Thailand travel guide, the south, phuket, kho samui.

Phuket

The dream of an idyllic escape into a tropical island world becomes a reality on Phuket, Thailand’s southern paradise isle. Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 kilometres wide by 48 kilometres long, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, a province in its own right. Sparsely populated outside Phuket town, the landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen spectacular beaches. Unspoilt stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbours by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

Located off the south-west coast, just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Phuket is linked to the mainland by a causeway and is thus accessible by road as well as by air. Thai Airways International operates several daily flights from Bangkok, while Phuket is also an international airport and has direct air links with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Europe. Alternatively there are overnight bus services from Bangkok. The bounty of nature that has always distinguished Phuket is today complemented by man’s contribution in the form of fine accommodations in all categories. From Thailand’s most exclusive and luxurious hotels to bungalows offering simple facilities, there is the style of resort to suit you. Not only do you have choice in the style of resort, you can also select the location to your liking.

With its size and number of beaches, Phuket provides a variety of focal points, each with its own identity.Whatever their location, virtually all resorts offer a full range of watersports, including, yachting, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing and more. At the more developed beaches there are also dive shops and scuba enthusiasts will find ideal conditions in the clear waters around Phuket which are rich in coral and marine life. Besides sun, sea and sand, Phuket is a multi-faceted destination and offers ample scope for exploring what is a fascinating island.

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Information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand)