Phuket
Island
Phuket is one Thailans's southern
provinces, lying on the west coast
in the Andaman Sea, which is a part
of the Indian Ocean, from 7 degrees
45 minutes latitude to 8 degrees 15
minutes north latitude and 98 degrees
15 minutes to 98 degrees 40 minutes
east longitude. The total area of
Phuket, which is Thailand's largest
island, and the islands surrounding
it that together Phuket province,
is 570 sq. kms. At its greatest, breatest
length is 48.7 kms. the province is
bordered thus:
On
the north: is Pahk Prah Channel;
Phang-nga Province is connected to
Phuket by two bridges in the same
area, Sarasin Bridge and Thao Thep
Krasattri Bridge.
On the south: lies
the Andaman Sea.
On the east: is the
Bay of Phang-nga.
On the west: lies
the Andaman Sea.
Phuket is broket
by mountains and valleys throughout
mainly from a north - south range running
down the west coast. This accounts for
about 70 percent of the land area.
The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song (12
Cane Peak) is roughly 529 meters, in
Tambon Patong, Kathu District. The other
30 percent of the land mass is flat
land located mainly in the central and
eastern portions of the island. Sandy
beaches and mountains lie on the west;
in addition there are small estuaries
and lagoons, including Klong Bang Yai,
Klong Ta Jeen, Klong Ta Rua, and Klong
Bang Rong.
Investment in the tourism
business has seen the most expansion
and is the area with the greatest income.
Tourist related businesses include:
hoTels, restaurants tour agencies, and
souvenir shops.
Ariculture is also
important, including chiefly: rubber
planting, coconut, and pineapple. There
is considerable activity as well as
fishing and raising fish and shellfish
in farms.
Important industries include: processing
of agricultural products, and refining
tin.
Phuket government is divide into 3 districts
(Called 'Amphur'): Amphur Muang (Phuket
Town), Talang, and Kathu.
By car or coach:
From Bangkok use route 4 passing Nakorn
Pathom, Prachuabkirikan, Chumporn Provinces,
Kraburi and Kaper districts in Ranong
Province, and Kuraburi, Takua Pa and
Takua Tung districts in Phang-nga Province.
There you will reach Ban Kok Kloy, the
last big town on the road to Phuket,
which, though and island, is reached
by crossing the Thao Thep Krasattri
Bridge. The total distance is about
867 kms.
Bus
transport: includes both air
and non-air conditioned coaches leaving
from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal
daily. Phone number to contact for further
information:
The
Transport Company Ltd. Tel:
02 435 1200 or, in Phuket Tel: 076
211 480
Phuket Central Tours Tel:
02 434 3233 or, Tel: 076 213 615 and
076 214 335
Phuket Travel Service Tel:
02 435 5018, 02 435 5034 or, in Phuket
Tel: 076 222 107-9
By
Air: Phuket can be reached
directly from points all over the
world. For further information contact
Thai Airways International or travel
agents. Thai Airways numbers in Bangkok
aie Tel: 0 280 0070 and in Phuket
are Tel: 07 621 1195, 076 212 499,
076 212 946.
By
Sea: Port of phuket at Ao Makham
has facilities for cargo transfers,
and is also a flequent stop of cruise
ships both from Thailand and fromabroad.
Contact Tel: 076 391 155 for information
about cruises touching at port of
Phuket.
Bus
8 am. - 6 pm. unique looking buses
leave every 30 minutes from Phuket
market, which is located on Ranong
Road, to many places all over Phuket
Island. This form of transport is
a good choice for those who are not
a hurry. The bus fares range from
15 to 25 Baht depending on destintion.
Motorcycle
Rental
There are several sizes of motorcycles,
from 90 CC. to 400 CC. for you to
rent. Rental shops will keep your
passport during the rental period,
The prices begin at 150 Baht/day depending
on the size that you choose. Look
for a shop that a sign "For Rent"
in the front.
Tuk-Tuks
& motorcycle Taxis
Tuk-Tuks are three or four wheeled
small vehicles, and are another style
of transportation unique to Thailand.
These and normal motorcycle taxis
both cost 15 Baht per person no matter
where you go within Phuket Town. You
cal aalos hire a Tuk-Tuk to go anywhere
around Phuket Island, even from the
east to west of the island. The price
depens on how far would like to go.
Car
Rental
This is best way for one who would
like to travel around Phuket Island
in real convenience. Not only international
driving licenses, but also your own
country's one are valid to rent a
car prices begin at sbout 1,000 -
1,200 Baht/day.
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