Chalong Bay Phuket

Chalong Bay is the main public marina in Phuket, if you come in with a boat from outside Thailand you better come in here. The formalities are done quickly and a safe anchor is guaranteed. Beside the pier a couple of good restaurants, small hotels, supply shops, travel agents, dive supply outlets and transport facilities offer their services. Nearby, you can rent houses for short or long term and the distance to Patong Beach and Phuket Town is only 20 minutes by car.

If you turn right at the Chalong circle, towards Phuket City, you also will find Family (Israeli run) restaurant - the environment is a little strange but the food not bad further up on the left is a Swiss restaurant – the Flintstone Bakery - where you can get all the bread you missed. In the Fisherman Way Business Park – a short distance further on - you can stock your wine selection and buy chocolate creations from Belgium.

Around the Chalong circle are plenty of restaurants, naturally you can find Thai restaurants, Seafood restaurants, plus a Swiss restaurant, Israeli restaurant, French restaurant, Indian restaurant -not very good but many mosquito - a bakery with excellent bread, sausages, sandwiches, goulash and cakes. Other restaurants at Chalong Bay offer other food of various types and quality. Lately a couple of new apartment buildings have been finished, some have nice modern styling but most have the usual quite ugly styling common everywhere in Thailand.
chalong bay phuket southern thailand tropical exotic flower at chalong circle phuket southern thailand.

At Chalong Bay after the school, turn right to have a look for the best orchid nursery in southern Thailand. The nursery is run by a Thai - German couple. The colors of the countless orchids will make you stay for a while. They have information leaflets in English, German, Russian and Scandinavian language.

Actually Phuket island tripled the population since 1998, form everywhere in Thailand the people are moving into Phuket to look for a better life in the tourism industry. Naturally this brings some money for the people but also a lot of problems, especially traffic problems, the roads are clogged with cars and motocycles -small motorbikes- unbelievable accidents happen. About 200.000 accidents per year, mainly with motocyc are about 20 times as much as in a similar sized and populated area in the "West" this is mainly because no one cares on any traffic rules.

...Read more

More About Phuket

Climate
Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm and humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest. The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures, at 33.4 degree Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degree Celsius.

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 much in evidence on the west coast. However, while once all-importance tin mining has ceased, tourism is by no means the island'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 largly taken over the east and south coasts. Pearl farming is also important. Phuket's fishing port is at all time 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 range 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, 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, through it is never less than the figure given above.

Government
The island is divided into three districts, Thalang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south. Thailand's system of government relies upon a strong central authority, thus the Provincial Governor is a civil servant appointed by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, as are the Nai Amphoe, 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.

...Read more

Phuket Island History

Phuket Island has a long recorderd history, and remains dating back to A.D. 1025 indicate that the island's present day name derives in meaning from the Tamil 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 Geographia, written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. He mentioned that in making a trip from Souwannapum to the Malay Peninsula it was neccesary to pass the cape of Jang 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 the Shivite empire (called in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first Millenium A.D. Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahm empires. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket's emblem, by which it was known to others in those largely pre-literate times, was the dog.

During the Sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pa 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 central regions then were governed by the Thais, and the southern 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 drove out the Burmese and re-unified 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 hitoric 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 governer, 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 Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister became Thao Sri Sunthon.

During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work for the tin mines that the 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 group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933, with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

...Read more

Islands in Phuket Island

Phuket Island is surrounded by another 32 smaller islands. Many of them are not inhabited, many of them are palm plantations, and many offer very nice sandy beach, which are famous as Thailand Andaman Beaches and Seacoast, with tropical coral reefs. Phuket beach bungalows and resorts are available in some of these islands. And some islands are accessible only by small speedboats or local long-tail boats.

Coconut Island
Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.

Coral Island or Hey Island
This island off Phuket's south coast is well known for its coral reefs and two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Heh is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various water sports, and diving are all available. You can travel there by boats from Rawai and Chalong. There are also package tours offer for visitors.

Kaew Island
A fine beach with natural surroundings and coral are located 3 kms from Rawai, south of Prom Thep. You can take chartered boat to be there only 15 minutes from Rawai .There is also a huge statue of the Buddha you can visit.

Khai Island
Lying off Phuket's East Coast, this small island has beautiful beaches and tropical reefs so close that you can wade out to see colorful fishes and sea urchins.

Lohn Island
This great, mountainous island is only 20 minutes from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. You can take regular passenger boats, which leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier. jost people living there are Muslim whose careers are fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast.

Mai Ton Island
It is a small island off Phuket's southeast coast. It is awarded for its perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal water best for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business here is the plush Maiton Island Resort. For those who do not wish to stay overnight, they may take a daytime trip leaving from Ao Makam deep sea Port.
Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.

Rang Yai Island
Lying off Phuket's East Coast, this small island has been developed for outdoors-minded tourists. Many activities there are sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. For travel to Koh Rang Yai, boat may be hired from Laem Hin Pier, just outside Phuket Town before the town of Sapam.

Raya Islands or Racha Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast and southwest off Phuket's southern coast.

Raya Yai Island
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hills that stretch away from it like two arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The sands are sparkling clean and the water crystal clear like those of the Similan Islands. From the top of a hill on the bay's south is a viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay is a coral reefed where diving is excellent.

Raya Noi Island
This islands 10 kms from Koh Raya Yai. It is originated from coral reef building up and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at this island are emerald green. Fishing is famous, but swimming is not advised. To get there , you can find a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to a travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. But by larger boats operated by tour companies, it takes about one hour. Travelling to the Racha Islands is restricted to the dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

Similan Islands
For divers and marine life fanatics, no trip to Thailand is complete without a few days spent at the Similan archipelago, which is rated as one of the world's top dive destinations. The tropical beauty of the pristine 9-island group will appeal to non-divers as well - the virgin jungle, fine sands and unusual granite formations on the islands are nearly as breathtaking as the depths of the sea that encompasses them. Accommodation is limited to basic government-run bungalows and tents that get booked up very quickly - it's therefore recommended to join a liveaboard trip and stay on the boat.

Tags: Phuket Island, Phuket Attractions, Phuket Travel, Phuket Travel Info.

...Read more

Thai Mother's Day

August 12th in Thailand is the Queen's Birthday. As she is considered to be mother to all Thais, this day is also celebrated as Mother's Day.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was born on Friday, August 12,1932, as the eldest daughter of His Highness Prince Chandaburi Suranath and Mon Lung Bua Kitiyakara. Her Majesty was born with the royal title of Mon Rajawongse and Her name "Sirikit", which means "Glory to the Kitiyakara Family",was Given by His Majesty Fing Prajadhipok (Rama VII ). Mon Rajawongse Sirikit began her studies at Rajini School ro the Queen's School and during World War II she transferred to St. francis Xavier Convent School in Bangkok. At the end of the Second World War, her father was appointed the Thai minister to France and Denmark and full Ambassador to the United Kingdom. She thus accompanied him and continued her education in Europe here she met His Majesty King Bhumibol.

Starting a few weeks before the Queen's birthday, all buildings are covered up with Royal symbols and portraits of Her Majesty all over the Thai kingdom.

On 12 August, jasmine, symbolic of the selfless virtue of a mother who gives life to her children, is seen everywhere in Thailand. Charitable activities, food offering to monks and donations are part of the events of the day to express children's gratitiude to every mother.

As a tribute to Her Majesty's boundless contributions for the happiness of the entire population and the prosperity of the nation as a whole, August 12 is now a public holiday. We join all loyal and devoted subjects of the kingdom in wishing Her Majesty the Queen a long life of good health and happiness.

...Read more