Phuket - the Pearl of the Andaman
Phuket is the second smallest province but at the same time the largest island in Thailand. Located on the Andaman coast in the south west of the country it has some of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches and offers something for every visitor. From first-class golf courses, high-end spas, historical sites, fun attractions for all ages and of course the famous nightlife, you will have so much choice to fill your days(and nights) when staying in Phuket. The east coast of the island is generally the preferred destination for holiday makers as this is where you’ll find all the great beaches but the west and south coasts offer plenty of things to see and do. Phuket Town is one of the oldest cities in Thailand once being an important port of call for Chinese and European traders. The old buildings indicate the former prosperity with a Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Major attractions in Phuket
Phuket is undeniably the most famous island in Thailand and the most visited. With Phuket airport taking many direct flights from Europe, Asia and Australia it is easy to get there. The island apart from the amazing beaches like Surin, Bang Tao, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata, offers so much for travelers. Great shopping with modern malls and traditional markets, some of Asia’s finest restaurants, fun-filled land and sea activities, animal sanctuaries, national parks and sightseeing, you are spoiled for choice. Something not to miss when in Phuket is the famous Phuket Fantasea Show which is filled with a range of entertainment and activities and the amazing Las Vegas style theater show. Phuket is also the gateway to visit many of the surrounding islands like Phi Phi, Similan and of course Phang Nga Bay.
Rent a luxurious holiday villa in Phuket
Phuket has a strong reputation as one of Asia’s premier destinations for a luxurious holiday experience. In recent years, the luxurious Phuket villas offer guests not only privacy but also gives them the best facilities and services to make their time unforgettable in Phuket. Whilst many of the villas in Phuket are high-end and attract the wealthier travelers there are also many villa options for the average holidaymaker seeking a different experience than a stay in a hotel. Nearly all Phuket villas will have a private pool and can provide guest services like chef and concierge assistance.
Phang Nga Bay, Phuket
Phang-Nga is an agricultural province in southern of Thailand. The main crop is rubber, and rubber plantations cover a large area along the roads, adding a touch of green. Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rubber to this day. Vast amounts of rice, vegetables and fruits are produced in Phang-Nga. The province has an area of 4,170 sq. kms., mainly made up of forest. Khao Lak is the major tourist destination.
Phang Nga Geography
Phang Nga is on the shore to the Andaman Sea, neighboring Ranong, Surat Thani and Krabi. Phuket province is to the south, but without land boundary to Phang Nga.
Phang Nga Attractions
Phang Nga features many islands in its wide open Bay. The most famous is known as James Bond Island, a needle formed limestone rock in the sea, which was used as a location in the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun." The Ao Phang-Nga (Phang-Nga Bay) National Park, established in 1981, protects the many beautiful islands from outside influence. The Similan Islands are one of Thailand's best diving destinations, and are part of Phang Nga province.
Phang Nga Cultural Cities
The city Phang Nga was created in 1809 during the reign of King Rama II, at the time of one of the wars with neighboring Burma. The city Thalang on Phuket island was razed, and its people were forced to move to Phang Nga and Takuatung was reduced in status as a district. In 1931 Takuapa was incorporated into the province.
On December 26, 2004 Phang Nga was one of the places hit hard by a tsunami following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The province was probably the hardest hit in Thailand. Thousands died, including Bhumi Jensen, the grandson of the King of Thailand.
The Phu Khao Chang mountains are forever in the background at Phang Nga, the home to the province's mining and a spectacular piece of scenery.
Get to Phang Nga
From Phuket, use route 402, pass the parallel spans of Sarasin and Thao Thep Krasatri Bridges and you'll be in Phang-Nga province. To go on to the provincial capital, go north to the town of Koke Kloy. Turn right (at Bangkok Bank), and follow Route 4 to Phang-Nga Town. You will pass Takua Thung along the way and cover a distance of 87 kms. It takes around 90 minutes. Buses are available from Phuket.