 | |
| Phuket Province | |
| Capital | Phuket |
|---|---|
| Residents | 378.364 (2014) |
| surface | 543.034 km² |
| prefix | 83 |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | |
| location | |
 | |
The island Phuket(Thai: ภูเก็ต 
) and some small islands in the vicinity form the province of the same name in the south Thailand on the Andaman Sea.
places
- 1 Phuket Town
(เทศบาล นคร ภูเก็ต). 
Phuket Town - the main town on the island. Here you can find the cheapest accommodations. With Sino-Portuguese residential and commercial buildings from around 1900 and some interesting temples and markets, it is definitely worth a visit. - On all the larger beaches, larger villages with shops, restaurants, nightlife, hotels, etc.
background
With 540 km², Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. The island is about 50 km long from north to south and measures around 21 km at its widest point. About 600,000 people live on Phuket. In addition, one (some say several) million tourists visit the island every year. Most of the visitors come to the west coast to the southeast. On the east coast there are mainly mangroves, it is not suitable for swimming. Phuket is one of the main tourist centers in Thailand and therefore geared towards mass tourism. But you can still find quieter corners.
The island's name is often mispronounced. The 'Ph' at the beginning stands for a breathy 'p' sound, Not for an 'f' sound like in "Philipp" or "Physik". The 'u' is spoken long; the 'k' is bare, so it sounds almost like a 'g'; the 'e' is short. The 't' at the end is only hinted at in Thai and is barely audible. Here you can hear the correct pronunciation from a native speaker. Anyone who says “Fucket” instead will probably not be understood by the locals.
getting there
By plane
Phuket disposes with the 1 Phuket International Airport
(IATA: HKT) via the third largest international airport in the country.
With Condor there are direct flights from in the main season Frankfurt or with the SwissSubsidiary Edelweiss Air from Zurich. The golf airlines Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways fly to Phuket as well as Aeroflot or Air China.
Connections with THAI Airways out Bangkok offered, a common flight connection from Europe. The low-cost airlines too Thai smile, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air fly the Bangkok – Phuket route several times a day. It should be noted, however, that the last three only use the old Bangkok-Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and not the new Suvarnabhumi (BKK), so a transfer between the airports is necessary when changing from / to long-distance connections. Thai AirAsia alone flies 17 times a day and direction, practically every hour. With this company, a route costs from around 2400 THB (list price), while saver prices are offered from 690 THB. Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia or Bangkok Air also fly to other domestic destinations such as Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Pattaya and Udon Thani.
There are also direct connections from Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, Jetstar Asia or SilkAir), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia) and Hong Kong (Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, DragonAir)
It makes sense to be at the airport a good two hours before departure. Often there are only 2 check-in counters per flight, and especially on flights with large machines and the corresponding number of passengers, there are always long queues at check-in, which continue through security and passport control.
Long waiting times are also reported when entering Thailand, sometimes from 30 to 45 minutes. It is advisable to fill out the entry card required for Thailand while on the plane, otherwise the entry formalities would be delayed even more.
Airport transportation
- There are taxi ranks outside the terminal. You have to buy a voucher that you give the taxi driver as a means of payment. This prevents fraud against tourists. Various companies also offer limousine trips into the city.
- Minibuses. It doesn't seem to make a difference in price, whether overland trips are carried out by minibus or taxi. A trip to z. B. Khao Sok is 2300 Baht each (2017).
- An air-conditioned bus operated by the state bus company runs approximately every hour between the airport and Phuket Town. The bus has a stop with seats and a timetable on the arrivals level (if you leave the terminal to the left). If there is enough time, he will take another round of the bus stop on the departure level (although you have to wait carefully there, as every public bus in Thailand only stops when you wave it over). It is also possible to get on and off at stops along the route. The last stop in Phuket Town is the 2 Phuket Bus Terminal for long distances; not to be confused with that 3 Local bus terminal. Fare for the entire route from the airport to the city is currently 100 baht (as of April 2016). Departure times and further information on the Homepage.
- Unfortunately, there are no other buses to the airport. For domestic connections, the bus terminal in Phuket must first be approached.
In the street
Phuket is connected to the mainland in the north by the Thep Krasattri Bridge. This was launched in 2011 alongside the old bridge, the Sarazin Bridge means built. The island is 890 kilometers by road south of Bangkok.
By boat
Of Ao Nang (2 Krabi
) you can take the speedboat of the Andaman Ferry Service Transfer to Phuket (Bang Rong Pier) in 1:20 hours, fare 1200 Baht for an adult. There are also ferry connections between Phuket (Rassada Pier) on the one hand and several times a day Ko Phi Phi (Travel time 2 hours, price 400 Baht; Speedboat 1 hour, 1000 Baht) or * 1 Ko Lanta (3–4 hours, 800 Baht; speedboat 1½ hours, 1500 Baht) on the other hand.
mobility
- Mopeds: Most of the local residents of the island as well as tourists use moped scooters to reach their destinations. It is not uncommon for several people to take part in road traffic without a helmet. As a tourist, it is advisable to use a helmet, even if you have scooter / motorcycle experience. Moped scooters can be rented at many rental stations for a relatively small fee. The contracts are mostly written in English. It should be noted here whether a fully comprehensive insurance (with or without excess) is offered. You should definitely use this (costs only a few EUR more). Make sure the motorcycle is in good technical condition, do not borrow any old "mills". If a defect occurs during the service life, it can happen that you have to accept liability for the damage. This is also the case with fully comprehensive insurance with excess.
- Car (Limousines, off-road vehicles, small cars) can also be borrowed. The car rental companies known in Germany (e.g. Sixt) are on site. Check the car here before starting the journey and record all defects together with the rental company in a list of defects. The fuel prices are cheaper than in Germany (as of October 2012: approx. 0.90 EUR / liter of petrol). The petrol station network is comparable to rural regions in Germany. Small private fuel sellers also offer petrol / diesel. Their stalls regularly consist of shelves on the side of the road on which the fuel is in bottles. These filling stations are mainly used by moped drivers.
- Tuk tuk: The numerous tuk-tuk taxis that look like heavily shrunk pick-ups are popular with tourists. Tuk-tuks can either be rented from stands or flagged directly on the street. The fare always applies to the vehicle, regardless of how many people are traveling with you. Usually up to 6 people fit in. In general it can be said that the prices of the tuk-tuks in Phuket are exceptionally high by Thai standards. For the almost 15-minute drive from Kata Beach to Patong, for example, around 10 EUR are required. Bargaining is practically impossible as there is a driver price cartel. At the same time, the fare should be agreed before the start of the journey in order to prevent unpleasant surprises.
Tourist Attractions
- 2 Wat Phra Thong. (Wat Prathong), near Thalang District Office, north of Phuket Town, is famous for a half-buried golden Buddha statue named Luang Poh Phra Thong (Golden Buddha) on its grounds. The other name is Wat Phra Phud, which means "Temple of the Projecting Buddha". It is believed to be one of the oldest temples on the island. The temple was built in 1909 by King Rama VI. Visited who was still crown prince at the time and gave him his official name.
- 3 Wat Phra Nang Sang (วัด พระนาง สร้าง)..Wat Phra Nang Sang was built more than 500 years ago, making it the oldest temple in Phuket. This unusual temple was built when Cherngtalay in Thalang was the capital of Phuket Island.
- 4 Wat Muang Komanraphat. A small, quiet, beautiful temple in Thalang.
- 5 Heroine monument (ท้าว เทพ กระษัตรี และ ท้าว ศรี สุนทร) (in the middle of the island, about halfway between the international airport and Phuket Town on National Road 402).Memorial to the two sisters Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon, who, according to legend, defended Phuket against a Burmese invasion in 1785/86. They are venerated by the locals as the patron saints of the island and the province.
- 6 National Museum Thalang (พิพิธภัณฑสถาน แห่ง ชาติ ถลาง), Thalang District, Phuket 83110.Museum dedicated to the cultural history of Phuket in the center of the island (400 m from the Heroes' Monument). Exhibited and illustrated are prehistoric artifacts from the Andaman Sea coast, evidence of the millennia-old relationship between southern Thailand and Indian civilization, historical events in the province of Phuket as well as folklore, culture, tradition, way of life and tools of the local population.Open: daily (except public holidays) 9 am–4pm.
- 7 Wat Tha Rua. elegant Taoist shrine near the monument of the heroines.
- 8 Wat Chalong (officially Wat Chaiyathararam).A magnificent Buddhist temple in the small town of Chalong between Kata and Phuket Town.
- Phuket Aquarium. The only public large aquarium on the island, 11 km south of Phuket Town on the Laem Phan Wa peninsula.
- 9 Big Buddha (พระพุทธ มิ่ง มงคล เอก นาค คีรี)
- 10 Nai Yang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติ สิริ นาถ).In the north of the island, west of the airport, is the Nai Yang or Sirinat National Park, a natural jungle and beach world has been preserved here.
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beaches
Phuket is also known as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea". On the west side you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Thailand. Kamala, Kata, Karon, Surin, Bang Tao and Patong Beach are particularly popular with tourists. 'Official Nudist Beaches' does not exist, even "topless" is usually not tolerated. Only on a few remote beaches is nudism practiced to a small extent (Nui Beach, Mai Khao Beach, Big Buddha Beach, Leela Beach, Cozy Island Beach). However, there is also a naturist hotel.
- 1 Nai Thon and Nai Yang. (Nai Thon and Nai Yang).
two quiet beaches in Sirinat National Park. - 2 Mai Khao (หาด ไม้ ขาว).Quiet beach not far from the airport.
- 3 Bang Thao (หาด บาง เทา).Long and very quiet beach.
- 4 Surin (หาด สุรินทร์).Up and coming destination on the island of Phuket.
- 5 Laem Sing (แหลม สิงห์).Bay between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach is well worth seeing.
- 6 Kamala (หาด กมลา).Quieter beach north of Patong Beach.
- 8 Karon (หาด กะ รน).Quieter beach south of Patong Beach.
- 9 Kata Yai (Ao Kata Yai)..Busy stretch of beach.
- 10 Kata Noi (หาด กะ ตะ น้อย).The quieter partner beach of Kata Yai.
- 11 Chalong (อ่าว ฉลอง).Here is Phuket's most popular marina and the main gateway to the islands off Phuket.
- 12 Rawai (หาด รา ไว ย์).The beach with a few islands off the coast is a popular picnic spot with locals.
- 13 Nai Harn (หาด ใน หา น).Quiet and probably the best beach in the south of the island.
- 14 Ya Nui (หาด ยะ นุ้ย).Good snorkeling on a shallow reef off the beach.
activities
Phuket has been geared towards tourism for decades. Besides the wonderful Beaches there are a number of other popular activities:
- All kind of water sports are offered on almost all larger beaches. Popular kitesurfing spots are Nai Yang in summer and Chalong Bay in winter. Sea canoeing is a popular activity in Phang Nga Bay as many of the grottoes are only accessible by canoe.
- To one Day trip to book one of the small local travel agencies. Excursions go to other islands before everyone.
- A visit to the Phuket Zoo it's worth it. The same goes for the Dinopark in which you can play mini golf with children in a “prehistoric” environment. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Also worth a visit.
- Diving is one of the top activities in Phuket. These include beach dives, excursions with the local longtailboat and day trips to the neighboring islands of Koh Racha and Phi Phi. Day trips run all year round and can be booked on site. Phuket is also the springboard for liveaboards to the Similan Islands and Myanmar (Burma). There crystal clear, warm water with a rich flora and fauna is waiting to be discovered. Liveaboards only take place in the high season from October to May. Some dive ships can be booked out well in advance for the months December to February. It is advisable to reserve in good time. Day trips to the Andaman Sea are also recommended.
Regular events
This takes place on nine days in late September or October (the exact date varies according to the Chinese lunar calendar) Festival of the nine imperial gods takes place, commonly known as the "Vegetarian Festival". For visitors, the most noticeable features are the renouncement of animal foods (which, conversely, means that a variety of sophisticated vegetarian dishes are offered, some of which imitate meat products in a deceptively real way) and processions in which people go into a trance and as ghost media prove their supposed invulnerability by mortifying themselves. This includes, for example, piercing the cheeks with sharp objects, running over fire or climbing ladders with blades.
kitchen
The food in Phuket is surprisingly cosmopolitan, especially in Patong, as many foreigners have opened a restaurant to provide their compatriots with their usual dishes. Of course, all common Thai favorites are available, with a special focus on seafood. Rice, noodles, chicken, pork, seafood, fish and lobster are offered at almost every local beach bar. The prices are much cheaper than in the hotel restaurant. It also supports the little man. You can get a meal (chicken with rice) for 1 EUR. The pancakes from the street vendors are also very tasty.
nightlife
The most visited places are Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, and Phuket Town. Here the nightlife is particularly in the foreground. Especially in Patong Beach there is a pronounced nightlife. Bars, discos and other amusements await guests and guarantee entertainment. The price level is well above the national level and you also have to keep an eye on petty criminals in order to prevent attempted fraud.
accommodation
German-speaking vacationers know Phuket from the catalogs of package tour operators. Hundreds of hotels and resorts are waiting for tourists on the island. The price level is above the national average. This also applies to simple accommodations such as guesthouses. There are significant differences between the high season from November to April and the rest of the year. A common recommendation in Phuket is to book in advance. The prices on the internet on the booking portals are often cheaper than updated daily at the reception. It may also be worthwhile to compare prices with the offers of the well-known tour operators.
Cheap
- Armoni Hotel Patong Beach Phuket. A good and inexpensive hotel in Patong Beach, about 100 meters from the beach in one of the quieter side streets.
- Break Point Hotel. This hotel under Japanese-Thai management is also recommended. It has nice, affordable rooms just 100 meters from the beach in the center of Patong. Everything is within easy walking distance. The in-house restaurant is located on the ground floor and is extremely popular (delicious food at reasonable prices). It is a 3-minute walk to Bangla Road and a 5-minute walk to Jungceylon Shopping Center.
- Palm View Resort, 135/1 Nanai Rd., Patong Beach, Phuket 83150. Tel.: 66 (0) 7634 4837, Email: [email protected]. Resort under German management; on the edge of Patong Beach, in front of the mountains, on Nanai Road. It has nice cheap rooms and a very nice pool, but does not offer meals. But you can find a nice little restaurant on the ground floor, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In the vicinity there are all kinds of shops for cheap shopping.
medium
- Peace Blue Resort Naiharn. Naturist hotel formerly known as "Lemon Tree Resort Naiharn Beach Phuket".
Upscale
- The Village Resort. The hotel has a very nice bungalow complex with a nice pool, good restaurant and excellent service.
- Le Meridien Hotel. The hotel is located 10 minutes by taxi from Patong Beach and offers its guests an exclusive private beach where you are not bothered by annoying vendors. Furthermore, almost all rooms have a view of the sea!
- Angsana Laguna Phuket (formerly Sheraton Hotel Grande Laguna Resort). A highlight is likely to be the Sheraton Hotel Grande Laguna Resort on the northwest coast, which pampers its guests with rooms and villas in a deep-water lagoon. It also offers an exceptional 18-hole golf course and is located directly on the white sandy beaches of Bang Tao Bay.
- JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, 231 Moo 3 Mai Khao, Talang, Phuket 83110. Tel.: 66 (0)76 338000. Worth seeing, with wonderfully well-kept grounds. The suites and apartments leave nothing to be desired.
security
The crime rate is low in the vicinity of the hotel complexes and in the tourist areas, but you should also remember the usual safety precautions in Phuket to avoid pickpockets or petty criminals. Furthermore, you should use common sense and be careful if you are approached by over-friendly people and immediately touched too friendly. Usually these are con artists or pickpockets.
Even if Thais are very friendly people and there is hardly any visible crime, organized crime has developed in recent years, which focuses primarily on European tourists. The Foreign Office warns as follows:
- Recently, German vacationers in Phuket (Patong) have repeatedly fallen victim to gangs who - apparently in cooperation with corrupt police officers - accuse tourists of petty crimes (theft of imitation watches, etc.) in order to extort money afterwards. If this request is refused, the police will be threatened with reporting. In such cases, it is strongly advised to contact the embassy immediately by telephone (during office hours and on 081 8456224 on-call duty). Intervention by the embassy may prevent those affected from being held in long pre-trial detention for petty offenses that have not been committed, from demanding excessive bail payments and / or from being “mediated” by the police to corrupt lawyers. If you cannot contact the embassy, you should insist that the embassy be informed immediately by the police in the event of any arrest.
In addition, a warning must be given against renting jet skies, since old damage has often been charged to the customer, with the police helping to enforce such demands. The previously rampant “jet ski scam” is said to have declined as part of the “cleanliness” campaign of the military junta.
health
Unfortunately, Phuket has become a new mecca for sex tourists in recent years. This kind of business has expanded accordingly and offers its services quite obviously. Since Thailand - like most countries in Southeast Asia - is suffering from an increase in HIV infections, tourists who pursue this occupation should follow the usual safer sex rules.
Hospitals:
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket, 2/1 Hongyok Utis Road, Muang District, Phuket, 83000. Tel.: 66 (0)7625 4425, Email: [email protected]..
- Siriroj International Hospital (formerly Phuket International Hospital), 44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd, Phuket 83000. Tel.: 66 (0)76 361 888, 66 (0)76 210 935, Email: [email protected].
- Vachira Phuket Hospital, 353 Yaowarat Rd., Talat Yai, Amphoe Muang, Phuket 83000. Tel.: 66 (0)76 361234, Email: [email protected].
- Mission Hospital Phuket, 4/1 Moo 3 Thepkasatri Road, Ratsada, Muang, Phuket 83000. Tel.: 66 (0)76 237 220-6. Open: Mon-Thu 8 am-8pm, Fri 8 am-12pm, Sun 8 am-4pm, Sat and public holidays only in emergencies.
- Dr. Gerhard Melcher, Phuket International Health Clinic, 35/2 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150. Tel.: 66 (0)76-342856. Orthopedic trauma surgeon, doctor in cooperation with the German embassy.
Practical advice
Emergency phone numbers:
- Police: 191
- Fire department: 199
- Tourist Police 1155
- Water police: 076 - 211 883
- A pressure chamber (after diving accidents) can be reached on 076 342518
German consulate
- German Honorary Consulate in Phuket, 100/425 Chalermprakiat R.9 Rd., Rassada, Phuket Town 83000 (Srisuchat, Bypass Road North). Tel.: 66 (0)7661 0407, Fax: 66 (0)7661 0408, Email: [email protected]. Open: Mon-Fri 9 am–1pm.
Government Services
- Phuket Airport: 076-327 230-79
- Tourist Authority: 076 - 212213
climate
From January to March is the best time, here there are only up to 4 rainy days per month. From April to November there are between 15 and 20 rainy days, in December there are around 8. The temperatures in February to April are 35 ° C, the rest of the time at 30 ° C. The lowest temperatures are at least 25 ° C. However, the sun should be enjoyed with caution, as sunburn can occur very quickly in these latitudes. Sun protection with a factor of> 8 is recommended. This also applies to sun-trained vacationers. The water has a temperature between 27 and 29 ° C.
trips
- 11 Phang Nga Bay (อ่าว พังงา).A special feature of the bay are the steep limestone cliffs that protrude vertically from the emerald green water. These islands are home to a protected fauna. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are two of the most famous places in this bay.
- 12 Phang Nga Bay Phi Phi Islands (หมู่ เกาะ พี พี).The extremely beautiful archipelago is particularly famous for its central role in the film The Beach from 2000.
- 13 Ko Bon.10 minutes from Rawai, an ideal island for snorkeling and relaxing.
- 14 Ko Hae.15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Bay, accessible all year round.
- 15 Ko Maphrao.Fishing villages, nature trails, fishing and cycling.
- 16 Ko Lon.Quiet, mostly Muslim island with a few bungalows.
- 17 Ko Mai Thon.Beautiful little island with only one (expensive) place to stay.
- 18 Ko Racha.Two islands (Yai and Noi) popular with divers and a relaxing snorkeling destination.
- 19 Ko Sire.Sea gypsy colony connected to the mainland by a causeway.
