Travel to Phuket

Phuket In the early days of regional maritime trade, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, frequently mentioned in foreign traders’ ship logs The island was on one of the major trading port for tin routes between India and China. Jung Ceylon was later known, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to be the name of the main town to the north of the island.

In 1785, Thalang was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan and her sister, Muk, who united the local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today. When the development of mining, Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving wealth.

Phuket is the largest island in the country. The best time to travel is during the months of December to April, known as the pearl of the Andaman sea. The beauty of the island of white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincere hospitable people, superb accommodation and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture, numerous sporting, and leisure opportunities, and a lush tropical landscape-all of which have been combined to create a delightful ambiance for truly memorable holidays.

HOW TO GET THERE

By car:
From Bangkok there are two routes:

1. Highway 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) Turn left at the Wang Manao T-junction and follow Highway 4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi province, Cha-am, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thap Sakae. When you reach the intersection to Chumphon town (Pathomphon Intersection at Km. 499), go straight on Highway 41, passing through Amphoe Lang Suan into Surat Thani province. About 10 km. from the Surat Thani Airport, turn right at the intersection at Km. 18, and take Highway 401, passing the Ban Ta Khun District Office, Surat Thani province. Go on for about 5 km. and turn left at the T-junction onto Highway 415, passing the Thap Put District Office. Go straight about 1 km, then turn left onto Highway 415. Keep going until you reach the T-junction to Phang-nga town. Turn left and follow the road for another 89 km. to reach Phuket. (Take Highway 4 until reaching Ban Khok Kloi in Phang-nga and turn left onto Highway 402). The whole journey is a total of 862 km. This is the most comfortable route.
2. Take the same route as (1) to Pathomphon intersection to Chumphon town, turn right onto Highway 4, passing Amphoe Kra Buri and Amphoe Kapoe, Ranong province, Amphoe Khura Buri, Amphoe Takua Pa, Amphoe Takua Thung, Amphoe Thai Mueang, Phang-nga province, and into Phuket. This route goes along winding roads which require low speed.

By Bus:
Take the daily bus from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal on Borommaratchachonnani Road to Phuket. The journey takes 12-14 hours.

By Rail:
There are no direct train services to Phuket. Travelers by train must get off at the Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani and continue by regular bus to Phuket.

By Air:
There are many airlines operating flights from Bangkok to Phuket

Transportation In Town
There are three lines of the public bus in Phuket Town. Line no.1 Big C-Saphan Hin Line no.2 Super Cheap Grocery-Talat Si Mum Mueang Line no.3 Saphan Hin–Leam Tukkae Tuk-Tuk Serve in downtown only

Transportation to other Provinces
There are regular bus services to Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang-nga, Takua Pa, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Trang, Pattalung, Satun, Sungai Ko-lok, Hat Yai, Ko Samui, and Ko Pha-ngan. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Phang-nga Road.

PHUKET LOCAL PRODUCTS AND SOUVENIRS

• Batik crafted by the island’s numerous artists into T-shirts, dresses, wall hangings, and bed covers beachwear and easily-affordable made-to-measure cotton, linen, and silk clothing.
• Cashew nuts and pineapples are widely grown in Phuket and available all year round. The nuts are available dried, fried or coated. Phuket pineapples are some of the most delectable, sweet and firm.
• Fried or Boiled Noodle Dishes usually with pork or chicken, are available at many noodle shops in the town; such as Mi Ton Pho, Mi Sapam, Mi Ao Ke, Mi Hun Pa Chang, etc.
• Khanom Chin a version of noodles taken at breakfast, usually served with a spicy curry sauce and fresh vegetables.
• Lo Bah is fried pork sausage marinated in Palo herb powder. They go well with fried tofu and dipping sauce.
• Nam Phrik Kung Siap is a mixture of dried chili and smoked shrimps taken with various fresh vegetables.
• Oh Aew is a jelly-like dessert made from a mixture of banana and jelly fig served with syrup and ice.
• Oh Tao is similar to ‘Hoi Tod’ or fried mussels in flour paste. In this case, oysters are used instead and they are mixed with flour, taro, and eggs.
• Phuket’s Dim Sum also known among the locals as ‘Seaw Bouy’ is another popular breakfast menu that goes well with coffee.

INTERESTING ACTIVITIES

Water Sports

• Scuba Diving Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighboring islands, and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly popular Phi Phi Islands in neighboring Krabi province, the Similan Islands in Phang-nga province. Diving in Phuket’s warm clear blue waters is best from November to May when the calm seas and rain free days make Phuket’s diving a truly unique experience.
• Sea Canoeing This form of ecotourism is available, as the popular one-day tour or more extended tours involving overnight camping on island beaches, and occurs principally in the neighboring Phang-nga Bay and Krabi province, where mangrove swamps and island grottoes are accessible only by canoe.
• Snorkeling This can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all around Phuket. It is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata Beaches. Fins, mask, and snorkel can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island.
• Windsurfing Boards may be rented by the hour, half day, full day, or a week at most major beaches.
• Yachting Yachts of every shape and size can be chartered, either as bare boats or with a full crew.

Other activities

• Elite Yachting
• Ocean life Yachts
• Phuket Charter Exclusive Yacht
• Seal Superyachts
• Golf Courses
• Kathu Shooting Range
• Jungle Bungy Jump
• Phuket Water Ski
• Thai Cooking School

ITINERARY IN PHUKET

Phuket One Day Tour Programme
08.00 a.m. Breakfast
09.00 a.m. Visit the Thai Hua Museum
11.00 a.m. Visit Chinpracha House, the 1st building in Phuket with Sino-Portuguese architecture 12.00 a.m. Lunch
13.00 a.m. Visit Ban Teelanka
16.00 a.m. Heading to Laem Phromthep viewpoint with the panoramic scenery.
19.30 a.m. Dinner and sightseeing in Phuket old town

3 Days 2 Night in Phuket
Day 1
08.00 a.m. Depart from Donmueang Airport to Phuket International Airport
08.30 a.m. Breakfast
09.30 a.m. Heading to Chalong Pier and take a ferry to Ko Racha.
12.00 p.m. Lunch
01.00 p.m. Depart from Ko Racha to visit Ko Hae.
04.00 p.m. Return to Chalong Pier.
06.00 p.m. Dinner
07.00 p.m. Stay in Mueang Phuket
Day 2
07.00 a.m. Breakfast
08.00 a.m. Heading to Bang Rong Pier
09.30 a.m. Depart from Bang Rong Pier to Ko Yao Yai.
11.00 a.m. Experience the way of life and join the villagers to do activities. Stay in Ko Yao Yai.
Day 3
08.30 a.m. Breakfast
10.00 a.m. Depart from Ko Yao Yai to Bang Rong Pier.
12.00 p.m. Lunch
01.00 p.m. Sightseeing in Talang beach; Naithon, Naiyang, Bangtao
05.00 p.m. Depart from Phuket to Donmueang Airport.