Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and roughly the same size as Singapore. Located in the Andaman Sea on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline, the islands main income used to come from tin mining. As the industry declined, tourism took over as the backbone of the local economy. A large part of the island is fairly mountainous and covered by forests. The lowlands are home to rubber plantations, coconuts and pineapples. Today, Phuket's main claim to fame are its wonderful beaches which range from calm to totally ruined due to the sheer volume of tourists who visit every year.
The interior of the island is a fertile region with fishing villages, mangrove forests and various plantations. Expect prices to be more expensive than on the mainland. There is now little sign of the damage caused by the 2004 tsuami which hit the west side of the island. Although Phuket is widely known for its raunchy nightlife, it is not a place just for party animals. The island still has much to offer holidaying couples and families