The Art of Business

Thailand’s Most Popular Island

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand.  Formerly known as Tha-Laang, Talang, or Junk Ceylon, the island is roughly the same size as Singapore. 860 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea and enjoys balmy weather and numerous beaches. Many of the Five star hotels Phuket are beach resort featuring amazing ocean views and a wide range of water sports and activities.  There is also world-class dining featuring both local and international cuisine.

Once on a major trade route between China and India, Phuket was built on economies of tin and rubber and has a colorful and rich history. Today, the economy relies on tourism for much of its wealth. Phuket is connected to the Thai mainland by a bridge and is the most popular of the Thai islands. The island sustained severe damage in the December 2004 tsunami, but has recovered quickly to the point where it is difficult to see any indication of the damage today.

Phuket hosts a diverse population of Buddhists, Muslims, Thai-Chinese, Europeans, and Malay.  This variety yields acalendar teeming with cultural and religious festivals throughout the year.  Some of these festivals include the Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Sisunthon Fair, the Seafood Festival, and the Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival.

The island’s most important is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival held over nine days during the Chinese ninth lunar month.  The focus of the festival is purification of the body and soul through ceremonies such as firewalking, body piercing, and following the vegetarian diet.  These acts are also believed to bring good fortune to the community as well as to the individuals participating.

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