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This accounts for about 70% of the land area. The tallest peak,
Mai Tao Sip Song (12 Cane Peak) is 529 meters. The other 30% of the island
is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern portions of the
island.
Laying in the Andaman Sea off southern Thailands west coast, the
islands terrain is incredibly varied, with rocky headlands, long broad
sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, forested hills, small estuaries, lagoons,
and tropical vegetation of all kinds. Its large size has allowed
microclimates to develop in different areas of the island.
The island offers
many different looks and feels for you to discover and enjoy. Kata Beach
with its spectacular tropical scenery compared with the stately casuarinas trees that are found on Nai Yang Beach just a few kilometers north. The
triple canopy rainforest of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park to the mud flats
and mangrove swamps of Koh Siray. Limestone outcroppings line the east coast
and solid granite boulders on the west. Phuket is truly a tropical
wonderland and offers something for just about everyone.
To help you find your way around the island
this guide divides the island into five geographical areas Patong
Beach,
South Coast Area, Phuket Town,
North Coast Area and the
North Central
Area.
It is organized around and gives directions from the Patong Beach area
because the majority of visitors are located there. Those staying in the
Kamala Beach area north of Patong or the Kata and Karon Beach areas to the
south should be able to easily make the necessary adjustments for distance
and travel time.
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The Ten Must Do List
It seems every one has a top ten list
and so do we. Doing even half of the things on the list will virtually
assure you have an enjoyable experience during your visit to Phuket.
Complete the list and you may never go home, or if you do, it may only be to
plan your next visit.
- Take a drive along the south coast of
the island between Kata Beach and Promthep Point. This is truly one of
the most beautiful and scenic drives anywhere in the world. The drive
takes less than an hour, so stop at each rest area and delight in the
stunning views.
- Take a visit to nearby Phang-nga Bay (by
Sea Canoe or or small boat if possible). You will be missing one of the
true natural wonders of the world if you miss this opportunity to
appreciate the striking rock and limestone formations and spectacular
scenery of this amazing bay.
- Experience the majestic rainforest by
walking a few of the trails at one of the national parks. The easiest to
reach, and one of the most interesting, is Khao Phra Thaeo
National Park located on the north end of Phuket Island.
- Drive the north coast and enjoy the sensation of having a
tropical beach all to yourself.
- Watch the sunset from Cape Promthep,
then dine on seafood at Kang Eng Restaurant in Chalong
Bay.
- Visit the Night Market in Phuket Town,
enjoy the enormous selection of Thai food, fruit and desserts -- all at
incredibly low prices.
- Khao Rang Hill in Phuket Town affords a
beautiful view of Phuket Town and is a great place to enjoy a lunch or
dinner.
- Have your fortune told while you visit
the famous Wat Chalong.
- Have a traditional Thai massage. Those
staying in the Patong Beach area can easily reach the Hide-away Spa
and enjoy this relaxing traditional Thai herbal spa and massage.
- Get off the beach in front of your hotel and go somewhere.
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