15 interesting facts about Phuket, Thailand

15 interesting facts about Phuket, Thailand

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Thailand is a rather mysterious country, from unbelievable dishes to lush green lands like sight.

However, there is one place where we are here to discuss today - Phuket City or Phuket Town with the locals.

Here, we will take a look at some fascinating and interesting facts about this beautiful land.

Phuket is both an island and a province.

The word Phuket actually means the gem on the mountain.

Phuket is known for its beaches, especially Patong which is one of the island's biggest tourist attractions, with a total of 36 beaches stretching across the island.

An island in Phuket was used in 1974 for the Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".

Phuket boasts a 148-foot (45-meter) tall marble Buddha statue with some of the best views on the island.

The island has an annual vegetarian festival lasting about 8 days;

The Kathu Mining Museum is a museum created to commemorate the thriving tin-mining industry that ruled the island for centuries.

There are currently more than 600,000 unofficial residents of the island but as of 2012, the official number was 360,905.

70% of Phuket is covered by mountains stretching from north to south.

60% of Phuket is covered by forests, rubber and palm oil plantations and the island has no major rivers.

In December of their calendar (November) when the full moon, Loy Kratong is celebrated by dropping small floats made of leaves, flowers and incense on the water.

Many famous people from around the world regularly visit Phuket including Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The heroine monument is located along one of the main streets of Phuket, Thepkassatri Road.

In addition to tourism, latex, frozen fish, pineapple, palm oil and cashew nuts are the main sources of income.

According to the Australian News Report, one of the riskiest places to swim, scuba dive or drive around is Koh Hae, Phuket.

Phuket really seems to be the 8th wonder of the world.

From the myriad of beautiful never-ending beaches to the myriad of history associated with and around the island, there are a few things for everyone.

I will definitely visit one day, Thailand never seemed to appeal to my tastes but after writing this, I just wanted to book my flight!