Phuket - Southern Thailand

15.01.2009 19:30

Phuket International Airport

Phuket is the most well known tourist resort in Thailand, a large island in the Andaman Sea and almost a country in itself with its unique up market resorts and lifestyle...

Recommended for: beach lovers, party goers, sophisticated tourists, all age groups.

Not recommended for: those seeking a simple or cheap lifestyle.

Phuket Then:

Phuket’s history dates back to the 17th century when all the trading nations on the seas such as the French, Dutch and English used Phuket as a trading base and extracted its tin ore. IN 1785, the Burmese took their turn to capture Phuket but were eventually repelled after a month long siege by troops gathered together by two local sisters. Phuket still reveres these women. Morerecently Phuket received great notoriety as it suffered massive destruction at the hands of the Tsunami on Boxing Day. Much could have been done to avoid the devastation as the Thai authorities ignored warnings until far too late.

Phuket Now:

The International airport has built Phuket into almost a country in it’s own right. Indeed many Americans who love Phuket believe Phuket International Airport that Thailand is a place just north of the country of Phuket! The high-end villas, world-class cuisine and infrastructure make Phuket a world away from traditional Thailand. The only similarity is the staff are the same as elsewhere but there is huge financial disparity between the super-rich and those on local wages. In the end, the stunning scenery and beautiful clear water bays are a perennial favorite with all visitors and experts who make their home there.

Patong Beach Phuket

Little Known Facts:

- Phuket used to be called Junk Ceylon from its early trading days

- Phuket was famous for its tin ore

- Over 7,000 people died in the terrible 2004 Tsunami on Phuket of which Sweden alone lost 1,000 people

Below are the latest Ginger Network guides on how to get there, things to do, where to go out, where to stay and making a life there. Be sure to check back regularly as this section is frequently updated with the latest local information...

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