Phucket, Thailand Brochure

MISAWA ITT

Phuket, Thailand

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About Thailand

About Thailand

Phuket Island is located in the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) seven degrees north of the equator, just off the west coast of southern Thailand. The island is linked at its northern point to Phang Nga province on the Thai mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Bangkok is approximately 900 kilometers north by road, and about one hour by air. Singapore is approximately 1600 kilometers to the south by road, and just over one and a half hours by air.

Phuket is the largest island, but the second smallest province, of Thailand. With an area of 539 square kilometers, the main island is about the same size as Singapore. Several smaller off-shore islands increase the total area to 570 square kilometers. Almost 80 percent of the island is mountainous, with almost 50 percent still forested (jungle), and a further 25 percent under rubber plantation.

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Commerce and Industry

Art and Culture

Tin ore mining, marine products, rubber, coconut, and pineapples have traditionally been the main products of Phuket. Tin was very significant until the early 1980s and contributed significantly to the island's reputation as the wealthiest province outside of Bangkok. Now tin has been largely replaced by tourism, and is far and away the island's most significant source of revenue.

Population The last official census showed about 360,000 people living in Phuket, but this figure only includes those registered as residents of the island. With significant semi-permanent workers, resident foreigners, and 600,000 visitors at any given time, a more realistic figure would be in the 600,000 range.

Transport

Thai art, principally sculpture and architecture, is divided into a number of historical styles beginning with Mon (6th - 13th C), Khmer (7th - 13th C), Peninsular (until 14th C), Lan Na (13th - 14th C), Sukhothai (13th - 15th C), Lopburi (10th - 13th C), Suphanburi-Sangkhlaburi (13th - 15th C), Ayuthaya A (1350 - 1488), Ayuthaya B (1488 - 1630), Ayuthaya C (1630 1767), and Ratanakosin (19th C to present). Classical Thai music and theatrical dance are also popular art forms.

Local Cuisine

There are flights almost every hour to and from Phuket and Bangkok. First-class air-con buses take about 14 hours to reach the island from the capital. Local transportation includes local open style bus, tuk-tuk (Thai taxi), and motorcycle taxis. Motorcycles and jeeps can also be hired by the day. We don’t recommend hiring motorbikes as there is no insurance for it and they are high risk vehicles. You might end up with injuries and still have to pay all damages in full.

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Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic, chilies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fresh coriander. Galanga root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks and appetizers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit

available, both fresh or juiced. Local favorite beverages include sugar cane juice and rice whiskey.

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BEACHES

BEACHES

Rawai Beach

Karon Beach

The site of a Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsy Village, has many restaurants, shell handicraft shops, bungalows, fishing and charter boats. The waters are good for swimming and snorkeling on the reefs off-shore. Rawai is 7 kilometers west of Chalong Circle.

Karon is the second largest of Phuket’s famous tourist beaches. There are large resort complexes along the road that borders the beach. The beach itself is undeveloped and the sand is very white and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata Beach and Poo Island. There are restaurants, bars, and tour companies at the northern and southern ends of the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses like the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most upscale of Phuket’s beaches and has a regular daily bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Patong Beach This is Phuket’s central tourist and entertainment district. Over the years, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island’s two main cities. The famous bay and 4 kilometers beach remain mostly untouched since development to the area is very limited.

Virtually every kind of entertainment awaits visitors with bars, clubs and local live music on every corner.

Kalim Beach

Accommodations range from budget hotels to five-star resorts, with endless shopping and restaurant options. In addition, there are many tour companies available to help visitors plan their vacations. There is a local saying, “if you can’t find it in Patong, it doesn’t exist in Phuket.” While not entirely true, that just about sums it up.

Although separated by some rocks, this beach is really a continuation of Phuket’s north strand. It is not yet developed and thus affords some privacy. There are accommodations just off the beach, and the waters contain extensive coral reefs.

Kata Beach

Nai Yang Beach

Kata is the smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, and is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving with a border of low-rise structures. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end of the beach there is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes. There is a wide range of accommodations and entertainment including hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs.

There is also a regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during the day.

This is where the National Park offices are located. The beach itself is on a long, curving bay and is a popular spot for picnics due to its large evergreens that provide plenty of shade.

The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish. Nai Yang is also well-known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs from November to February. First class accommodations are available, and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers that visit. To get there take Nai Yang Road and look for signs indicating the park entrance.

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Shopping

Activities

There are large department stores located in Phuket Town and Patong, with a smaller one in Thalang Town. The stores have a broad range of Thai products, both imported and domestic. Tailors have shops everywhere and with inexpensive labor costs, handmade suits are a popular purchase. Tailors can supply the cloth, or you may select your own from one of the many cloth merchants in Phuket Town.

PHUKET TRICKEYE MUSEUM Phuket Museum is a fun attraction not far from the old Phuket Town, and there are many interactive exhibit where you must blend inside one of the many large paintings on display. Open daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

DEPARTMENT STORES • OCEAN SHOPPING MALL on Tilok-U-Thit Road, Phuket Town

ELEPHANT SANCTUARIES became very popular as the attitude towards animal based attraction changes. The emphasis at these camps are on ethical, animal friendly interaction with their majestic creatures, many of whom have been rescued or retired from local elephant trekking industries.

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ROBINSON DEPARTMENT STORE on Tilok-U-Thit Road, Phuket Town

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OCEAN DEPARTMENT STORE on Thaweewong Road, Patong

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TESCO LOTUS SUPER CENTER on By Pass Road

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CENTRAL FESTIVAL MARKET on By Pass Road

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JUNGCEYLON on Rat-U-Thit Song Roy Pee Road, Patong

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OCEAN PLAZA on Soi Bangla, Patong

PRA NANG SANG TEMPLE This historic temple was built at the site of the 1785 Battle of Thalang. Inside are three very old Buddha statues wrought in tin. They are the largest in the world and date from a time when tin was regarded as a semi-precious metal. The bellies of the three big statues each contain a smaller statue from which they derive the name, Monks in the Belly, or more formally The Three Kings. The temple is located on Thep Krasattri Road in Thalang Town at the traffic light.

PHUKET AQUARIUM More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the waters around Phuket. The aquarium is open daily, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. and is located at Cape Panwa, on the island’s extreme southeast. Admission is 50 baht for children, and 100 baht for adults. A Songthaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Soht, or Fresh Market.

Tel. 66 (0) 7639 1126.

PHUKET BIG BUDDHA The huge Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Phuket, sitting at the top of the Nakkerd Hills. From top of the hill, you are able to get a panoramic view of the island. The Buddha is made from white Burmese marble and sparkles elegantly in the sun.

SOUVENIRS Pearls, batiks and pewter ware are Phuket’s best known products. Shops that specialize in these are found on Ratsada Road and TilokU-Thit Road You can also find them at tourist beaches such as Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.

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Activities

hotels

• Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa (Patong Beach Area)

SCUBA DIVING Phuket is a center for the scuba diving industry. Popular locations for diving include the Similan, Surin and Phi Phi islands. All instruction and equipment is available at the main beaches, with teachers of various nationalities. Beginner courses are very inexpensive, so if you have never learned to scuba dive, Phuket is a great place to learn.

• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (Kata Beach Area) • The Vijitt Resort Phuket (Rawai Beach Area) • Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort (Bangtao Bay Area) • Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa (Patong Beach Area)

SNORKELING The bays in Phuket contain many interesting coral reefs. Equipment can be rented from dive shops around the island.

• Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa (Karon Beach Area)

SWIMMING During the rainy season swimming can be very dangerous. Look for posted signs and flags indicating conditions for safe swimming. If the red flag is flying, do not go swimming in the ocean!

SAILING Many types of boats are available for rent. Smaller craft such as toppers and dinghies are available at Patong, while catamarans, hobie cats and top cats are available at Kata.

WIND SURFING Boards may be rented by the hour, half day, full day or week at most major beaches.

DEEP SEA FISHING Many fishing tours are available. Sailfish and marlins are the prized fish of the local area. Consult a tour agent for details.

SEA CANOEING Touring the limestone caverns in Phang-Nga Bay is an unforgettable experience. Inflatable canoes squeeze into and under caverns. Tour packages include all transportation and lunch.

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Useful Telephone Numbers in Phuket

Emergency call

Fire Brigade

Phuket Immigration

Marine Police

Overseas Phone Service

Phone Directory Assistance

Phuket International Airport

Phuket Deep Sea Port

Phuket Provincial Police

Post and Telegraph Office

Thai Airways

Tourism Authority of Thailand

191 66 (0) 7621 1111 199 66 (0) 7621 2108 66 (0) 7621 1883 100 1133 66 (0) 7632 7230-7 66 (0) 7639 1174 66 (0) 7621 2046 66 (0) 7621 2115 66 (0) 7621 1020 66 (0) 7621 1195 66 (0) 7621 2499 66 (0) 7621 2946 66 (0) 7621 2213 66 (0) 7621 1036 11

Misawa ITT Office

Location: Bldg. 485 Phone: 226-3555 Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays

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