Phuket is firmly established as one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. And with an abundance of beaches, a lovely location, and a wide variety of accommodation to choose from, it’s easy to see why. Although Phuket is an island (the largest in Thailand) it is also the name of the province which includes over 30 smaller islands. An international airport and a road bridge that spans the short distance to the mainland help make Phuket one of the most convenient Thai islands to travel to. This includes renowned islands such as Phi Phi.
Tourism drives the local economy, but the cosmopolitan resort island has been drawing overseas visitors for centuries. Long before the advent of tourism, Phuket was an important stop on a marine trade route linking India, the Middle East, Burma, China and the Malay Peninsula. In the 16th century, large tin deposits were discovered in Phuket and resulted in an influx of traders from Europe and merchants and labourers from China. The influence of this era remains today and is reflected in local food and festivals and can also be seen in some of the historic buildings in Phuket Town.
This month Phuket will have the famous vegetarian festival, the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a colourful celebration that takes place during the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, generally in September or October. Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a wonderful mix of tradition and shock factor. The event celebrates the local Chinese community’s belief that abstinence from meat and other negative stimulants during the festival will lead to overall good health and a clear mind.
On the same note, Thailand has won the bid to host the world’s top blogger event, Travel Blog Exchange 2021 (TBEX Asia 2021), from 20-22 October, 2021, in Phuket. Marking the kingdom’s first winning event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the successful bid is a result of the fruitful collaboration between the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket Province and TAT. Phuket has been selected as the host city of the TBEX Asia 2021 under the concept of “Diversity of the South, Phuket & Beyond.
While in Phuket be sure to visit the beautiful PhiPhi Islands. Link https://youtu.be/_p9gytPHUms
In order to keep up to date with Thailand’s POST COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN, we encourage you to register online with the THAILAND EXPERT portal http://www.thailandexpert.co.za It is also where you will receive up-to-date information about the status of what’s happening in Thailand, especially with hotels. Please click here to see the latest press release received from the AKSARA Collection, a firm favourite with many South African travellers: https://lesleysimpson.co.za/the-sis-kata-and-pattra-mansion-are-now-open/
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is represented in South Africa by Lesley Simpson Communications. For further information, please contact:
tel: +27 11 463 8195
fax: +27 11 463 8196
email: info@lscpr.co.za
