Phuket
District Guide

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Made up of 33 islands, Phuket covers an area of 570 square kilometers and has a population of about 230,000. Phuket Island, the largest, is linked to the mainland by a bridge. The country’s main source of income is tourism, though agriculture also plays a key role. The island is divided into three districts: Talang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south.

Muang District

This area provides a less expensive alternative to the west coast beach resorts and Phuket Town offers a multitude of accommodation, shopping, and fine dining opportunities. Nineteenth century buildings are much in evidence in the older quarters and their distinctive Sino-Portuguese architectural style is easily distinguished. From the summit of Rang Hill (Khao Rang) in the northwest, there are views of Makham Bay, the offshore islands, and the town itself. Within this district there are also numerous places of interest, including Phuket Aquarium, the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Aquarium and the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village.

To the east lies Siray Island, home to Phuket’s largest settlement of Sea Gypsies and about eight kilometers south is Wat Chalong and the picturesque Chalong, Phuket’s principal boat anchorage and the island’s largest bay, which has a number of renowned seafood restaurants. At the northern end is Phuket Zoo and nearby Rawai Beach. To the southwest is the Phuket Sea Shell Museum, Laem Ka Beach, a Sea Gypsy Village, restaurants, shops, hotels, fishing, and charter boats.

The prominent southern extremity of the island, called Prom Thep Cape, is a great place to enjoy a stunning sunset. Just to the north is Nai Harn Beach, popular for swimming and as a yacht anchorage in the dry season. The wide, curving Kata Beach also has ideal waters for swimming and snorkeling among the coral reefs. There are numerous accommodation options, restaurants, bars, and clubs, and a regular daylight bus service runs to Phuket Town and the other beach resorts. Karon Beach is the second largest of Phuket’s principal tourist beaches and is regarded as the trendy place to go. Between Kata and Karon there is the ever popular Dino Park Mini Golf, an outdoor entertainment and dining complex.

Within the Muang District a number of islands can be found, including Mai Ton Island, with its natural environment, white beaches, and clear waters. Kaew Island is small, but has a fine beach and surrounding coral as well as a giant Buddha statue. Lohn Island is large and mountainous, while Coral Island, part of a marine reserve, has hotel options, restaurants and water sport facilities. Raya Island is comprised of two islands that have crystal clear waters and excellent diving and fishing.

Kathu District

Renowned in this district is Patong Beach, the lively shopping and nighttime entertainment district which has transformed from a quiet fishing village to a bustling town in a relatively small number of years. It offers virtually every kind of entertainment imaginable, including bars, pubs, live music venues, discos, and restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world. Not to be overlooked is the fine bay and four-kilometer stretch of beach that beckons the water-sport enthusiast to a plethora of exciting options.

Among the major attractions in the vicinity are Phuket Water-Ski Cableways, Kathu Waterfall, Loch Palm Golf Club and Tarzan Jungle Bungee Jump<. In Patong, the famous Phuket Simon's Group's Cabaret Transvestite Show is worthwhile after-dinner entertainment, as is the, which features scenes from 16 different horror movies. On the road to Horror House, there is the Patong Go-Kart Speedway and, to the south, the Phuket Country Club Golf Course.

At the northern end of Patong Beach, Kalim Beach is, at least for now, undeveloped. This makes it the perfect option for the adventurous traveler who’s looking to get away from the crowds. Further north lies Kamala Beach, a Muslim fishing village, with a beautiful two-kilometer stretch of beach where buffalo herds are often seen cooling off in the sea in the afternoons. There are plenty of hotel options here and numerous traditional Thai seafood restaurants. Nearby is Phuket FantaSea, Thailand’s leading water-related entertainment facility.

Thalang District

Covering the northern half of the island, this district has a number of attractions, including Thalang National Museum, which has a display of ancient artifacts and exhibits relating to the famous 1785 Battle of Thalang. Nearby is the imposing Two Heroines Monument, erected in commemoration of the two sisters who were involved in the battle. Also in the area is Wat Phra Tong, home of the golden statue of Buddha that emerged from the earth many years ago.

Some of the most picturesque scenery in this area can be observed at the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers 22 square kilometers of virgin rain forest and serves as one of Phuket’s major fresh water sources with its waterfalls. The Ton Sai and Bang Pae sites of the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project are also nearby.

Beaches on the west coast include Surin Beach, another fabulous sunset location, Laem Sing Beach, small but picturesque, with outcrops of huge granite boulders, and Bang Tao Beach, which is mostly occupied by the massive resort development of Laguna Phuket. On the site is the Banyan Tree Golf Club and >Banyan Tree Spa. Nearby is the Phuket Laguna Riding Club and the Canal Village Shopping Center, which comprises of some 52 shops and service outlets.

North of Bang Tao, near the airport is Sirinat National Park, which stretches to the island’s northern-most tip and includes the 13-kilometer Nai Yang Beach. Often referred to as 'Airport Beach', this is where giant sea turtles can be seen and the National Park offices are located.

Wherever you are in Phuket, there are limitless opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and tradition or to just relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unique environment.