Phuket

867 kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket is the only island having provincial status, and is a regional headquarters, with a rich and colourful history. Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 years. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand. The surrounding waters contain varied  marine life, and the town is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is popular for sightseeing, with fine beaches and forested hillsides. Apart from tourism the main occupation is rice farming.

Patong Beach - the most developed beach of Phuket. Very busy with plenty of shopping and night life.
Karon Beach - more relaxed in style, with beach front bungalows & hotels. Superb clean beaches & still good for shopping & night life.
Kata Beach - very peaceful clean beach with horseback riding along the beach a common sight and trekking  tours into the lush interior.
Kamala Bay - the place to go for the local feel, coconut plantations and fishing villages complement perhaps the most beautiful beach in Phuket.
Phang Nga Bay - made famous by the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. The bay is dotted with towering limestone islands jutting out of the tranquil sea.
Pearl Farms - an easy day trip from Phuket, permits are required to visit, but the quality of pearls are exceptional.