Phuket, also known as “The pearl of the Andaman” is Thailand’s largest island, and is located almost 900 kilometers south of Bangkok. The islands interior is mostly mountainous, while its west coast has a number of magnificent long sandy beaches and lots of nightlife. For centuries, the main source of income for the island was tin mining.
Now, tourism and rubber have made Phuket the wealthiest province of the country. The 2004 tsunami badly damaged Phuket, mainly the beach resorts on the west side of the island. Since then, Phuket has fully recovered and a tsunami warning system has been put in place.
Besides the swimming and relaxing on the beach there is plenty to do for everyone in Phuket. Of course there is the snorkeling and diving off the many islands surrounding Phuket, sailing, watching Muay Thai boxing games or shopping in the large Jungceylon shopping center in Patong or in the countless souvenir shops along the beaches.
