Phuket is the largest Thai island in the Andaman Sea. It is a true paradise of 50 km long and 20 km wide. It is very mountainous, especially in the west, with a chain of mountains aligned from north to south. These mountains constitute the southern end of a chain that stretches for 440 kilometers in the Kra isthmus and culminates at 1,138 m at Khao Phra Mi. The highest altitude on the island itself, is however only 529 m above sea level, at Mai Tha Sip Song. Nearly 70% of the island is covered by forest. The western coast has several sandy beaches. The southernmost point of the island is Laem Promthep, very popular point of view for its sunsets. The main tourist area of the island is Patong Beach, which also has most of its nightlife and is the center of cheap shopping on the island. Other popular beaches include Karon, Kata, Nai Harn and Bang Tao.
Tips
Phuket, the nearby Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands show some of the most dazzling landscapes of Southeast Asia. Go on a discovery tour by taking the opportunity to go snorkeling, canoeing or fishing. Take a speedboat out to the islands, engage in a round of golf or participate in scuba diving training. For children, there is mini golf, bowling, elephant trekking or the Tiger Kindgom amusement park. You can also join an ecotourism circuit, with hiking or kayaking, in national parks. For those who like to live at night, there are cabarets, discos, bars and many restaurants.
