Buddha in the temples, the one at Wat Phra Thong is the biggest half-buried Buddha statue. For people in the Thalang District, Wat Phra Thong, located on a road leading north from Thalang on the way to the airport, is the most important Buddhist temple, enshrining a most revered Buddha image called Phra Thong, meaning 'the Golden Buddha'. The image is also called Phra Phut, which means 'a Buddha image emerging from the ground'. - Wat Chai Tararam or Wat Chalong
A few kilometres from Chalong Bay stands Wat Chalong, a temple where the statue of Lord Abbot Chaem, Phuket's most revered monk, is enshrined. He helped the locals to fight the Ang Yi rebellion during the reign of King Rama V. A recent addition to the temple is a 61.4-metre-high chedi containing the Phra Borom Sareerikatat relic, a piece of the Lord Buddha's bones brought over from Sri Lanka. - The Two Heroines Monument
This monument was established by local residents in 1966 to honour the two heroines, Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Srisunthorn, who bravely fought to protect Thalang city against the Burmese army. It is located at the Tha Ruea intersection, Amphoe Thalang. - Saphan Hin
A public park located by the sea at the end of Phuket Road, Saphan Hin is a recreational park for both locals and tourists. The Tin Mining Monument is dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first dredge to Phuket in 1909. - Chalong Bay
Some 11 kilometres south of the town lies Chalong Bay, Phuket's largest bay. It is the most popular boat anchorage spot and a centre of the yachting business. Visitors can charter boats and start their voyages to various outlying islands south of Phuket. Besides the beautiful view, visitors can also enjoy delicious fresh seafood at many restaurants along the road leading to the bay. - Phuket Aquarium
More than a 100 species of sea life are on display at the aquarium. Many of these flora and fauna were taken from the waters around Phuket. A major programme is the conservation of endangered marine species such as turtles and dugongs. Phuket Aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, at the southeasternmost end of the island. - Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium
At Phuket Butterfly Farm, visitors will be stunned to see countless tropical butterflies in various stages of their life cycles feeding and alighting on flowers and plants. A large collection of tropical insects, including some huge beetles and a scorpion pit from the forests of Phuket, is also included in the garden. The aquarium, meanwhile, is filled with many colourful corals and various kinds of marine life, including giant moray eels, sleek black tip sharks and a playful otter. - Patong Beach
Patong Beach is Phuket's oldest and most developed tourist area. This three-kilometre-long beach curves along the scenic, crescent-shaped bay. The beach features a wide range of accommodation, leisure, sporting, shopping and various recreational options. Among popular daytime activities are windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing. At night, Patong Beach is even livelier due to the vast variety of nighttime entertainment. - Nai Han Beach
Nai Han Beach is Phuket's southernmost beach flanked by steep hills and palm trees. The beach has splendid sweep of white, clean sand and attractive bay. Compared to other popular beaches such as Patong, Nai Han is relatively quiet since most of its beachfront land is occupied by the Nai Han Monastic Centre. Phuket Yacht Club, established since 1986, is just nearby. - Kamala Beach
Located approximately 26 kilometres from Phuket city, Hat Kamala is a relatively secluded two-kilometre beach with white sand and clear sea surrounded by dense forested hills, the perfect place to get away from it all. The crystal clear water is perfect for swimming, while a few metres offshore vivid and multi-hued coral reefs are snorkelling or scuba-diving sites. - Surin Beach
Isolated and secluded, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it is steep and sloping, and the weather fluctuates during the south-west monsoon. Several Muslim fishing communities are located nearby and mosques are situated to the west of the beach. The local mosque, Matsayit Mukaram, is worth visiting as it is an elegant, whitewashed structure with lacquered wooden doors. - Karon Beach and Kata Beach
Karon and Kata beaches are about 20 kilometres from the town. These two beaches are situated just three kilometres away from each other, with a little hill dividing the terrain of the two. Both are long and peaceful and the right places for swimming and sunbathing.
Cultural Attractions
- Phuket City and Old Buildings
Sino-Portuguese architecture that is evident in the Phuket city shophouses provides the town with a charming atmosphere and a late 19th-century ambience. - Phuket Cultural Centre
Located in the compound of the Rajabhat Institute of Phuket, the centre features an exhibition of Phuket's intriguing history. Highlights of the daily lifestyles, traditional houses, household utilities and Thalang's history are exhibited. A library is located on the ground floor, where books on the history, culture and arts of Phuket can be found. - Thalang National Museum
The museum displays the origin and geology of Phuket Island, archaeological evidence of the first human inhabitants of the island and the famous Battle of Thalang, involving the aforementioned Two Heroines. The illustration of how Phuket earned the name 'Pearl of the Andaman' is also featured at the museum. - Phuket Sea Shell Museum
Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island's south-western shores. Besides large collections of seashells are the world's largest golden 140-karat pearl, the world's earliest known life form seen in sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils and a gigantic 250-kilogramme shell. - Phuket Submarine
Phuket Submarine operates five dives daily and carries 48 passengers into the waters south-east of Phuket. The dives will be to a depth of 30 metres. The submarine is fully air-conditioned and boasts the latest technology available in tourist submarines. Large 72-centimetre viewing ports and LCD screens enhance the viewing experience for the passengers. Schools of tropical fish and soft coral formations are a highlight of the dive site. - Phuket Fantasea
Phuket Fantasea is a stunning entertainment complex packed with a multitude of attractions. The 140-acre compound encompasses a festival village with carnivals, games, handicrafts and shopping, including one of the world's largest buffet restaurants that offers a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisine. Besides cultural parades, visitors can enjoy a high-tech performance at the state-of-the-art theatre, featuring exotic Thai culture in a Las Vegas style that excellently presents the many charms and beautiful attractions of Thailand. - Thai Village and Orchid Farm
The Thai orchid is internationally famous for its splendid beauty. At the Thai Village and Orchid Farm, colourful orchids provide a gorgeous backdrop for spectacular show, featuring Thai culture. Visitors will be impressed with beautiful Thai dance, exciting Thai boxing and sword-fighting, an elephant show and a demonstration of old tin-mining. Handicrafts are also featured. - Phuket Zoo
Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the zoo features a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed daily.
Shopping
Souvenirs and gift items such as cultured pearls, neillo ware, pewter ware, ornaments and dried seafood are available on the Ratsada, Phangnga, Montri, Yaowarat and Tilok-U-thit roads in Phuket town and at many tourist and beach centres.
Sports
Visitors to Phuket can enjoy a myriad of sports:
- Swimming can be enjoyed all year round
- Windsurfing is available at all major beaches
- Waterskiing is offered on Patong waters on a half-hour or hourly basis
- Deep-sea fishing allows visitors to experience the thrill and excitement of fishing
- Sailing is largely found on Nai Han, Patong and Kata beaches
- Sea canoeing is available in several forms, ranging from one-day to an overnight expedition
- A camp for an overnight journey is usually set up on island beaches in the neighbouring Phangnga Bay and Krabi, where mangrove swamps and island grottoes are accessible only by canoe. Known as one of the world's most splendid underwater worlds, plenty of excellent dive sites are ideal for snorkelling and scuba-diving.
- There are many golf courses in Phuket that provide guests with a convenient way to enjoy golf in beautiful surroundings
Some of the major golf courses are:
- Phuket Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 7632 1038 to 40
Located in Kathu, between Patong Beach and Phuket town, Phuket Country Club is the international-standard course, offering a fairly flat front nine, and a back nine laid out on hilly countryside.- Phuket Century Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 7632 1929 to 31, 7632 1933 to 4
Located in Kathu, the 18-hole Phuket Century Country Club offers beautiful, hilly scenery and fair greens and fairways.- Banyan Tree Golf Club
Tel: +66(0) 7632 4350, 7627 0991 to 2
Located in exclusive Laguna Phuket at Ban Tao Beach, the 18-hole course at the Banyan Tree Club offers an interesting challenge.- Blue Canyon Country Club
Tel: +66(0) 7632 7440 to 7
Located near the airport in Thalang, the 18-hole Blue Canyon Country Club is one of Thailand's best-known golf resorts, offering a large clubhouse and beautiful views.
