All Phuket Real Estate - General Information on Phuket Island

General information on Phuket , weather , Phuket golf course information . All what you would like to know when traveling or retiring on Phuket.
 
Nov. 15, 2008 - PRLog -- Lying on the fringe of the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Southern Thailand, the island of Phuket is approximately 890km from Bangkok. It is Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as Singapore.

The name Phuket is apparently derived from the word bukit in Malay which means mountain or hill, as this is what the island appears like from a distance.

Phuket is surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to the mainland.

Phuket is quite mountainous. There are a couple of peaks above 500m, the highest being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the island, Khao Phra Thaeo Park which is now protected.

Against the backdrop of hills, the beaches of Phuket stand as one of the most sought after palm-fringed tropical destinations. Nearly all beaches along the island’s west coasts are frequented by locals and tourists, with the northern beaches along the west coasts remaining very quiet and unspoilt.

In such an idyllic setting the temptation is simply to laze peacefully on the beach and soak up a tropical sun tan. But if you want more there are amenities for water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking diving and snorkeling. The coastal waters are exciting to explore and are especially rich in shoals of brightly colored fish and exotic coral formations.

Principal among Phuket's natural sights are two picturesque waterfalls, Hin Lat and Na Muang.

Island hopping is another attraction and boats can be easily hired for trips to Phang Nga Bay to discover the myths surrounding the formation of the mountainous limestone karsts which are scattered across the bay, Krabi province and The Phi Phi Islands which boasts beautiful bays with colorful coral formations and marine life, and offer excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling.

A more adventurous full day excursion can be made to the national park of the Similan Islands, 140 square kilometers in total, 14 of those being land in the shape of an archipelago consisting of nine islands. There is an enormous diversity in species - both in fish and corals. The visibility is the best you will find in Thailand. You will see plenty of colorful fish such as lionfish and clownfish (Nemo), and if you're lucky you may spot a bigger one like a manta or even a whale shark.

Elephant riding is a good way to support the remaining domesticated elephants of Thailand and their mahout, is fairly cheap, and can be an interesting new experience. The elephants are well trained, and you can tip the mahout by giving the money to the elephant who will hand it to the mahout with its trunk.

The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the original inhabitants of Phuket.

According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an east-west axis.

Tourism has dominated the island’s economy for the past two decades. Each year, over 4 million visitors arrive to enjoy Phuket’s natural splendor and many amenities.

Climate

Thailand , and therefore Phuket, is fast becoming a country to be visited all year round. This is of course largely due to the tropical weather and climate.

The 'dry' season is from November till May. Temperatures average 30 degrees year round. The 'green' season is from May to October when temperatures are around the 25 to 30 degree mark.

1. Blue Canyon Country Club

This amazing golf  course is set on 730 acres of land in a secluded valley overlooking Phuket's famous hills.

The Blue Canyon Country Club has won a number of international awards as well as hosted several tournaments like the Johnnie Walker Classic.

2. Laguna Phuket Golf Club

Within the Laguna Phuket development, you will find the Banyan Tree Golf Club. This resort style 18 hole golf course is situated in the popular and exclusive Bang Tao Bay on the west coast of Phuket.

3. Mission Hills Golf Club

This is perhaps the most unique golf course in Phuket due to its location and contrasting landscaping. It has been described as a "piece of living art". This golf course is all about pleasure and no stress. With the spa waiting at the 19th hole, stress and tiredness is further banished with caddies and golf carts both being compulsory.

4.  Loch Palm Golf Club

Spread over a 160 acres lush and hilly plateau, Loch Palm Golf Club has been masterfully designed to blend in with its natural terrain. This 18 hole golf course surrounds the largest lake on any golf course in Phuket, Crystal Lake.

5. Phuket Country Club

Established in 1989, Phuket Country Club is the first and one of the finest built golf courses in Phuket. Offering both an 18 hole and a 9 hole course, many tournaments have been hosted by Phuket Country Club in recent years. In 2001, this golf course was also voted "Best Course in Thailand" by Asian Golf Magazine.

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If you need Thailand, Phuket Real Estate advice because you are interested in buying or renting a villa, condo or land in Phuket then we would very much like to hear from you.
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