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Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest island (810 sq km ) and a province in itself. lt is also Thailand's wealthiest province, and although tourism is Its biggest source of income (along with tin, rubber and cashews ),the island is still large enough to accommodate escapists of nearly all budget levels. Phuket Hotels

Thailand’s largest island and Asia’s finest beach destination, Phuket is the size of Singapore but could not be more different. Rising luxuriantly from the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a mountainous realm boasting forested hills; sheer, limestone cliffs; gorgeous, palm-fringed, powdery or rocky beaches; and stunning coves, islands, and inlets around its perimeter. Housing world-class spa resorts, famous seafood restaurants, fantastic sporting and leisure opportunities, and an idyllic tropical climate, visitors to Phuket only complain when they are forced to leave the Island! Although most famous for its sea, sand and surf attractions, Phuket’s varied land-based sites beg discovery. Ride a traditional water buffalo drawn cart through the old tin mines here in the island’s rarely visited north. Visit a local farmhouse in the same area where you can view local farming techniques before joining villagers at their homes to enjoy a refreshing ice tea and homemade desserts. Drive into Phuket town to visit the oldest, best preserved and most impressive Sino-Portuguese building - Indiana Jones and Heaven and Earth were two of the movies filmed here. Embark on an intrepid elephant trek through a wild and verdant forest, and spy well-trained Pigtail Macaque monkeys swooping down from a great height to pick coconuts, and meet the friendly Thai water buffalo wallowing nearby. Motor fans might choose to plunge into Chalong Highlands on dirt roads by open 4 x 4 Land Rover. Immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain scenery and speed past vast rubber plantations on the way. An exciting full-day cycling tour allows a close-up look at traditional southern Thai lifestyle as well as an appreciation of the outstanding natural beauty around the trail – and the obvious cardio benefits! Golfing aficionados will find Phuket’s glorious courses a veritable paradise, the deep, blue ocean and thickly forested hills providing scenic backdrops to world-class, championship courses. Phuket’s spas offer much more than traditional Thai massage. Nestled in exotic tropical gardens and surrounded by whispering palms, they offer complete tranquillity and a retreat into the world of the senses. Many of the spa and beauty treatments available here have their roots in ancient Java, India and China. After dark, head to Patong. Where just 15 years ago there was nothing more than a small fishing village, today Patong is the most built up of the island’s beaches. Notorious for its nightlife and markets; there are bargain-priced, colourful markets covering the footpaths here selling all kinds of clothing, leather goods, and Thai handicrafts. It is a bargain hunter’s paradise, but most of the after-dark atmosphere is created by the scores of neon-lit bars and seafood restaurants with music to suit all tastes. From Phuket, take a half- or full-day tour and discover Phang Nga Bay, the scenic beauty of which will take your breath away. There are hundreds of paradise offshore islands and beaches to visit in this area, with crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with tropical fish and ornate coral reefs, easily visible by swimmers or snorkellers. The collection of rocky outcrops and islands that fill the bay are truly spectacular. Deemed exotic enough to be used as a location in two James Bond movies - Tomorrow Never Dies and The Man with the Golden Gun, the small islet of Koh Ping Gun will be instantly recognisable from the latter, and indeed is now known locally as James Bond Island.

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