The Largest Island in Thailand

Author: Douglas Scott
Phuket, is the largest island in Thailand. Its old name was Ta-lanf the word is derived from the old Malay Telong which means Cape. Phuket Island runs 48 kilometers north to south and 21 kilometers east to west. It is broken by a chain of mountains and valleys. The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song is 529 meters. And 30 percent of the island is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern.

Everywhere is beautiful on Phuket Island but the south part of the island is straight out of a tropical daydream. The southern beaches offer some of the most glorious sun sets in the world

Phuket's beaches have the powdery sand, blue-green water, casuarinas trees, palm trees and strutting mynah birds, yet each is unique and each satisfies a different kind of traveller. Most of the beaches are located on the west coast of the island. The greatest concentration of shops, hotels, and restaurants are located around Patong.

The night market offers products such as silk, sarongs, handicrafts scarves, beach and leisure wear, leather goods and luggage, computer games CD's, and electronic gadgets. The main night market is easily found, it extends all the way down the Beach Road and is on all nights of the week. Every thing that is available lines the streets in brightly lit stalls. Another night markets is Along Raj-Uthid Road, merchandise includes recycled jeans, clothes, funky shoes, Thai sweets, orchids, ornaments and hair accessories.

Patong is the centre of the island's night life scene. Bars in Patong can be divided into go-go, beer bars, bars and regular bars. The road around Bangla road is only about half a kilometre and is pedestrianised in the evening making it easy to walk around and bar hop.

Pool and Sports Bars will show live sports matches from around the world. Go-go Bars are where girls dance on stage wearing nothing more than a bikini, or even less. The girls can spend time with the customers when they are not on stage and, the girls can have lady drinks bought for them and are available for take-out. Prices for bar fines and drinks are higher than in beer bars. Beer Bars are usually a small bar with a few stools. You can have a beer and play games or chat with the ladies working in the bar. If you like the girl and enjoy her company you can buy her a drink for which she earns some commission.