Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful history.

Rawai Beach

Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Kata Beach

The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities for every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. There is 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 development. 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. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Nai Han Beach

A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

Viewpoint

A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

Coral Island or Hey Island

This island off 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. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available.

Raya (or Racha ) Islands

Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast. - Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving. - Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable. To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

Rang Yai Island

Rang Yai Island Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon.

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 picturesque but not for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well known 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 Tawan Okk Rd., to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.

Sehn Bay

A small bay with many rocks and corals. Snorkeling and diving are possible. For sunbathers, this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Han offers some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies food and drink. 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.

Phrom Thep Cape

"Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma"signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers 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 was formerly called by local villagers "Leam Jao" (The Gods' Cape). From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point : it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Han Beach.

Ka Cape

Ka cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island. Located at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of the point is Leam Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. The extensive coral reefs offshore make for interesting snorkeling mornings. Bungalows, Thai food, and boat charters to the islands are available. Ka Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.