"Keeweechic Phuket - Thailand" a Phuket Travel Page by keeweechic

Phuket is a place of natural beauty, and you would never believe that once it had a shady past. In fact it has a long history and there were times when, as a pirate haunt, it wasn't so attractive to visitors as it is today. Pirate although, were not the first to arrive here. The earliest beginnings of habitation are a little uncertain although cave paintings which were found indicate prehistory, dating back to Neolithic times.

In the first centuries of the Christian era, it is thought that the islanders most probably came into contact with traders and colonists from India. Some of these decided to settle in these parts. Early seafarers from China and Arabia were also known to visit. It seems that among the islands early inhabitants were a wild bunch of what is referred to as "sea gypsies" or Chao Talay (sea people). You can see the oldest sea gypsy village at Rawai Beach where most of the inhabitants make a meagre living from the sale of fish and sea shells. From the 16th century onwards European voyagers and adventurers began to take an interest in the island and the first western mention of Phuket dates back to 1557 when there was a Portuguese mission established in Siam (Thailand).

Phuket has been a melting pot for various peoples. The Thai's have tended to be a rural people with a liking for more the countryside. The Chinese are more commercially enterprising and therefore more urban domiciled. The Muslims have favoured the coastal regions making their livelihood from the sea. These days the divisions are less noticeable and everyone is more assimilated.

Phuket is known for its beautiful powdery white beaches lined with palm trees. The waters are clear, blue and enticing. Other regions are transformed into tropically vegetated mountains, beautiful waterfalls and parks. Small and large Buddhist temples are sent into the vegetation and Muslim mosques can be standing amongst the stilt houses.

Tiny islands are strung around Phuket which attract divers from near and far. With the rapid growth of tourism comes the concern is environmental worries to this popular paradise. More hotels and resorts are springing up all the time. Patong is still a very popular are with tourist and all kinds of shopping bargains can be found on stalls lining the streets. You can just about get "copy" anything. At night the area buzz's with bars and wild nightlife. A truly beautiful place which hopefully won't be too ruined by tourism and commercialism and become "Paradise Lost".

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.(c) keeweechic 2001-2008 (copyright)