Thailand Travel

CHIANG MAI

2007-10-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai The Northern Rose

Chiang Mai or the rose of the North is a city with a history and a popular. Tourist destination. A perfect holiday spot with good accommodation, great food, excellent climate and friendly people.

King Mengrai built the city of Chiang Mai in 1296. Historically speaking, Chiang Mai succeeded the nighnouring Chiang Rai Kingdom of King Mengrai. The king, who was the Prince of Nan Chao (in what is now southwest China), had earlier conquered the post-Dvaravati kingdom of Haripunjaya (modern Lamphun) in 1281. In the 13th and 14th centuries Chiang Mai became a part of the Lan Na Thai kingdom (the kingdom of a million rice fields).

In 1556, the Burmese captured the city once again the first time was in the 11th century during the reign of King Anuruddha of Pagan. In 1775, the Thais recaptured it under King Taksin. As a result of these long occupations Chiang Mai architecture today shows a great deal of Burmese influence.

The city is still small enough for one to getaround by bicycle-which gives it a ratherprovincial, relaxed air there are other pluses-pure Clean air and almost no traffic jams.Popular tourist attractions include Buddhist temples (of which the city has over 300 at the last count and the remnants of the moat and fortified gates, which bound the old city.

This mountain getaway is also a convenient jumping-off point for treks, hill resorts, river rafting and scenic nature trails. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February, which is the cool season. The hottest month is April and the wettest September.

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Begin at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the biggest of Chiang Mai's tourist attractions, 16 kms northwest of town. Leading up to the wat is a 300-step staircase with sinuous naga side-railings. The temple, in its scenic location, is important both historically and architecturally. On the same leg of your tour, drive on to Phu Ping Palace, the winter palace of the royal family the gardens of the palace are open to the public during weekends and holidays.

Wat Chiang Man. One of the finest examples of northern Thai architecture, it was built by King Mengrai in 1296. The wat has massive teak columns, and a marble Buddhist bas-relief that stands 20 to 30 cms high. This sculpture is believed to have originated in India or Sri Lanka some 2,500 years ago. Also of interests is the 10 cm-high Crystal Buddha.

Wat Chedi Luang. The temple structure was built in the mid-15th century, and was severely damaged in either the 16th or 17th century. It is in a state of partial ruin, but is greatly revered by locals. The wat also plays a part in local Buddhist history, with the story of the Emerald Buddha being sited here in the late 15th century figuring prominently.

Wat Kuu Tao Dating back to the early 17th century, the outer wall feature amusing sculptures that enlivens the otherwise staid temple architecture. With its spheres that diminish in size towards the top, the chedi of Wat Kuu Tao is unique in the region.

Wat Phaya Sigh is Chiang Mai's best known wat. Construction of the wat began in the middle of the 14th century, with the viharn being completed by the end of that century, and bot by 1600. The wat takes its name from the Phra Singh Buddha image, which dates back at least 300 years and is supposed to have originated in Sri Lanka. However the statue's travels are clouded in a mist of uncertainty; a fact that heightens the myth surrounds the statue.

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre on Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, is the stage centre for Lanna Thai cultural performance with a Khantoke dinner, the northern traditional style dinner. Objets d'art available for sale.

Ban Rai Phai Ngam is a village of weavers famous for its cotton woven in the old style, To the left of the Chiang Mai Hot route Km68, about 4 kms off the main road.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Nature has a lot to offer in Chaing Mai.

Doi Inthanon National Park is the highest peak in Thailand and one of the best equipped to welcome visitors offering marvelous scenery. There are several waterfalls in the park, Most well known is Mae Klang Waterfall.

Doi Pui Tribal Village of Meo iss about 4kms from the Phu Phing Palace. Just and hour from the city, it offers a wonderful view of Doi Inthanon and handmade souvenirs.

Doi Ang Khang is a demonstration site for cultivating exotic vegetables and flowers under the patronage of His Majesty the King.

Haui Nam Dang National Park commands a breathtaking view of seas of mist, flower beds and tribales villages, It is about 60 kms along the Mae Malai-Pai Highway and then 6 kms on turning right On the same route is Haui Nam Roo (Sam Mueng), offering several tourist attractions such as Lisu villages, a huge opium field, coffee farm and fruit cultivation.There are several resorts mostly built in traditional Northern style: Chiang Mai-Erawan Resort, Mae Sa Valley, Kangsadan Resort, Royal Ping Garden and Resort Chiang Dao Hill, Ksisda Doi and many more.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Besides temples, there is a lot to see in this city. Tribal Research Institute is the place OT go to if you are interested in getting to know more about the several getting to know more about the several and quite different hill tribes of the region The institute is located on the Chiang Mai University campus, and has a small but excellent hill tribe museum, which features among other thins-hill tribe crafts and literature on the tribes. The crafts and literature on the tribes. The museum is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30 is to 4.30pm.

Chiang Mai Arboretum. Next to the Chiang Mai University, very attractively landscaped gardens.

Orchid Farm and Butterfly Farm. Along Mae Rim-Samoeng Road at Km 3 is the centre of all northern orchids. Two nearby orchid farm, Mountain Orchid and Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery grow the Queen of the Forest that blooms all year round. On Km 4 Mae SA Butterfly Farm has all types of butterflies.

Elephant Shows. At Km 10 on the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. Every morning trained elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills at Elephant Training Centre. On the same route at Km 19, elephants can be seen at the Pong Yaeng Elephant Centre also. Chiang Dao Elephant Camp is a riverside enclave, at Km 56 on Highway 107, featuring daily shows of elephants at work and elephant rides.

PATTAYA

2007-10-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Pattaya A great getaway

Just two hours from Bangkok is the beach resort of Pattaya-at once busy and quiet. Spend some time here and you'll discover that pattaya is really a great getaway. From a small fishing village to a major tourist resort, Pattaya has certainly changed colors.

It got of a US base at nearby Sattahip. Now the resort can lay claim to the same range of seaside attractions, the same diversity of recreations as this one. Food is great here, especially seafood which you have to try at a beachside restaurant for the sheer atmosphere. This seaside town also offers great international dining experience with restaurants catering to every taste, in every lane and by-lane. The beach is, of course, one of its main attractions. But those looking for peace and quiet could head for nearby Hat Jomtien and Wong Amat witch more than make up for the hustle and bustle of Pattaya.Tours to nearby islands, beaches and sightseeing points abound. In addition there is a full-range of activities for sports enthusiasts-snorkeling, scuba diving, shooting, bowling and great golfing.

At night the city comes alive and is ablaze with lights. There is plenty to choose from-restaurants, beer bars, cabarets, pubs, discotheques and tranquil beaches (at night they are tranquil).

GETTING THERE

Pattaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by car taking only two hours along Bangna-Trad Highway via Bangna, Bang Pakong, Chonburi and Si Racha. Eastern Bus Station at Sukhumvit Soi 63 (390-1230) has air-conditioned coaches leaving Bangkok every half hour from 5 am to 11 pm and retaining from Pattaya every half hour from 5am to 9 pm Bht 77 one way.Hualamphong Train Station on Rama IV Rd (223-0341-8) has a daily train service departing Bangkok at 7am. The train departs Pattaya for Bangkok at 2:50 pm daily. Bht31 one way.

WHERE TO GO

Beaches. As beaches go there are several-from Na Klua to Jomtien. The most famous is the one bordering Pattaya Beach Road and is packed with hotels, restaurants, shopping plazas, and bars. Jomtien Beach is relatively quieter and offers windsurfing, jet skiing etc.

Coral islands. Close by are three small islands popular for the clear blue water, the largest of which is Hoh LAN. Motor boat trips to the island take 45 minutes, and often include viewing corals from glass bottomed boats, The other two islands are Ko Sak and Ko Khrok> also nearby are Ko Lin and Ko Phai

Elephant Kraal. At the Pattaya Elephant Village, entertaining demonstrations of elephant training, racing, and round-ups can be seen. Mini Siam" The first miniature town in Southeast Asia,

Mini Siam is at Km 143 on Sukhumvit Highway, ten minutes from Pattaya. 80 models of places in Thailand are featured, including Crocodile Farm, Phra Pathom Chedi, Victory Moment, and Wat Phra Kaeo. The Million Years stone Park&Pattaya Crocodile Farm, A magnificent natural garden. Forty acres of gigantic, grotesque stones Thai Bonsai over 200 years old and a zoo. Just 15 minutes from North Pattaya. 249347-9

Nong Mooch Tropical Garden. 20 minutes from Pattaya on Km 163 is this 500 acre park with Thai-style houses, orchid and cactus gardens, and a large artificial lake. If time permits, catch the daily cultural and elephant shows.

Phra Tamnak Hill. Phra Tamnak Hill is at the southern tip of the bay, and offers the most panoramic view of the curved Bay of Pattaya.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. A fantastic place for the family. It boasts over 300 fascinating exhibits including the SOS messages from the ill-fated Titanic. It also includes Motion Master, Moving Theatre, two motion picture cinemas plus a Lazer Tag game and a hitch bumper car ride, 3rd floor, Royal Garden Plaza. The entrance fee is Bht 150 for adults and Bht 100 for chidden. Open daily from 10 am till midnight.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo. The zoo has over 80 tigers besides other animals, Open daily 9.30 am - 6.30 pm. 341 Moo 3 Nongkham, Sriracha, Chonburi. 296556-8.

Snake Show. For a really thrilling and interesting experience, visit Pattaya's Snake Show. Pythons, cobras and kraits are on show. Open daily 8.00 am -9 pm. 10/20 Moo5, Soi Noenphapwan, Nongprue. 945-297-8

Tiffany's Show. Asia's most spectacular stand-in cabaret comes to life every night at Tiffany's Sixty transvestite dancers in stunning costumes and in memorable song and dance sequences perform with a touch of flair and comedy. Dailyashow time: 7 pm, 8:30 pm and 10 pm. North Pattaya, 2nd Road. Tel 429-642, 421-700-3

Shopping. Pattaya Beach road is jammed with several shops for beachwear, souvenirs, liquor, jewelry, silks, Thai handicrafts and just about everything else. Or you can shop at department stores and shopping plazas like Royal Garden Plaza, Central Shopping Center, Mike Shopping Mall, Lotus Supermarket and Big C.

-Places of Interest in Thalang District

2007-10-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Places of Interest in Thalang District

Thalang Nation Museum Ancient artifacts from Phuket's history are on display; the oldest were found on the west coast. In addition there are elongxhibits detailing the famous Battle of Thalang involving the Two Heroines, daily life in Phuket, and the Sea Gipsy culture.

Naka Noy Island this small, guiet island with fine sandy beaches lies just off Phuket's northeast shore. Water are suitable for swimming. One item of interest at Koh Naka Noy not found in many other places is its pearl farm. Boats can be hired from Ao Por Pier, off Pa khlok road , for travel to Naka Noy Island and Package trips are available at tour agencies, generally including lunch and visit to pearl farm.

Surin Beach Evergreen trees rim this small, curving bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala. Surin is home to Phuket's first golf course, a nine-hole course laid out more than sixty years ago during the reign of King Rama VII . It is now largely in disuse except as a park The steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin dangerous place to swim during the rainy season.

Bangtao Beach is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a luxury resort. Most of it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five-hotel development with golf course. There are, however, accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end. Dry season swimming is excellent, and at the bay's north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Cherng Talay.

Nai Yang Beach is where the Nation Park office are located. The beach itself is a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnickers--for which activity this a very popular spot. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of these has, however, dropped off greatly. First class accommodations are available, and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers that visit.

-Places of Interest in Kathu District

2007-10-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

Places of Interest in Kathu District

Patong Beach This is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the year, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island's two cities. The famous bay and 4 km. beach remain as they were, with development limited to the area back of the beach road. There, however, virtually every kind of entertainment imaginable awaits visitors, with bars catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in many places, and there are also discotheques.Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. Whatever one's culinary disposition, a restaurant catering to it will be found. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to help visitors plan their vacations.

Kalim Beach This beach is really a continuation north of Patong's strand, from which it is separated by some rocks. It is yet developed and thus affords some privacy. Back of the beach are accommodations. The water contain extensive coral reefs.

Kamala Beach is a Muslim fishing village north of Patong. Tourist development on the beach much of which is covered by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming.Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is beautiful and about 2 kms. in length. There are accommodation ranging from guesthouse to international class, and a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala is the perfect place to get away from it all and has a little to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime; tuk-tuk service available to Patong, 5kms. away on the new road.

-Places of Interest in Muang District(3)

2007-10-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Places of Interest in Muang District

View Point From this point can be seen the bays Kata Noi, Kata, Karon, and also Koh Poo Island. It is one of the island's best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The Viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Harn.

Kata Beach The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low-rise. The water are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Koh Poo Island, about 0.5 km. off shore. Facilities, for every price range, include hotels, bunglows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. Regular bus service to and from Phuket Town during daytime.

Kata Noi Beach South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other delevelopment. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.

Karon Beach The second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies, and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road.

Nai Harn Beach A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dru season. The beach fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Nai Harn is just north of Prom Thep cape.

Mai Ton Island This tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters;ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makam Deep Sea Port.

Tapao Yai Island 10 minutes form Phuket by ferry from Ap Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill.

Lohn Island This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boat to Lohn Island leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.

Coral Island or Hey Island This island of Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. in addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Hey island is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurant, various watersports, and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai beach and Chalong bay. There are also package tours available.

-Places of Interest in Muang District(2)

2007-10-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Places of Interest in Muang District

Cholang Temple is about 8 kms.outside town, Take Vichit Songkram Rd.to to Bypass Rd.and turn left,and drive for about 10 mins.Wat Chalang will be on your left.This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Por Cham, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Ahngyee,or Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Por Chuang Por Chuang,and Luang Por Gluam,other monks, who were abbots of the temple during later times,and who are the objects of respect and recipients of offerings by Phuket people genarally.

Chalong Bay Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay.Ao chalong has a long flat,shallow,muddy bottom; at ebbtide, waters recede as much as one kilometer.It is very picturespue but useless of swimming.Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well hnown for their seafood. Charters to various places can be arranged from there, and it is the center of the island's yachting businesses. To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd. or Jao Fah Towan Okk Rd.to Chalong Circle,often called the Ha Yaek,or Five Ways,because it is a five-way intersection. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.

Phuket Sea Shell Museum Perhaps the world's most valuable collection of seashells has been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Phuket and Thai waters, which are among the most sough-affter by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured, Wherever they originate,each shell in the Shell Museum is the best of its type very often the only of its type.Displays have been created in a logical order,and visitors can see at once differing characteristics among related species. There are numerous rarities and freaks including the world's largest dolden pearl(140 karats),large sections of sedimentary roch containing shell fossils that represent the earth's earliest life-forms, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms.One of the world's great private museums, the Shell Museum is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.

Rawai Beach Site of a Chao Lay or sea Gipsy willage, many restaurants and bungalows,shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats.The waters are okay for swimming;snorkeling on the reefs off shore.Rawai is 7 kms.west of Chalong Circle .

Prom Thep Cape 'Prom' is Thai for the Hindu 'Brahma' signifying puritym,and 'Thep'means 'God'.Promthep is a headland stretching is to the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been a prominent feature for mariners since of early aeafarers from the sub-continent,remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's west coast. From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and sas former-ly called by local villagers 'Laem Jao' (The gods'Cape). From the clffs runnng down to the boulders at the sea swirl in the diip water and breakers harl themselves in vain against the rocky point: it is one of Phuket's most From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Harn Beach.

Sehn Bay A small bay with many rock and corals. Snorkeling and diving are okey, but swimming without a mask could be dangerous among the coral. For sunbathyers, this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Harn offers some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies food and drink. Cheap bungalows are located just west of the beach. To get there go through the parking lot of the Phuket Yacht Club hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km.

-Places of Interest in Muang District(1)

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Places of Interest in Muang District

Kao Rang A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Kao Rang Hill, on the city's northwest. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiast, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.

Antique Buildings The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese, and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many,especially on Dibuk Rd.,have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called 'Old Phuket',with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Jahngwah), and Nakorn Luang Thai Bank.

Phuket Aquarium More than one-hundred species of sea life are on display at the apuarium,many of them taken from the waters around Phuket.Open daily,8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.,the apuarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission is 5 baht for children and 20 baht for adults.A songtaew(local bus) can be taken from the Talad Soht, or Fresh Market.

Sapan Hin A land reclamation protion project provided abundant new land now used for parks and public facilites at Sapan Hin,locatedc where Phuket Rd. meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the The Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australia who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of 60 th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. The Sport Center is located in the park.

Sirey Island Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Llong Ta Jin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Koh Sirey, on the hill,has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings.Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gipsies,or Chao Lay,are on Koh Sirey at Laem Tuk-kae.Swimming is not good becarse of the muddy bottom.There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.

-GETTINGTHERE(Phuket)

2007-10-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

G E T T I N G T H E R E

By car: Take Route 4 from Bangkok south. Along the way pass the provinces of Nakorn Pathom, Ratchburi, Petchburi, Prajuab-Kirikan,and at Chumporn go right to Ranong. From Ranong, go south through Kraburi and Kan-Perr districts to Phang-nga Province. In phang-nga the road passes through Kuraburi, Takua Pa, and Takua Tung districts before reaching the town of Kok Kloy, just beyond which is the Tao Thep Krasatri Bridge and Phuket. Distance is 867 kilometers.

By Coach: Both air-conditioned and nonair-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily. For details call the individual bus companies : Borisat Kohn Sohng Jumkat Phuket Transport Co, Ltd., in Bangkok tel.(02)4351200,or in Phuket (076) 211 480; Borisat Phuket Central Tour, in Bangkok tel. (02) 4343233, or in Phuket (076) 213615, 214335; Phuket Travel Service, in Bangkok tel.(02) 4355018,4355034, or in Phuket (076) 222107-9.

By Air : Details about flights to and from Phuket International Airport can be obtained from Thai Airways, in Bangkok Tel. (02) 2800070,2800080,or in Phuket (076) 211195,212499,212946, or from travel agents around the world. There are also many regular and chartered flights from other airlines

By Sea : The Deep Sea Port (Port of Phuket) at Phuket is visited by both cargo and cruise ships from Thailand and from abroad. Contact your travel agent for information about the many different ships that stop at Phuket.

PHUKET GENERAL INFORMATION

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G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

Phuket Island has a long recorded history, and remains dating back to AD 1025 indicate the island's present day name derives in meaning from the Thamil manikram, or crystal mountain. For most of history, however,it was known as Junk Ceylon,which,with variations,is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its roots in Ptolemy's Geographic, written by the Alexandrian geographer in the third Century AD He mentioned that in making a trip from suwannapum to Malay Peninsula it was necessary to pass the cape of Jong Si Lang.

Phuket was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of Shivite empire (call in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first millennium AD Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of Srivichai and Siri Tahm empire. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket's emblem,by which it was known to others in those largely preliterate times, was the dog.

During the sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pah in what is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch established a trading post during the Ayuthaya Period in the 16th Cent. The island's northern and western parts were given over to the tin trade, a concession in the hands of foreigners.

After Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drive out the Burmese and reunified the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive. They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma. This led to Phuket's most memorable historic event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, wife of Phuket's recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook. After a month's siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785.Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.

In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasarti, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister become Thao Sri Suntorn.

During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work the tin mines that ethnic character of the island's interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim fishermen.

In Rama V's reign, Phuket became the administrative center of a grape of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1993, with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

Location and Boundaries

Phuket is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7'45" and 8'15" north latitude, Thailand's largest island, Phuket is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers. It is bounded thus:

- On the North: Lies the pak Prah Strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side, the older Sarasin Brides ,and the newer Thao Thep Kraratri Bridge.
-On the South: Is the Andaman Sea.
-On the East:Is Ao Phang-nga Bay(In the jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province).
-On the West: Is the Andaman Sea.

Economy

Since the early 1980's the tourist business has been Phuket's chief source of income. Hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and souvenir shops are mach in evidence on the west coast. However, while once all-important tin mining has ceased, tourism is by no means the is land's only activity. Agriculture remains important to a large number of people, and covers by far the most part of the island. Principal crops are rubber, coconuts,cashews,and pineapples. Prawn farming has largely taken over the east and south coasts. Pearl farming is also important. Phuket's fishing port is at all times filled. and processing of marine products,mainly fish,makes a significant contribution to the economy.

With so many healthy industries supplying income, construction has become a major factor in employment. This ranges from massive public works projects, large office buildings and hotels, and housing estates with hundreds of units, down to single family homes, apartments and additions.

Population

Official population as of December 31, 1998, was 231,206. This figure numbers those who are registered as living in Phuket. Phuket's attraction as a center of economic activity has resulted in many living on the island whose registration is elsewhere. The total population of Phuket varies considerably depending on the time of year, though it is never less than the figure given above.

Government

The island is divided into three districts, Talang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south. Thailand's system of government relies upon a strong central appointed by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, as are the Nai Amper, or District Chief. The cities of Phuket and Patong have their own city governments, with elected city councils, the leading members of which serve as mayor. There are also elected provincial, district, and sub district, or Tambon councils. The local constabulary is part of the Interior Ministry.