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Dubbed the 'secret of andaman's pearl' by
the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest island and lies in
the Andaman Sea off the country's southwestern coast. The island
is connected to the Thai mainland by a bridge, but has retained a
distinct culture fused from Chinese and Portuguese influences
combining with the culture of the chao naam, the indigenous seafaring
people. About 35% of the island's population are Thai Muslims.
The island's terrain varies from rocky beaches and long, broad sweeps
of sand to limestone cliffs and forested hills. It has good
beaches, tropical vegetation and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, but
its ambience and ecology are under pressure from extensive and
irresponsible development. The main resorts include Patong,
Karon, and Kata, but better beaches are scattered all around the
island. Roads radiate from Phuket Town, in the south-east of the
island, making it a god base for exploring. Don't ignore the
island's interior which has rice paddies, plantations of rubber and
cashew nuts, cacao, pineapple, and coconut, as well as Phuket's last
slice of rainforest. |
