Travel to Phuket by Air
Getting to Phuket by air couldn't be easier. Phuket is served by an international airport with a number of scheduled and charter flights from Europe and around Asia.
However, the majority of visitors still fly to Bangkok first, where there are over a dozen domestic flights to Phuket daily. With the growth in budget airlines such as Phuket Air, Nok Air and Air Asia, ticket prices are now very low. There is also the national carrier Thai Airways, which is usually more expensive but you pay for the service.
Flights from Bangkok take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Book your tickets early, especially during the high season from November to April.
Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport is situated at the northern end of the island about 45 mins drive from Phuket City. Tel: +66 (0)76-327-230 (information counter is extension 1111 or 1122).
Airport Transfer
On arrival, you can organize taxis, car rentals or minibuses from the arrival hall. There is an Airport Information Counter located on the first floor should you need any assistance.
Many hotels provide limousines (read modern saloon) to transfer guests who have reservations to their premises. You can make a hotel reservation at the airport.
There is also a limousine service that will take you anywhere you want. A trip to Patong should cost around 600 Baht, while Phuket City is about 400 Baht.
The same company operates a minibus service*. A trip to Patong costs around 150 Baht per person. The minibus takes a bit longer as you have to drop other passengers off along the way.
Alternatively, if you walk out into the car park, you can catch a meter taxi from the taxi stand. There is a 100 Baht surcharge for taxis from the airport, but they should still work out cheaper than the limousines.
* There have been an increasing number of reports of minibus drivers stopping at tour companies on the way to encourage passengers to book rooms, for which they receive a commission. Often they claim that all the hotels are full and you must book with them to get a room for the night. This is a scam. You should say that you have already booked a room, even if you haven't. This way they won't try and hassle you. If you experience this, please report it to the Tourist Police (tel: 076 225 361, 076 254 693)
Travel to Phuket by Bus
Travelling to Phuket by bus from Bangkok takes about 14 hours. You can catch one from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), in Thonburi. (Charan Sanitwong rd, Bangkok, tel: 02 435 1200, 02 435 1199). Bus timetables can also be found at the Thailand Travel Company website: http://www.transport.co.th/Eng/SOUTH1.htm
Types of Buses
Not all buses are the same. A couple hundred baht more will buy you a lot more comfort. The standard air-conditioned buses cost between 400 - 550 Baht. These have 32-seats and have small seats which don't recline much.
For a more comfortable journey take the VIP buses which have much bigger seats and more legroom. These have 24 seats and cost about 750 Baht per person.
Long-distance buses will stop at a designated restaurant about half-way into the journey, where you can have a simple meal or buy snacks to take with you. If you are on a VIP bus, the price of the meal is included in the ticket.
There are also private coach and minibus services available from travel agents or some hotel tour desks. Be wary of booking private buses from agencies on Khao Sarn road. The service on such buses can be unbelievably bad.
Bus Terminal
The bus terminal in Phuket is located on Phang Nga road in Phuket City, down a side road opposite the Royal Phuket City Hotel. As well as regular buses to Bangkok there are services to other destinations in the South such as Hat Yai, Krabi, Surat Thani and Trang.
From Phuket Bus Terminal you can catch a tuk tuk or local bus to anywhere on the island.
A Word Of Warning
Thieves operate on long-distance buses so keep on eye on your valuables. Don't put anything valuable in the luggage compartment of the bus. You may find that its not there when you arrive. There have also been reports of thieves befriending tourist and offering them snacks which contain drugs to make them fall asleep, then robbing them while they doze.
Travel to Phuket by Car
Phuket is about 867km (539 miles) from Bangkok, with a travelling time of approximately 10 hours. There are many car rental companies in Bangkok, both international firms such as Avis and Budget, as well as local companies.
Driving in Thailand is quite pleasant outside of town and cities. Motorways are in good condition and mostly well sign-posted in Thai and English. Driving standards are poor but better than many other developing nations. (See road safety).
Route
Take Highway 4 from Bangkok, passing through Nakhorn Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuapkhirikan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang Nga. The highway between Ranong and Phang Nga is quite scenic with forest-covered mountains on one side and the Andaman sea on the other.
If you are renting from a local company, make sure that full insurance cover is included. To be covered by insurance, you will need an international or Thai driving licence.
Travel to Phuket by Train
Trains do not run to Phuket, which is unfortunate as train travel in Thailand is both a cheap and comfortable way to travel. However, you can take a train from Hualamphong in Bangkok to Phun Phin near Surat Thani, where you can catch a coach to Phuket. The train to Surat Thani is about 12 hours while the coach is another 5-6 hours.
There are about 14 coaches per day between Surat Thani and Phuket in both directions. Coaches begin running at 05:00, then leave at regular intervals until 15:30. Your train should arrive in the morning so you should not have any problems catching a coach.
Granted, this is a round about way of travelling to Phuket, but if you can't afford or can't get a flight, trains are an excellent alternative. Long distance trains usually travel at night, so you can sleep most of the way. And you can actually sleep quite comfortably, as opposed to buses where only a contortionist could get comfortable.
Trains have three different classes :
First-class
This consists of a lockable private air-conditioned 2-berth compartment with washbasin. First-class is not available on all trains.
Second-class
This is further divided into fan sleeper and air-con sleeper carriages. Go for air-con as fan sleepers can be quite hot, even at night. The open windows also means that they are noisier than the air-con sleepers.
Third-class
This has hard bench seats, and is not recommended for long journeys, unless you like being uncomfortable.
All trains have a catering car where you can purchase hot meals at reasonable prices.
Travelling by train in Thailand is generally very safe, although you should not leave your valuables unattended.
For train schedules contact the State Railway of Thailand. Tel: 02 220 4334. Advance tickets are available at all main stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office. Tel: 02 225 0300 ext. 5200-3 or go to http://www.railway.co.th/httpEng
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Sunday, September 03, 2006
History of Phuket
Early History
Located on trading routes between India and China, Phuket was subjected to foreign influences long before many other parts of Thailand. Ships would anchor in the safe harbours of Phuket and wait for the monsoon winds to allow them to proceed to India.
The interior jungle was inhabited by indigenous tribes until they were displaced in the 19th century by tin miners. The coastal areas were inhabited by Chao Leh, sea-gypsies who made their living through piracy and fishing for pearls. Although threatened by development, Chao Leh villages can still be found along the coast of Phuket and neighbouring islands.
Phuket first became part of a Thai state during the thirteenth century when Thai armies from Sukhothai wrested control of the island from the Sirivijaya Empire, which was based in Sumatra.
Tin & Rubber
Phuket is first mentioned as a major source of tin in the sixteenth century when the island became an important source of revenue for the Thai kingdom at Ayuthaya, as well as an important trading post. It was also during this period that the first Europeans arrived on Phuket.
Due to Phuket's abundant supply of tin and its importance as a trading port, the island's economy continued to prosper. The British secured a tin mining concession and nearly claimed Phuket as part of the Empire, opting instead for Penang due to its safer harbours. Phuket's streets were lined with handsome buildings constructed in the Sino-Portuguese style by the tin-barons, many of which can still be seen in older quarters of the town.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the island's interior still remained relatively untouched. Much of it was still covered in ancient rainforest. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, large areas of the island were cleared to make way for rubber plantations, irreparably altering the landscape of the island.
Tourism
Tourism began on the island in the 1970s with the first beach bungalows at Patong beach. During this time Phuket was a haven for backpackers. Phuket's idyllic tropical beaches and clear warm waters attracted travellers from all over the world to the island. This was facilitated by the building of the airport in the mid-1970s.
Today, tourism is by far the island's biggest industry with over 3 million tourists visiting the island annually, making Phuket one of the most popular travel destinations in South-East Asia.
Origin of the Name “Phuket”
The name Phuket is derived from the Malay word bukit, meaning hill. The island was called Junk Ceylon on European charts, a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang meaning Cape Salang. Later it became known as Thalang, the name of the main town on the island. The island did not come to be known as Phuket until quite late in its history when the administrative centre was moved to a mining town called Phuket.
The Battle of Thalang
The most celebrated moment in Phuket's history is when the people of Phuket (then called Thalang), drove away Burmese invaders who were laying siege to the island.
In 1785, Phuket was attacked by the Burmese as part of a wider to campaign to invade Thailand (then called Siam). The wife of the recently deceased governor, Lady Chan, along with her sister Lady Muk, rallied the people and broke the Burmese siege.
On hearing of these valiant deeds, the king bestowed honorific titles on these two heroines. Today, their statues can be seen atop a monument at the roundabout a few kilometres north of Phuket City.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Located on trading routes between India and China, Phuket was subjected to foreign influences long before many other parts of Thailand. Ships would anchor in the safe harbours of Phuket and wait for the monsoon winds to allow them to proceed to India.
The interior jungle was inhabited by indigenous tribes until they were displaced in the 19th century by tin miners. The coastal areas were inhabited by Chao Leh, sea-gypsies who made their living through piracy and fishing for pearls. Although threatened by development, Chao Leh villages can still be found along the coast of Phuket and neighbouring islands.
Phuket first became part of a Thai state during the thirteenth century when Thai armies from Sukhothai wrested control of the island from the Sirivijaya Empire, which was based in Sumatra.
Tin & Rubber
Phuket is first mentioned as a major source of tin in the sixteenth century when the island became an important source of revenue for the Thai kingdom at Ayuthaya, as well as an important trading post. It was also during this period that the first Europeans arrived on Phuket.
Due to Phuket's abundant supply of tin and its importance as a trading port, the island's economy continued to prosper. The British secured a tin mining concession and nearly claimed Phuket as part of the Empire, opting instead for Penang due to its safer harbours. Phuket's streets were lined with handsome buildings constructed in the Sino-Portuguese style by the tin-barons, many of which can still be seen in older quarters of the town.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the island's interior still remained relatively untouched. Much of it was still covered in ancient rainforest. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, large areas of the island were cleared to make way for rubber plantations, irreparably altering the landscape of the island.
Tourism
Tourism began on the island in the 1970s with the first beach bungalows at Patong beach. During this time Phuket was a haven for backpackers. Phuket's idyllic tropical beaches and clear warm waters attracted travellers from all over the world to the island. This was facilitated by the building of the airport in the mid-1970s.
Today, tourism is by far the island's biggest industry with over 3 million tourists visiting the island annually, making Phuket one of the most popular travel destinations in South-East Asia.
Origin of the Name “Phuket”
The name Phuket is derived from the Malay word bukit, meaning hill. The island was called Junk Ceylon on European charts, a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang meaning Cape Salang. Later it became known as Thalang, the name of the main town on the island. The island did not come to be known as Phuket until quite late in its history when the administrative centre was moved to a mining town called Phuket.
The Battle of Thalang
The most celebrated moment in Phuket's history is when the people of Phuket (then called Thalang), drove away Burmese invaders who were laying siege to the island.
In 1785, Phuket was attacked by the Burmese as part of a wider to campaign to invade Thailand (then called Siam). The wife of the recently deceased governor, Lady Chan, along with her sister Lady Muk, rallied the people and broke the Burmese siege.
On hearing of these valiant deeds, the king bestowed honorific titles on these two heroines. Today, their statues can be seen atop a monument at the roundabout a few kilometres north of Phuket City.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Phuket General Information.
Phuket’s Geography
Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, approximately 890km from Bangkok. It is Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as Singapore, and is surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to the mainland.
Phuket is quite hilly. There are a few peaks above 500m, the highest being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the island, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by rocky coves and headlands. The east coast comprises limestone shoals with only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the horizon. Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.
Phuket’s Population
The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the original inhabitants of Phuket.
According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an east-west axis.
The National Statistical Office of Thailand’s most recent census conducted in 2000 shows Phuket to have a population of 250,000. In reality, this figure is likely to be quite a lot higher as this data does not take into account those who live and work in Phuket, but are registered as being resident elsewhere, a fairly common occurrence. Together with this are the seasonal workers, and visitors of which there are a significant number all year round. Taking this into account, some estimates have calculated a figure as high as 500,000 during peak periods.
Phuket’s Economy
Phuket has the second highest per capita income of any province in Thailand outside of Bangkok. Tourism has dominated the island’s economy for the past two decades. Each year, over 3 million visitors arrive to enjoy Phuket’s natural splendor and many amenities.
For much of its history, Phuket’s economy was based on tin mining. Since the fall in the demand for tin in the 1980s and restrictions placed upon tin dredging to protect the coastal waters, the industry’s importance has greatly declined.
Rubber became an important part of the local economy at the beginning of the twentieth century when large areas of rainforest were cut down to make way for rubber plantations, many of which can still be seen on the island.
Other contributors to the local economy include: Pearl farms; Agriculture and horticulture in the form of coconuts, cashews, tapioca, cacao, rice and pineapple; prawn farming, and the processing of marine products.
Religion in Phuket
The main religion on Phuket, as in the rest of Thailand, is Theravada Buddhism. Theravada, literally the "Doctrine of the Elders", is the name of the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, which scholars generally accept as the oldest record of the Buddha's teachings.
Many people in Phuket also practice Daoism, usually together with Buddhism. This is due to the large number of Chinese immigrants who came to work in the tin mines during the 19th century. Several Chinese shrines can be found around Phuket City. During the Vegetarian Festival these are a hive of activity.
Thai Muslims make up approximately 35% of Phuket’s population, and many are still concentrated in the area around Surin Beach where the migrant Malays originally settled. Despite the smaller number of Muslims, mosques actually outnumber Buddhist wats on the island.
The Chao Leh practice their own form of animism, the belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
Phuket Local Administration
Phuket is Thailand’s only island province and is also the country's smallest province in terms of area.
Phuket City is the administrative centre, though it is still commonly referred to as Phuket Town. It received city status in 2004.
The island is divided into three administrative districts or amphoe; Thalang, to the north, Kathu to the west and Muang in the south.
The provincial governor and district chiefs are appointed by the central government in Bangkok. Phuket and Patong city councils are elected as well as the city mayors. Provincial, district and sub-district councils are also elected.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, approximately 890km from Bangkok. It is Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as Singapore, and is surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to the mainland.
Phuket is quite hilly. There are a few peaks above 500m, the highest being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the island, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by rocky coves and headlands. The east coast comprises limestone shoals with only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the horizon. Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.
Phuket’s Population
The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the original inhabitants of Phuket.
According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an east-west axis.
The National Statistical Office of Thailand’s most recent census conducted in 2000 shows Phuket to have a population of 250,000. In reality, this figure is likely to be quite a lot higher as this data does not take into account those who live and work in Phuket, but are registered as being resident elsewhere, a fairly common occurrence. Together with this are the seasonal workers, and visitors of which there are a significant number all year round. Taking this into account, some estimates have calculated a figure as high as 500,000 during peak periods.
Phuket’s Economy
Phuket has the second highest per capita income of any province in Thailand outside of Bangkok. Tourism has dominated the island’s economy for the past two decades. Each year, over 3 million visitors arrive to enjoy Phuket’s natural splendor and many amenities.
For much of its history, Phuket’s economy was based on tin mining. Since the fall in the demand for tin in the 1980s and restrictions placed upon tin dredging to protect the coastal waters, the industry’s importance has greatly declined.
Rubber became an important part of the local economy at the beginning of the twentieth century when large areas of rainforest were cut down to make way for rubber plantations, many of which can still be seen on the island.
Other contributors to the local economy include: Pearl farms; Agriculture and horticulture in the form of coconuts, cashews, tapioca, cacao, rice and pineapple; prawn farming, and the processing of marine products.
Religion in Phuket
The main religion on Phuket, as in the rest of Thailand, is Theravada Buddhism. Theravada, literally the "Doctrine of the Elders", is the name of the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, which scholars generally accept as the oldest record of the Buddha's teachings.
Many people in Phuket also practice Daoism, usually together with Buddhism. This is due to the large number of Chinese immigrants who came to work in the tin mines during the 19th century. Several Chinese shrines can be found around Phuket City. During the Vegetarian Festival these are a hive of activity.
Thai Muslims make up approximately 35% of Phuket’s population, and many are still concentrated in the area around Surin Beach where the migrant Malays originally settled. Despite the smaller number of Muslims, mosques actually outnumber Buddhist wats on the island.
The Chao Leh practice their own form of animism, the belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
Phuket Local Administration
Phuket is Thailand’s only island province and is also the country's smallest province in terms of area.
Phuket City is the administrative centre, though it is still commonly referred to as Phuket Town. It received city status in 2004.
The island is divided into three administrative districts or amphoe; Thalang, to the north, Kathu to the west and Muang in the south.
The provincial governor and district chiefs are appointed by the central government in Bangkok. Phuket and Patong city councils are elected as well as the city mayors. Provincial, district and sub-district councils are also elected.
Information : http://www.phuket.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)