Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and most popular destination after Bangkok, best known for its white sandy beaches, world-class diving sites and cosmopolitan culture.
Located in southern Thailand off the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Known affectionately as the ‘Pearl of the South,’ its beaches, islands and capes are renowned all over the world.
The island is popular year-round with tourists who come for its tremendous variety of water sports, such as scuba diving, yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing and jet-skiing. Phuket is also blessed with beautiful hills, lush tropical forests and amazing sunset sceneries from areas like Promthep Cape.
As the island was once an important trade centre for Arab, Indian, Malay, Chinese and Portuguese traders, Phuket has a truly a diverse and multicultural society. Sino-Portuguese influences can be seen across the island’s colonial houses, as the Dutch, French and British established Phuket as a trading post for tin and rubber in the 18th century.
Other attractions in and around the city include Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Surin Beach, Phuket Aquarium, Phi Phi Island and the Similan Islands.