The Phuket name is apparently derived from the word bukit (Jawi) in Malay which means hill, as this is what the island appears like from a distance. Derived from the old Malay "Telong" (Jawi) which means "Cape”, the region was formerly referred to as "Thalang," The northern district of the province, which was the location of the old capital, still uses this name.
It is Thailand’s largest island and nestles against the Indian Ocean Coast some 870 kilometers south of Bangkok. Its wealth is derived from tin and rubber, is blessed with teeming marine life, and has enjoyed a rich and colorful history.
In September 1680, a ship from the French East India Company visited Phuket and left with a full cargo of tin. In September 1680, a ship from the French East India Company visited Phuket and left with a full cargo of tin. In 1681 or 1682, the Siamese king Narai, who was seeking to reduce Dutch and English influence, named Governor of Phuket the French medical missionary Brother René Charbonneau, a member of the Siam mission of the Société des Missions Etrangères.
CLIMATE
The average temperatures in Phuket are quite consistent round the year. However it has a tropical climate with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Average highs range from 29 °C (84 °F) to 33 °C (91 °F); average lows range from 23 °C (73 °F) to 26 °C (79 °F).
ATTRACTIONS
Amphoe thalang is the memorial statue of the two heroines Thao Thepkasattri (Kunying Jan) and Thao Sisunthon (Mook) who rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders. As the island's governor has just passed away, organizing Phuket's defense against the Brumese invasion of 1785 was conducted by his widow, Thao Thepkasattri. The sisters had received help with forces that assembled and disguised local women as male soldiers, thus appearing to increase Phuket's military manpower. After a month's siege, the Burmese tired, lost heart and left. With the royal title of Thao Thepkasattri,King Tama I was awarded. Kunying Jan 15 kilometers is Hat Pong from the town. Patong is Phuket's most well organized and flourishing beach which offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3-kilometre long crescent bay. Windsurfing, snorkelling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing number among the many popular daytime activities. Nightlife is equally vibrant in Patong further which seafood restaurants feature prominently.
Forming the headland extreme south end of Phuket is Laem Phromthep Phromthep Cape "Phrom" is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God.' Local villagers used to refer to the cape as "Laem Chao", or the God's Cape, and it was an easily recognizable landmark for the early seafarers traveling up the Malay Peninsula from the sub-continent.
Amongst the largest tourist beach in Phuket Hat Karon stands out to be the second largest. Some 20 kilometres from the Phuket town. With a birds eye view a string of Large resort complexes that can been line the road behind of the shoreline, but the long, broad beach itself has no development. Its white sands squeaks which is audible when strolling upon it. Along the string of resorts are an uncountable number of restaurants that are open from every early till late evenings. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu Island. There is also its sister beach Karon Noi.
Mid-point between Nai Han and Kata beaches is one of them. The scenic Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, and Ko Pu Island can be viewed from this point.
The cast statue of Luang Pho Cham stands at Wat Chalong whom in 1876 during the reign of Rama V helped the people to put down the Angyee or Chinese Coolie Rebellion. After those times there are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham where its ruins still exist in some parts
