Phuket is a Thai island that sits on the outstretched arm of the Malaysian peninsula. It is officially within Thailand’s borders but juts out from the mainland by several miles.
If you know anything about Thailand, you’ll know that Phuket is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning scenery and beautiful white-sand beaches. It’s like a little slice of heaven.
Why do so many people love Phuket? Let’s take a look.
The Accommodation
If there’s one thing that the Thais know how to do well, it’s accommodation. And the shelter in Phuket is second-to-none. The nice thing about accommodation on the island is that it is designed to suit all budgets. There are upmarket hotels which offer views out over the Indian Ocean, as well as more modest accommodation near the tourist centers.
The Tours
Phuket is a popular stop-off on luxury Southeast Asia tours. The island has a long history of tourism and is now a part of many tour routes. Phuket lends itself to brief visits. You could take a stroll along one of the island’s many beaches, eat in one of its fabulous restaurants, or go for a paddle in its natural turquoise waters, and then move on to your next destination.
The Adventure
Adventure tourism isn’t the main reason that people travel to Phuket, but that doesn’t mean that the island neglects it. In fact, there are many opportunities to get your blood pumping, should you want to. You’ll find snorkeling, white water rafting, zip lines and kayaking opportunities across the island. Just remember, if you do decide to partake in some adventure, then make sure that you go with a trained guide.
The History
Phuket is best known as a white sand beach holiday destination, but the island also has a rich and varied history. In colonial times, the British, French, and Portuguese all wanted control of its resources. The island had rich deposits of tin which traders believed they could sell to the American colonies and domestic markets.
Today, Phuket is one of the wealthiest regions in all of Thailand. It’s inherited many of the mining operations began by early colonialists and continues to export minerals to the global market.
The Culture
Phuket is primarily a Buddhist region, home to dozens of unique and interesting temples. However, there is also a sizeable Muslim contingent on the island too because of the proximity to Malaysia. If you visit Phuket, make sure that you visit the Thalang National Museum to learn more about the island’s cultural and religious history. If you’re more interested in the economy, then be sure to go to the Phekt Mining Museum where you’ll learn all about how miners first began exploiting the land.
The Smiles
Thailand brands Phuket “the land of smiles,” and when you arrive here, it’s not hard to see why. The island is brimming with beauty and exciting things to do. The fact that the weather is excellent and the people friendly helps enormously too. Will you visit Phuket on your next trip to Thailand?
The Bitter Lemon 