PHUKET OVERVIEW |
Phuket Town is the largest town in Phuket Province. It has a population of 63,000 and is the economic hub of the island. Phuket Town is also a travel hub for those heading to the beaches, but unlike it's kindred city to the east, Chumphon, it's actually a great place to stay in its own right. Since most of the roads and transportation for Phuket province pass through this town in the island's southeast, you're likely to find yourself staying 'in town' more than once, but your time here needn't be wasted. From an architectural standpoint, it's one of the most interesting towns in southern Thailand, featuring some lovely Portuguese-Thai buildings, as well as a handful of great eateries and reasonably-priced hotels and guesthouses.
Although the town is quite sprawling, most of the stuff attractive to travellers is within the area circumscribed by Ratsada, Yaowarat, Thung Kha and Thepkasatri Roads. If you're staying in this area, it's easy enough to walk to most places, which gives you a chance to lazily observe the charming architecture. At the same time, while there are quite a few worthwhile places to visit, they're spread out across the entire area, it's not a place where you can just wander around hoping to find a good bar or restaurant by chance.
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PHUKET TRAVEL TIPS |
Climate
There are only two seasons in a year. The rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23oC and 33oC.
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GETTING IN - OUT
PHUKET |
* Car : Travelling from Bangkok you take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.
* Train : There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket.
* Ferry : During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500 baht. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.
* Bus : The air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours.
* Plane : This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators are Phuket Air , Bangkok ,Thai Airways International ,One-to- Go, Air Asia and Nok Air.
There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney. The air carriers are Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. |
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GETTING AROUND
PHUKET |
* Motorcycle taxis : This costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip to travel around Phuket City. Alternatively, motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from several operators along beaches. The cost may vary from 150 baht 300 baht / day, depending on the number of cylinders.
* Songthaeo : Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.
* Tuk-Tuks : This can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 baht.
* Taxi Meter : Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.
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PHUKET FOODS |
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ENTERTAINMENT |
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