Phuket Province
Phuket is the most developed and wealthiest tourist destination of Thailand. Most popular and more expensive then other locations in Thailand. The island is located in the southern part of the country and is surrounded by the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean. Phuket was not only a fishermen place before tourism set in but its main source of income was the mining of tin. The population is a mix of Thais and muslims visible on the many mosques and temples around the island. Phuket offers all it takes to enjoy an exciting beach vacation with lots of activities because there is so much to do. Delicious seafood, international cuisine, fast food from all over the globe and best Cappuccino and ice-cream, just to mention that part that spoils us during a memorable vacation. Scuba diving, shark viewing trips, para-sailing, water-skiing and maybe a bungee jump it offers pretty much all you always wanted to do and this makes it the most attractive place to go to, for visitors from all over the world.
The best way to get around the island is by car and it is the safest to start your trip and explore the surroundings. It truly has a lot to offer like visiting the protected rainforest reservations in the Northern part. Fact is, even the island has a booming tourist industry 70% of it is still covered with forest and has beautiful waterfalls you can visit.
The landscape offers soft bright beaches that merge into hills and mountains, providing an awesome view when you have made your way up to the top. Mangrove lagoons and coconut plantages can be visited on the east part of Phuket.
I bet you still can find your own undisturbed favorite beach where you can snorkel away and enjoy the fantastic variety of tropical fish and corals. Affordable car rentals are available at the Beach Road in Patong Beach, companies there offer jeeps and small cars for daily rental. Starter prices to rent a car is between 1000 to 1500 Thai Baht and if you rent your vehicle for a longer period, you should go into negotiation for a discount price. Currently there are also bigger car rentals available like Avis or Hertz, their cars are more reliable but also more expensive.
When you're planning a trip to Phuket you should stay at least one night in Patong beach just for the experience. Patong is the most busiest town around the island and provides the visitors with handcrafted souvenirs, tailor shops, painters are exhibiting their work, restaurants and bars, dive shops, and first class accommodations. This makes it the perfect tourist spot of the island to meet people of all nationalities. There are luxurious shopping malls offering from footwear to jewelry and the latest fashion. Thai food is available along the Beach Road and for those who like the nightlife this town is buzzing and alive. Many discotheques and bars shut down in the early morning or are open for 24 hours.
Patong is the most expensive beach with hotel chains of multinational making and resorts. If you look for a budget friendly accommodation to stay, you should plan your trip early and reserve your room in time because most of them will be already booked when you arrive during the high season and not having made a proper reservation. The most busy time in Phuket will be November to February and the Beach Road will be over-crowded with tourists. If you did not make a reservation when arriving in Thailand recommended is to book a room through a travel agent in Bangkok or online then you have more chance to get cheaper prices then simply walk-in.
In recent years Phuket attracted many foreign and local investors that developed condominium buildings and that started to build giant shopping centers. The English Chain Tesco Lotus the French Carrefour and Macro are widely available around the island.
Currently Phuket introduced also new metered taxis. I remember a time when you had to negotiate the price for each trip again and again and sweat in the cars as they did not even have airco. Now all you have to do is dial the number of the taxi central and a cab will be right in front of your door step to pick you up, 24 hours a day availability, nicely air conditioned and comfortable. At the airport taxis are always available.
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