Travel to Thailand

By: Chan Phoondee

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, and is approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coast-line 867 kilometers south of Bangkok.

Phuket is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7' 45 " and 8' 15" north latitude, and from 98' 15" to 98' 40" west longitude on the map. Thailand's largest island, Phuket is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers. It is bounded thus:

About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous; a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches derive. The highest peak is Mai Tao Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District (no roads go there yet). The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Klong Bang Yai, Klong Ta Jin, Klong Ta Rua, and Klong Bang Rohng, none of which is large.

History of Phuket

Phuket Island has a long recorded history, and remanins dating back to A.D.1025 indicate that the island's present day name derives in meaning from the Tamil manikram, or crystal mountain. For most of history, however, it was known as Junk Ceylon, which, with variations, is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its roots in Ptolemy's Geographia, written by the Alexadrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. He mentioned that in making a trip from Suwannapum to the Malay Peninsula it was necessary to pass the cape of Jang Si Lang.

Phuket was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of the Shivite empire (called in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first Millenium A.D. Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahm empires. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket's emblem, by which it was known to others in those largely pre-literate times, was the dog.

During the Sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pah in what is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch established a trading post during the Ayuthaya Period in the 16th Cent. The island's northern and central regions then were governed by the Thais, and the southern and western parts were given over to the tin trade, a concession in the hands of foreigners.

After Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drove out the Burmese and re-unified the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive. They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma. This led to Phuket's most memorable historic event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, wife of Phuket's recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook. After a month's siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.

In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister became Thao Sri Suntorn.

During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work the tin mines that the ethnic character of the island's interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim fishermen.

In Rama V's reign, Phuket became the administration center of a group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933 with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

Boundaries

On the North Is the Pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thep Krasatri Bridge.

On the South Is the Andaman Sea.

On the East Is Ao Phang-nga Bay (In the Jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province).

On the West Is the Andaman Sea.

Climate

Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always and humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest. The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures, at 33.4 degrees Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degrees Celsius.

Transportation

By Car

Take Route 4 from Bangkok south. Along the way pass the provinces of Nakorn Pathom, Ratchburi, Petchburi, Prajuab-Kirikan, and at Chumporn go right to Ranong, From Ranong, go south through Kraburi and Kah-Perr districts to Phang-nga Province. In Phang-nga the road passes through Kuraburi, Takua Pa, and Takua Tung districts before reaching the town of Kok Kloy, just beyond which is the Tao Thep Krasatri Bridge and Phuket. Distance is 867 kilometers.

Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily. For details call the individual bus companies: Borisat Kohn Sohng Jumkat Phuket Transport Co, Ltd., in Bangkok tel. (02) 4351200, or in Phuket (076) 211480

By Air

Details about flights to and from Phuket International Airport can be obtained from Thai Airway, in Bangkok Tel. (02) 2800070,2800080, or in Phuket (076) 211195, 212499, 212946 or from travel agents around the world. There are also many regular and chartered flights from other airlines.

By Sea

The Deep Sea Port (Port of Phuket) at Phuket is visited by both cargo and cruise ship from Thailand and from abroad. Contact your travel agent for information about the may different ships that stop at Phuket.
About the Author
Chan Phoondee Web Director http://www.gosouththai.com

Published At: www.Isnare.com

By: Mark Siegel

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is without doubt one of the most exotic destinations in Southeast Asia. The island hosts a number of first class golf courses, and is a dream destination for those wishing to combine golf together with some stunning beach resorts, providing total relaxation.

Fully recovered from the tragic and unfortunate events of the December 2004 tsunami, Phuket is looking better than ever and a continuing to attract huge investment in further developing the island.

Phuket is famous for its stunning white beaches, cooling blue lagoons, and tropical mountainous interior. All of this provides a stunning and glorious image, for further enjoyment to the visiting tourist.

The capital of the island is Phuket town, but the town of Patong; on the south west side of the island is the main tourist destination. Accommodation is in abundance and suits all levels of budgets. From simple beach huts, to grand world-class resort hotels with sumptuous spa facilities, there is a huge choice throughout the island. Further up the east coast from Phuket town, lies the recently opened boat lagoon and Laguna areas, which are slowly transferring into very upmarket areas, attracting international sailing enthusiasts and holiday makers from all around the world.

Outside golf there is plenty of choice for the visiting tourist. Aside from the stunning beaches, you can visit many of the smaller island around Phuket by boat, go coral reef diving, game fishing, elephant riding, together with trips through the mountainous interior and a visit to the national park, which boasts some stunning waterfalls.

In the evening there are many choices for dining and entertainment especially in the lively town of Patong where selections range from beer bars to live music, and some locally themed shows. The restaurants provide a massive choice from local seafood to 5 star international cuisines. There is an abundance of night markets selling locally made products, and there are now some huge modern shopping malls, selling all the modern brand names.

Without doubt, Phuket is most definitely one of the great holiday destinations in the world and will provide you with a golfing holiday you are sure never to forget.

Koh Samui, referred to as the island of coconut trees, is Thailand’s third largest island and is now host to one of the most stunning championship golf courses in Asia. The only course on the island, Santiburi Samui is set in the northern part of the island, and provides some of the amazing sights of the surrounding ocean and mountains that you are likely to see anywhere in the world. I have been recommending this course since it opened a couple of years ago and the feedback is always first class.

Discovered many years ago by the first back packers who started coming to Thailand, Koh Samui has slowly transformed into a destination for both families and single travelers.

Like Phuket, the island has seen huge investment over the last few years and this continues with many international resorts being built. Samui has also kept its original style, and you can still rent beach bungalows literally a few yards from the ocean.

Famous for it's "full moon" parties, Samui has now been transformed into not only a favorite destination for party seekers, but also for more mature minded travelers seeking a quieter and less spoiled alternative to Phuket.

Like all of the leading tourist destinations, there is no shortage of choice when out dining, but without doubt, Koh Samui specializes in the finest seafood available anywhere.

The night markets sell jewelry, souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts, and are produced by the local people. However, as it is no way as commercialized as Phuket, this means as yet there are no large shopping malls.

Koh Samui cannot at present offer the same level of choice as Phuket, but do not let this put you off this stunning location. With the very cheap airfares, and its close proximity to both Bangkok and Phuket, this makes it an ideal choice for a two centre vacation.
About the Author
Mark Siegel is the owner of http://www.golfasian.com and has played golf for over 30 years. He has lived and worked across Asia during the last 20 years and during this time has traveled extensively both as a tourist and also as a resident throughout all Thailand.

Published At: www.Isnare.com

By: Siripong T

Krabi is a province of Thailand located in the southern area and has fantastic beaches along the shore plus many wonderful islands that you just can’t imagine how beautiful they are. Phi Phi Islands is one of the very famous spots in Krabi that travelers can’t miss.

About the weather in Krabi province, there are only two seasons in this region, which is different from other parts of Thailand. The summer season lasts from January to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to December. The temperature is between 16.9 and 37.3 degree Celsius throughout the year.

You can get to Krabi by car or by plane. If you drive there from Bangkok, you go along the highway number 4 through many provinces. The overall distance is approximately 946 kilometers. If you go to Krabi from Phuket, you can use highway number 402 connected to highway number 4 through Pangnga province and Krabi province. The total distance is approximately 185 kilometers. Also, the public transportation companies provide air-conditioned buses for people everyday from Bangkok and Phuket. If you decide to go there by plane from Bangkok airport, it takes about 1 hour and a half to Krabi province.

Diving at Krabi Sea is a very exciting activity that you can’t miss. Scuba diving is very popular there. Many diving service companies provide the travelers boat services from Phuket and Phi Phi Don Island. Some famous diving spots are around Phi Phi Islands and King Cruiser shipwreck. Around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le Islands, there are many diving spots such as Nui beach, Maya beach, and sea caves. You may rent a small boat called Rue Hang Yao from Phi Phi Don Island to these spots. Bidah Islands and Ha Islands (Ha means five) are also popular diving spots.

Phi Phi Islands is one of the famous islands in Thailand located in Krabi province. The word “Phi Phi” comes from a tree named “Pi-a-pee.” In 1983, the government of Thailand announced that Phi Phi Islands became a member of Nopparatthara - Phi Phi Islands national park. This park includes six islands which are Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Bidah Nok, Bidah Nai, Yung and Phai Islands. The distance between Krabi beach and Phi Phi Islands is approximately 42 kilometers.

Lanta Islands is one of the most amazing spots in Krabi. It is located in the far south of the province. In the past, villagers called this islands “Poo-Lao-Sa-Tak” which means the islands with long beaches. Some famous islands are Lanta Yai Islands, Ngai Island, Rok Nai Island and Rok Nok Island. There are a lot of resorts and hotels on the islands. You can go to Lanta Islands from Krabi beach or Phi Phi Islands.

Ao Nang is a place that has wonderful scenario with beautiful beaches such as Rai Le Beach, Tam Pra Nang Beach and Nam Mao Beach. These three beaches cannot be reached by car because they are surrounded by mountains. You can go there by boat from Ao Nang.

You can read more about Krabi and Phi Phi Islands at my web blog @ http://travel-krabi.blogspot.com
About the Author
The author owns webblog about traveling in Thailand listed below. Chiang Mai - http://travel-chiangmai-thailand.blogspot.com Phuket - http://phuketweather.blogspot.com Krabi - http://travel-krabi.blogspot.com Samui and Pa-ngan - http://samui-pangan.blogspot.com Please visit !!

Published At: www.Isnare.com