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Phuket is Thailand's only island province and lies in the Andaman Sea on the West Coast of the Kra Isthmus and is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin and Thepkasatri Causeway.
Apart from tourism, much of the province’s wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 1500s. In fact, this industry generated much wealth enabling Phuket Town to have the first paved roads and cars in all of Thailand. Even today, Phuket remains the centre of tin production in the country, with rubber, coconut and seafood adding to the island’s prosperity. Much of the revenue is reinvested to further develop Phuket.
With a culture all its own, it combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of the indigenous ocean-going people. Phuket Town is the island’s capital located in the southeast. The architecture features the attractive Sino-Portuguese style, which is reflected in the spacious residences, built by wealthy Chinese tin barons as testimony to their success.
The majority of visitors come because of the glorious beaches, especially those on the west coast. Patong Beach is about a 45-minute drive from the port and offers a wide selection of water sports. Although the influx of tourists each year exceeds the local population by far, the island seems big enough to absorb the large numbers and, at the same time, maintain a semblance of tradition and great charm - in fact, Phuket still casts its spell on all who come to its shores.
