cyansiam guide to phuket

phuket and its islands

Phuket is the largest of Thailands islands located approximately 860 km south of Bangkok, Phuket Province (including its 39 islands) is estimated to be 580 square km in size. Phuket Island itself has an area of approximately 543 square km, a length of 48 km and a width of 21 km. Situated in the Andaman Sea its mountains are the southernmost end of the Phuket Mountain Range which spreads for 440 kilometres from the Kra Isthmus. The highest point of Phuket is Mai Thao Sip Song (twelve Canes), between Patong and Phuket Town, standing at 529 metres above sea level. Seventy percent of the island is covered by mountains but strangely enough has no major rivers.

2 The Island's Population

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Based on current government statistics Phuket residence amount to approximately 330,000. However, with the additional semi-permanent work force, the non-immigrant residence and the tourists it is estimated that during high season this figure increases to around 1 million. Most residents live in the areas surrounding Patong and Phuket City. The population predominantly comprises of Thai-Buddhists and Thai Chinese (71%), Muslims of Malay decent (24%), Sea Gypsies (4%), with the remaining 1% being foreign residents.


3 Phuket's Climate

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The climate of Phuket is tropical, and consists of two seasons. The dry season, referred to as the "high" season, runs from November to April. The rainy season, referred to as "low" or "green" season, runs from May to October. Temperatures vary very little throughout the year, with average high temperatures ranging from 31°C to 33°C, lowest temperatures ranging from 23°C to 26°C.



phuket and its islands