Phuket Island Thailand - One of the World's Great Island Holidays

Many men and women visit Phuket for the shores and cause it is one of those 'must-see' tropical islands. For those who can pry themselves away from the normal tourist trappings and mind throughout the island, they can capture a glimpse of what the island offered prior to the increase of the tourism industry.

At the island's major crossroads at Ban Tha Rua stand bronze figurines of Khunying Jan and her sister Mook, celebrating their heroic and powerful resistance to the Burmese invasion in 1785. At Phuket City, the ornate Chinese wats of Jui Tai and Place Jaw are testament to the island's financial history. Tin was the primary source of riches for the island, and by the 16th century onwards, Hakka Chinese entrepreneurs and their workforces came to the island to exploit the mines.

After the amount of Tin dropped, the island shifted its principal production to pineapple and rubber plantations and after that, in the mid 1970's, turned it's focus on maximizing the chances provided through an inexhaustible flow of tourists.

This is where the Hawkers hawk, touts tout and the kathoey ladyboys bamboozle beer-soaked tourists at the bars of Soi Bangla.

From James Bond island by Speedboat 's many resort developments suffered badly, though Hat Kamala marginally to the north bore the complete brunt.

If the speed of life at Patong is taking it's toll, even if the possibility of yet another karaoke night seems just too demanding, there are an array of alternatives to choose from. After all, Phuket is a considerably large island, nearly the size of Singapore in fact, so your choices are hardly restricted.

To locate the quieter shores it's advised you head into the northern end of this island, where Phuket's biggest beach, Hat Mai Khao, remains relatively unspoiled and not as crowded. Just round the corner of the islands southern tip would be Rawai Beach, which (by virtue of its east shore location) offers some fantastic sunset views.

Away from the water and the ribbon developments visitors will find the interiors national parks and reservations, together with the pineapple and rubber plantations. If the mind is soothed by these tranquil environments, the body is able to also appreciate it's own holiday during the nine-day vegetarian festival which falls each October, at the close of the cool season in Phuket - a true detox for body, mind and spirit.

Amongst the myriad of delights on Phuket is the fabulous local cuisine. Do not be afraid to be adventurous and search out the eating-houses where locals are residing on bulk. This is a certain indication that the food is good and affordable. The experience is sufficient to satisfy you but the quality of the foods will draw you back time and again.