Phuket    topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks.

Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu.

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travelers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phuket’s famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.


One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach  on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai . Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Rawai. To the north of Patong are Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong. There are many islands to the southeast, including Bon Island, just a short boat trip away. There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the north west, and Phi Phi islands to the south east. Islanders engage in a lively tourist trade, catering to snorkellers  and scuba divers.

Phuket is one of the top ten dive destinations worldwide with colorful reefs surrounded by crystal clear waters. Hundreds of Islands and reefs can be explored by day trips or live aboard cruises. Highlights are swimming with a whale shark or manta ray and exploring the King Cruiser wreck. Best time for diving is from end of October till May.
Dive shops offering all kind of courses from beginners to dive master can be found everywhere around the island.

The most visited dive sites include:

• Anemone Reef
• Shark Point
• King Cruiser Wreck
• Surin Islands
• Similan Islands
• Koh Phi Phi
• Hin Daeng
• Hin Muang