Phuket. The Pearl of the South.

Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south.  With some of the most breathtaking natural attractions such as rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery-sand beaches, tranquil bays and tropical in-land forests all contribute to Phuket as one of the most visited and popular islands, not only across Thailand, but the world.

Phuket is nestled in a widely tropical area approximately 543 square kilometers just off the west coast on the southern portion of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, which is further a part of the Indian Ocean.   This glorious island stretches and estimated 48.7 kilometers from north to south, and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north, with its other 3 sides surrounded by the Andaman Sea where many of the best snorkeling and diving sites with abundant marine life and exotic underwater treasures abound.  Of course, there are many beaches perfect for taking in some sun, and enjoying the clear blue sky and the fresh sea breezes.  For a nice, quiet place with a long stretch of beach fringed with pine trees, Nai Yang Beach is a good choice.  For a smaller, more intimate beach with coconut trees and restaurants and bars nearby to enjoy a drink and the local sunset, Laem Singh Beach shouldn’t be ignored.  Of course, if you want something a little more maintstream, to socialize with friends or meet new people, Patong and Kata Beach where Katamanda is located nearby, is a great place to explore.

If you love to shop, finding exotic wares and exceptional value, Phuket also offers an amazing variety of shopping from bustling open-air village markets, street merchants and local shops to higher end department stores and upmarket specialty shops.  Local crafts, ceramics, silks, textiles and tailor made clothing are perfect keepsakes which boast of your recent trip. And since bargaining at local markets and street shops (not higher end department stores) is the norm in Thailand, you’ll have a chance to walk away with something amazing at an equally amazing price…it just depends on your bargaining skills, that is.

Overall, Phuket has so much more to offer visitors than its beautiful sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Many visit simply for the Sino-Portuguese architecture, which casts its delightful spell on travelers.  And probably most enchanting is Phuket-style hospitality, having never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows all warmly cater to the different needs of travelers.  Castle Resorts & Hotels is here to serve you, so pack your bags and get ready to be swept away to a whole new world that is Phuket.