 Located
approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok
is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which
is often dubbed “the pearl of the Andaman, or
the pearl of the south”. Its natural resources-
rocky peninsulas, 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 it’s 39 other small islands are included.
The island’s total length, from north to south,
is 48.7 kilometers and 21.3 kilometers wide.
Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the
north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the
Andaman Sea and Phang-Nga Bay– where many world
class diving sites are located. The island is
connected to Phang-nga Province by the Sarasin
and Thep Krasattri Bridges.
 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).
Visitors are not recommended to travel to Phuket
between September and October as they are the
wettest months. The best period for a visit,
however, 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 but has numerous brooks, creeks
and streams.
Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties
namely Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe
Kathu.
Phuket has much more to offer its visitors in
addition to its natural heritage – sea, sand,
sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving
sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its
spell delighting travelers to the city, while
Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to
impress visitors from all walks of life. In
addition, accommodations ranging from world-class
resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly
catered to the different needs of travelers.
For seafood lovers, there is a plethora of variety
to sample in addition to Phuket’s famous lobster.
Altogether, these characteristics have made
Phuket a truly unique and diverse destination.
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