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The Andaman coast is a different world compared to the rest of Thailand. Steady rainfall, which peaks during the
north west monsoons (May-October), nourishes a huge variety of tropical fauna, with the
lush canopy in some areas
reaching as high as 80m. In
many places, scenic rubber
and coconut plantations have
been carved out of the jungle
by the locals and are a major
industry.
The Andaman coast is also adorned with awe-inspiring limestone
cliffs. These sheer, multi-coloured monoliths, scarred with caves
and crags, are also capped with thick vegetation.
Phuket Island
"The emerald upon the elephant's
trunk" is one way to describe Phuket
with respect to the rest of Thailand.
Phuket's climate, beaches, forests,
mountains, resorts, and diverse forms
of entertainment make this island one
of the best places in the world to have
a complete vacation. From pensive
relaxation to high-Qying excitement,
Phuket has it all and more.
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 862 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island habing provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colourful history. Known as the Pearl of Thailand, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 years. Today, Phuket is Thailand's largest tin producer. The surrounding waters contain a lot colourful marine life, and the town is notable for its old European style architecture. It is a very attractive island for the sihtseer, with lovely seashore, limestone cliffs, and forested hillsides. Phuket Island has a long shape frome the north to the south and its general geagraphic characteristics are rolling hills alternating with basins and having 39 smaller outlying islands. The word "Phuket" is derived from the Malayan word "Bukit", which means hill. Phuket, the smallest southern province occupies 543 square kilometres. The overall length from north at the 490 meters wide Pak Phra Channel, joined to the mainland by the 660 meters Sarasin Bridge linking Chatchai Landing of Phuket and Tha Noon Landing of Phangnga. To the south and west lies the Andaman Sea, and the Krabi Sea to the east. It is administratively divided into three Amphoes : Muang, Thalang and Kathu. The main occupation of the population is rubber plant cultivation while the rest are engaged in the cultivations of coconuts, rice, fruits and fishing.
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Other Islands
Around Phuket's southern coast lie a
mixture of islands straight out of tropi-
cal daydreams. Graced with coconut
palms and ringed by white sandy
beaches, usually with coral reefs on
their fringes, these islands are within
easy reach of Phuket. In Phang Nga
Bay, off Phuket's east coast, dozens
of dramatic limestone islands rise
from the sea. Beautiful in colour, majesty and mystery.
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