 About
Phuket
Geography
 867 kilometers south from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, Phuket, is Thailand's largest island and the country's only island province. Connected by bridges to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, it lies between 7'45" and 8'15" north latitude, and from 98'15" to 98'40" west longitude on the map.
With a population of approximately 1.6 million, Phuket' s 570 square kilometers area comprises of 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 km; at its longest, 48.7 km. The island is sparsely populated outside Phuket Town.
It is bounded thus:
North Lies the Pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thepkrasatri Bridge.
South Is the Andaman Sea.
East Is Phangnga Bay (In the jurisdiction mainly of Phangnga Province).
West Is the Andaman Sea.
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 Thao Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District.
The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin, Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, none of which is large.
Weather
 Phuket'
s weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm 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°C, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22°C.
 Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest.
The September-October period is also the wettest. The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C).
The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging
from 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 36°C). There are frequent short heavy thunder
showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. The
Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws)
cool water on each other. No wonder! Locals enjoy June, July and August,
since the weather is usually fine and our favorite haunts remain un-crowded.
The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine
between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time
of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70°F and 90°F (20°C
to 33°C).
During September and early October locals start to remember their umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors. And even at this time, we still get long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Plenty of low season activities, both water- and land-based, are still available on Phuket during this wettest part of the summer season.
Attraction
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which dates back over 500 year.
Today, Phuket is the country's major tourist attraction. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the island itself is blessed with lovely seashores and forested hillsides. Approximately 1.75 million Rai of the island is forest. Phuket Town also has some wonderful examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture.
The landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen spectacular beaches. Unspoiled stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbors by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea.
The dream of escaping to an idyllic tropical island becomes a reality on Phuket; Thailand's southern paradise.
|
