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Phuket Thailand
Phuket (ภูเก็ต), pronounced (roughly) "poo-get", is Thailand's largest island ahead of Koh (goh)Chang. It is 48 km in length, 21 km at its widest,  and is located in Southern Thailand, on the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline, suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by a pair of short but substantial road bridges.
Phuket enjoys great popularity as a travel destination. Most beaches are on the west coast, with Phuket Town to the south-east and the airport in the north.
Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.
Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trader’s ship logs.
Beaches
Particularly in the monsoon season, there are strong currents on many of the beaches and drownings are a depressingly common occurrence. Heed the warning flags on popular beaches and play it safe if off the beaten track. It is important to note that, while many tourists who flock to the beaches of Phuket are European, nudity is viewed as highly offensive to Thais. It is very rude to go topless to beaches. Thais are generally non-confrontational, but it is always best to be respectful while treading on another's home country.
The major beaches from north to south are:
- Bang Tao - long, very quiet beach
- Surin Beach - an up-and-coming destination
- Laem Singh Beach - small bay with stunning views, between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach
- Kamala Beach - a quieter beach to the north of Patong
- Patong Beach - the largest beach resort, known for its nightlife
- Karon Beach - a quieter beach to the south of Patong
- Kata Yai Beach - busy, clean tourist beach with good surf
- Kata Noi Beach - quieter sister of Kata Yai
- Ao Chalong - home to Phuket's most popular yacht anchorage
- Rawai Beach - set off point for lots of local islands, popular with locals for eating on the beach
- Nai Harn - a quiet beach (probably the best) in the south near Phrom Thep Cape view point
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