Phuket is the largest island in the whole of Thailand. Measuring around 48 km long and 21 km wide, its size is approximately the same as that of Singapore. Phuket Island is linked to the southern part of the Phang Nga Province via two short but strong road bridges and it’s located on the west-facing sea coastline of Andaman in southern Thailand. Secluded in the balmy sea waters of Andaman on the Indian ocean, this amazing island boasts of fascinating bays and coves, magnificent island-dotted seas, palm fringed and powdery white beaches, sincerely hospitable residents, sumptuous accommodations and seafood, breathtaking Sino-Portuguese architecture, various leisure and sporting activities, and a delightful tropical landscape, all of which produce an attractive amalgamation of ambience for an eventful holiday. There are different exciting areas to visit in Phuket Island ranging from enchanting natural attractions to cultural sites, thus making a delightful holiday destination. Phuket not only offers home to excellent dining opportunities, a lively nightlife and stunning beaches; it's also surrounded by a number of awesome offshore islands. Some of these offshore islands can be used by members of the public and can be used for daytime trips or for overnight excursion for those who prefer to stay longer.
The development level varies according to each island, with numerous selections for individuals who primarily wish to escape it. Irrespective of whether you prefer to visit somewhere exciting or relax among the untamed-beauty, you can achieve it within just a short distance from the coastline of Phuket.
Koh Phi Phi is undoubtedly the most popular of all the offshore islands in Phuket travels. Consisting of two different islands, it has made a rapid recovery since the tsunami in 2004 and has made bigger and better come-back than ever before. The government has only developed Phi Phi Don. Although Phi Phi Lay is not developed, it's characterized by natural beauty. The offshore island became popular as it was shown on the beach and consequently, receives many tourists on its beautiful shores every year.
Phi Phi Don has a wide selection of good tourist attractions, water sports, beautiful beaches, guest houses, hotels and any other thing you expect to find in a resort. In addition, there are numerous popular restaurants and bars to choose from such as Phi Phi Bakery (one of the established landmarks in the island) or Pum (another long term resident serving a wide variety of Tonsai seafood and Thai dishes) However, it can get quite busy during peak season and some individuals think that it has been overdeveloped and thus losing its natural beauty. Several ferries leave Phuket's Rassada Pier very many times each day with a journey-time of around two hours. Tickets are purchased through the hotels, travels agents and at the pier for Phuket travel.
Koh Lanta is further away from the coast of Phuket, with a journey-time of around four hours and due to that, it's not popular among the tourists. However, it suits people who wish to divert away from the main tourist-trail but still have a wide range of options to select. Koh Lanta boasts of pristine beaches, beautiful resorts and a range of bars and restaurant to choose from.
Most tourists who visit this island realize that they've everything they require at their respective resorts and move outside solely to view the available sights or have a taste of the local Thai life. Some of the amazing resorts include the attractive Lanta Palace Resort, the cost effective Papillion Resort and the Five Star Pimalai Resort with all that you ever require for a memorable Phuket travel.
For something completely unique, the Similan Islands, a small archipelago, makes up a popular national park. Every island in it is a tiny slice of paradise and has amazing under-water scenery. Due to this, these islands are more popular with divers. Although there is no new development on any island within the Similan, it's possible to take a trip on a live-aboard-boat and sample the beauty.
Most tourists who visit the Similan Islands usually stay on Khao Lak, but it's possible to book a trip from Phuket. A couple of best dive-sites in Phuket are available here such as Elephant Head Rock, East of Eden and Richelieu Rock (one of the most popular dive sites in Thailand). At the three sites, you can see abundant beautiful coral and tropical fish. At Richelieu site, whales are so many.
There are numerous smaller islands that surround Phuket which are suitable for a day's trip. The Koh Bon is around ten minutes away from Phuket's Rawai by speedboat. It's an excellent spot for chilling out and snorkeling on the beach far away from the crowds. The Coral Island (also known as Koh Hae) is just fifteen minutes from Chalong-bay by speedboat and it's a suitable destination to take the whole family for a day. Most people like snorkeling in the water and it's safe to stay overnight if you want to. There are some restaurants and guest houses to choose from.
Koh Lon Island is not only quiet but also home to the Muslim community. There are some bungalows on the beach for tourists who wish to stay overnight and small range of restaurants to select. It is the nearest island to Phuket.
Koh Mai Thon has only one upmarket resort for visitors to stay at and it's also quiet. Most tourists prefer to take a daytrip to view the sights since it's just a hop across the water.
Koh Rach consists of two separate islands (Noi and Yai) and is quite popular among divers. It is around 45 minute speedboat-ride off the Phuket's coast and just as Phi Phi, only one is developed. Racha Yai provides home to a large community of Muslim fishermen and farmers and contains all the accommodation alternatives. On the Ao Bungalow, main beach, is where everything is based although electricity is usually available in the evenings only. Although Racha is the main resort on this island, there are also some few bungalow operations at the beach.
Koh Sire offers home to a community of sea gypsy and it's linked to Phuket Island by a small cause-way. It has some amazing beaches and stunning seafood restaurants.
Phang Nga Bay boasts to be one the most frequented day trips destination in Phuket travels. Home to Koh Pannyi and James Bond Island, boats leave from the east pier of Phuket. The James bond island shown in "the man with the golden-gun" has been a very popular tourist attraction for quite some time. It's simply a big rock sticking out of the sea and most tourists pass here before going to Koh Pannyi for a sumptuous lunch.
Pannyi is generally a small community of sea gypsies who have maximized on the tourist trade by establishing trinket shops and restaurants for tourists. They literally open at lunch time and close once the tourists leave. The operators go back to their families and continue with fishing as their main source of income.