Overview of Thailand-Phuket

The island of Phuket has long been misunderstood. Firstly, the ‘h’ is silent. And secondly, Phuket doesn’t feel like an island at all. It’s so huge (49km long, the biggest in Thailand) that you rarely feel surrounded by water, which is probably why Ko (‘island’) was dropped from its name. Branded the ‘pearl of the Andaman’, this is Thailand’s original flavour of tailor-made fun in the sun.

Big Buddha

Construction began on Big Buddha in 2007. He's dressed in Burmese alabaster, which isn't cheap. All in all, the price tag is around 100 million baht (not that anybody minds). Phuketians refer to the Big Buddha as Phuket’s most important project in the last 100 years, which means a lot considering that construction on Phuket hasn't stopped for the last 20 years. From Rte 4021, follow signs 1km north of Chalong circle to wind 6km west up a steep country road, passing terraces of banana groves and tangles of jungle.

Laem Phromthep

If you want to see the luscious Andaman Sea bend around Phuket, then come here, to the island’s southernmost point. The cape is crowned by a mod lighthouse shaped like a concrete crab, and an evocative elephant shrine, so you’ll want to stay a while. At sunset the hordes descend in luxury buses; if you crave privacy, take the faint fishermen’s trail downhill to the rocky peninsula that reaches into the ocean and watch the sun drop in peace.

Sirinat National Park

Comprising the exceptional beaches of Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao, as well as the former Nai Yang National Park and Mai Khao wildlife reserve, Sirinat National Park encompasses 22 sq km of coastal land, plus 68 sq km of sea, stretching from just beyond the northern end of Ao Bang Thao to the northernmost tip of the island.

Sea turtles patrol the reef and lay eggs on Hat Mai Khao. Park headquarters is at the northern end of Hat Nai Yang.

Travel Guide of Thailand-Phuket

Hostel prices – Hostels are a great way to save money on Phuket. Most hostels have dorms with 4-8 beds to sleep in. Most of the 6-bed dorms are in in the 250-300 THB range

Budget hotel prices – A night in a centrally-located two-star hotel starts around 350 THB for a room with air-conditioning and free WiFi. About half of this selection includes free breakfast. While still pricey, Phuket does actually have some of the least expensive 5-star hotels in Thailand (as low as 2,400 THB)!

Average cost of food- Compared to the rest of Thailand, food is a bit more expensive here. Lunch at a local Thai restaurant will cost around 150 THB. Western meals will cost around 330 THB. Dinner with drinks can typically cost around 270 THB or more. If you are having a fish meal or getting wine, expect to pay around 675 THB.

Transportation costs– A motorbike taxi will cost on average 60 THB, with a 3km ride in a tuk tuk around the island costing about 335 THB. A ride in a songthaew (a covered pick-up truck taxi) usually starts around 25-50 THB. Walking and bicycling is a great way to get around the island too!

The History of Phuket

Phuket has a long history of playing host to foreigners. Phuket Town was founded in the 1st century B.C. by colonists from India. Ptolemy, a Greek geographer in the third century A.D., referred to it as ‘Jang Si Lang' – which later became ‘Junk Ceylon' and this is the name you will see on ancient maps of Thailand, or Siam.