Phuket
Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.
Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.
Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.
Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23°C and 33°C.
Phuket's 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.
History of Phuket
Most geologists believe that the area known as Phuket today was once a cape that extended into the Andaman Sea. Geographical formations gradually changed the capes location, finally detaching it from the mainland.
A famous Greek philosopher, Claudius Ptolemy, was the first person who mentioned the cape in his book written in the year 157. The cape was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, which was located between latitudes 6 N and 8 N (the present site of Phuket Island). Natives called the place Cha Lang, which evolved to Tha Lang the name of the main town to the north of the island.
As a perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin with Portuguese, Dutch, English and French traders flocking to the island. This contributed to making the development of mining so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoyed thriving business wealth.
Apart from serving as a meeting point for traders from Europe, Central Asia and China, Phuket also attracted ambitious immigrants, especially those from Portugal and China, to work in the tin mines. With its colorful history, visitors admire the Sino-Portuguese style architecture in the city especially those buildings located along the Thalang and Yaowarat Roads.
Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area in 1785. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon respectively. To honor them, a monument was established at Tha Ruea Intersection, 12 kilometers to the north of Phuket City in 1966. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today.
However, 24 years later, the Burmese succeeded in seizing Thalang causing many local residents to flee to Phang-nga and Krabi. In 1825, some of them returned to re-establish a town and established a rice farming community. On the other hand, the area to the south of the island (Phuket City today) was developed and became a tin trading center.
When Phuket was elevated to a town in 1850, it attracted more immigrants from Thalang and nearby communities. In 1894, Phuket was promoted to be a Monthon administrative unit under the supervision of the central administrative body (located in Bangkok).
In 1902, Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, a Sino-Thai businessman who contributed to developing the modern city of Phuket was appointed Governor of Phuket. He also helped to improve the welfare of local residents and set up the market system in the countryside. In 1916, Phuket became a province.
The tin mining industry has gradually failed to generate economic growth in Phuket, especially after 1985 when the price of tin fell by half. However, with its natural resources, Phuket later emerged as a tourist destination with great potential. This polished pearl of the Andaman is truly a destination that provides visitors with memorable experiences.
The islands long history has shaped the distinctive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. With approximately 35 percent of the population being comprised of Thai-Muslims, it is possible to see an equal number of Wats (Thai temples) located next to Mosques.
Accommodation
| Accommodation | Location | Rates | VAT | SVC | ABF | PRO |
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| BW Premier Supalai Resort + Spa | Ao Por | 1900 THB |  |
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| Chandara Resort and Spa | Ao Por | 7400 THB | |
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| By The Sea | Ao Yon, Panwa Bay | 1500 THB | |
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| Phuket Beachfront Villas | Ao Yon, Panwa Bay | 6600 THB | |
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| Bangtao Village Resort | Bang Tao Bay | 1900 THB | |
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| Amora Beach Resort, Phuket | Bang Tao Bay | 2150 THB | |
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| At Panta Thai Villa Resort + Spa | Bang Tao Bay | 2350 THB | |
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| Allamanda Laguna Phuket | Bang Tao Bay | 3500 THB | |
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| Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel | Bang Tao Bay | 3945 THB | |
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| Laguna Beach Resort | Bang Tao Bay | 4346 THB | |
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| Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket | Bang Tao Bay | 4848 THB | |
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| Banyan Tree Phuket | Bang Tao Bay | 14609 THB | |
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| Anchan Resort + Spa | Bang Tao Beach | 970 THB | |
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| Andaman Seaview Resort | Bang Tao Beach | 1250 THB | |
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| Blue Garden Resort + Spa | Bang Tao Beach | 1500 THB | |
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| Bangtao Beach Chalet | Bang Tao Beach | 2700 THB | |
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| BW Premier Bangtao Beach Resort + Spa | Bang Tao Beach | 2700 THB | |
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| Andaman Bangtao Bay Resort | Bang Tao Beach | 2900 THB | |
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| Sunwing Resort + Spa | Bang Tao Beach | 3700 THB | |
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| Phuket Pavilions | Bang Tao Beach | 12900 THB | |
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| Kantary Bay Hotel | Cape Panwa | 1400 THB | |
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| Novotel Beach Resort Panwa Phuket | Cape Panwa | 2450 THB | |
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| Cape Panwa Hotel | Cape Panwa | 3050 THB | |
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| Bel Air Panwa Resort | Cape Panwa | 4150 THB | |
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| Grove Gardens | Cape Yamu | 3300 THB | |
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| Aochalong Villa Resort and Spa | Chalong Bay | 850 THB | |
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| Villa Zolitude, Phuket | Chalong Bay | 9400 THB | |
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| Novotel Phuket Resort (Coralia) | Kalim Bay | 3200 THB | |
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| Kamala Beach Inn | Kamala Beach | 1000 THB | |
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| Print Kamala Resort | Kamala Beach | 1650 THB | |
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| Kamala Dreams | Kamala Beach | 1750 THB | |
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| Kamala Beach Hotel + Resort | Kamala Beach | 1800 THB | |
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| Thiwaratri Resort + Spa | Kamala Beach | 2000 THB | |
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| Royal Embassy Resort + Spa | Kamala Beach | 2300 THB | |
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| The Aquamarine Resort + Villa | Kamala Beach | 3300 THB | |
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| Layalina Hotel | Kamala Beach | 3350 THB | |
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| Ayara Kamala Resort and Spa | Kamala Beach | 21000 THB | |
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| Karon View Resort | Karon Beach | 750 THB | |
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| C.C. Bloom`s Hotel | Karon Beach | 850 THB | |
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| Warika Place | Karon Beach | 850 THB | |
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| Malai House | Karon Beach | 900 THB | |
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| Rattana Beach Hotel | Karon Beach | 900 THB | |
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| Karon Place | Karon Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Karon Princess Hotel | Karon Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Karon Whale Resort Phuket | Karon Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Southland Inn Hotel | Karon Beach | 1000 THB | |
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| Phuket Island View | Karon Beach | 1050 THB | |
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| The Old Phuket Hotel | Karon Beach | 1050 THB | |
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| Baan Karonburi Resort | Karon Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Sugar Palm Karon Resort | Karon Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| The Phulin Resort | Karon Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort | Karon Beach | 1250 THB | |
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| South Sea Karon Resort | Karon Beach | 1450 THB | |
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| The Front Village | Karon Beach | 1550 THB | |
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| Karon Sea Sands Resort + Spa | Karon Beach | 1700 THB | |
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| Diamond Cottage Resort + Spa | Karon Beach | 1750 THB | |
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| Phuket Orchid Resort | Karon Beach | 1750 THB | |
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| Woraburi Phuket Resort + Spa | Karon Beach | 1750 THB | |
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| Centara Karon Resort Phuket | Karon Beach | 1950 THB | |
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| Horizon Karon Beach Resort + Spa | Karon Beach | 2100 THB | |
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| Ramada Karon Beach Resort, Phuket | Karon Beach | 2100 THB | |
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| Thavorn Palm Beach Resort | Karon Beach | 2100 THB | |
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| Andaman Seaview Hotel | Karon Beach | 2150 THB | |
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| Centara Villas Phuket | Karon Beach | 2500 THB | |
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| Karon Beach Resort | Karon Beach | 2850 THB | |
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| The Access Resort and Villas | Karon Beach | 3298 THB | |
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| Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort + Spa | Karon Beach | 3600 THB | |
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| The Village Resort + Spa | Karon Beach | 4700 THB | |
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| Moevenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach | Karon Beach | 4750 THB | |
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| Secret Cliff Resort and Restaurant | Karon Cliff | 1400 THB | |
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| Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort | Karon Noi Beach | 4379 THB | |
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| Kata Garden Resort | Kata Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Kata Happy House | Kata Beach | 750 THB | |
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| Kata Hill Residence | Kata Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Rico`s Bungalows | Kata Beach | 850 THB | |
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| The Beach Boutique House | Kata Beach | 1000 THB | |
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| Kata Minta | Kata Beach | 1050 THB | |
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| 3 Rd Street Cafe + Guesthouse | Kata Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Kata Palm Resort + Spa | Kata Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Sugar Palm Kata Resort + Spa | Kata beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Kata Poolside Resort | Kata Beach | 1250 THB | |
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| Orchidacea Resort | Kata Beach | 1250 THB | |
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| Serene Resort | Kata Beach | 1300 THB | |
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| Kata Sea Breeze Resort | Kata Beach | 1400 THB | |
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| Tropical Garden Resort | Kata Beach | 1400 THB | |
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| Peach Hill Hotel + Resort | Kata Beach | 1500 THB | |
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| Andaman Cannacia Resort + Spa | Kata Beach | 1750 THB | |
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| Kata Lucky Villa | Kata Beach | 1750 THB | |
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| Centara Kata Resort Phuket | Kata Beach | 1800 THB | |
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| Sawasdee Village | Kata Beach | 2100 THB | |
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| Peach Blossom Resort | Kata Beach | 2125 THB | |
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| The Aspasia Phuket | Kata Beach | 2500 THB | |
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| Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort + Spa | Kata Beach | 2550 THB | |
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| Kata Beach Resort | Kata Beach | 2850 THB | |
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| Mom Tri`s Boathouse | Kata Beach | 4900 THB | |
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| Malisa Villa Suites | Kata Beach | 5300 THB | |
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| Family Smile Inn | Kata Beach (Kata Center) | 550 THB | |
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| Katathani Phuket Beach Resort | Kata Noi Beach | 3550 THB | |
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| Mom Tri`s Villa Royale | Kata Noi Beach | 6450 THB | |
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| Coral Island Resort | Koh Hae | 1550 THB | |
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| Baan Mai Cottages + Restaurant | Koh Lone | 3300 THB | |
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| Tenta Nakara | Koh Naka Yai | 1250 THB | |
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| Layan Beach Resort + Spa Village | Layan Beach | 2300 THB | |
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| Bundarika | Layan Beach | 13250 THB | |
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| JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa | Mai Khao Beach | 5850 THB | |
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| Sala Phuket Resort and Spa | Mai Khao Beach | 8650 THB | |
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| I Pavilion Hotel | Muang | 1300 THB | |
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| Mission Hill Phuket Golf Resort + Spa | Muangmai-para, Thalang | 2850 THB | |
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| Sabana Resort | Nai Harn Beach | 1400 THB | |
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| Baan Krating Jungle Beach | Nai Harn Beach | 1550 THB | |
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| The Royal Phuket Yacht Club | Nai Harn Beach | 3500 THB | |
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| Trisara | Nai Thon Bay | 19892 THB | |
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| Phuket Naithon Resort | Nai Thon Beach | 500 THB | |
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| Naithonburi Beach Resort Phuket | Nai Thon Beach | 1999 THB | |
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| Andaman White Beach Resort | Nai Thon Noi Beach | 4500 THB | |
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| Kasalong Phuket Resort | Nai Yang Beach | 2200 THB | |
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| Nai Yang Beach Resort | Nai Yang Beach | 2200 THB | |
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| Indigo Pearl | Nai Yang Beach | 4050 THB | |
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| Adamas Resort + Spa (former Arahmas Resort) | Nai Yang Beach | 4600 THB | |
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| Thavorn Beach Village + Spa | Nakalay Beach | 2100 THB | |
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| Phuket Airport Hotel | Nearby Phuket Airport | 1500 THB | |
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| Chedi Phuket | Pansea Beach | 6800 THB | |
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| Amanpuri | Pansea Beach | 23215 THB | |
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| Connect Guest House | Patong | 850 THB | |
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| Blue Sky Residence | Patong Beach | 480 THB | |
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| Casa Jip Guesthouse | Patong Beach | 500 THB | |
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| Chada Guest House | Patong Beach | 500 THB | |
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| Lamai Apartment | Patong Beach | 500 THB | |
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| Beach Road Inn | Patong Beach | 600 THB | |
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| The Bird Cage Patong Guesthouse | Patong Beach | 600 THB | |
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| Seven Seas Hotel | Patong Beach | 650 THB | |
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| Toy Beach Residence | Patong Beach | 650 THB | |
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| Montana Grand Phuket | Patong Beach | 690 THB | |
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| Honey House | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Lamai Hotel | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Lamai Inn | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Le Tong Beach Hotel | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Baan Nern Sai Resort | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Stoney Monday Oasis Hotel | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| Sunset Mansion | Patong Beach | 700 THB | |
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| M`s Guest House | Patong Beach | 750 THB | |
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| Palm View Resort | Patong Beach | 790 THB | |
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| Family Inn | Patong Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Patong Green Mountain Hotel | Patong Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Jintana Patong Hotel | Patong Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Nirvana Phuket | Patong Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Phuttasa Residence | Patong Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Seeka Boutique Resort | Patong Beach | 800 THB | |
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| Patong Beach Lodge | Patong Beach | 850 THB | |
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| Rico`s Hotel | Patong Beach | 850 THB | |
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| Expat Hotel | Patong Beach | 890 THB | |
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| Andaman Villa Resort | Patong Beach | 900 THB | |
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| Patong Bayshore Hotel | Patong Beach | 900 THB | |
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| Poppa Palace | Patong Beach | 900 THB | |
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| Andaman Resortel | Patong Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Andaman Hill Hotel | Patong Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Club One Seven Bed + Breakfast | Patong Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Patong Inn Hotel | Patong Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Toy Residence | Patong Beach | 950 THB | |
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| Jochen`s Residence | Patong Beach | 980 THB | |
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| Baumanburi Resort and Spa | Patong Beach | 1000 THB | |
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| Patong Lodge | Patong Beach | 1000 THB | |
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| J.R.P. Hotel | Patong Beach | 1050 THB | |
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| Silver Resortel | Patong Beach | 1050 THB | |
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| Thanthip Villa | Patong Beach | 1050 THB | |
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| Baan Boa Resort | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Blue Ocean Resort | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Leelawadee Boutique Hotel | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Patong Cottage | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Quality Resort Patong | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Sea Sun Sand Resort | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Tropica Bungalow Hotel | Patong Beach | 1100 THB | |
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| Bel Aire Resort | Patong Beach | 1150 THB | |
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| Tritrang Beach Resort | Patong Beach | 1150 THB | |
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| Baramee Resortel | Patong Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Deevana Patong Resort + Spa | Patong Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Club Bamboo Resort | Patong Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| Patong Palace Hotel | Patong Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| White Sand Resortel | Patong Beach | 1200 THB | |
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| APK Resort | Patong Beach | 1250 THB | |
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| Coconut Village Resort | Patong Beach | 1300 THB | |
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| Royal Paradise Hotel | Patong Beach | 1300 THB | |
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| Patong Premier Resort | Patong Beach | 1350 THB | |
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| Patong Resort | Patong Beach | 1350 THB | |
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| Hyton Leelavadee | Patong Beach | 1400 THB | |
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| Absolute Patong Ville | Patong Beach | 1400 THB | |
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| Patong Villa | Patong Beach | 1500 THB | |
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| Safari Beach Hotel | Patong Beach | 1500 THB | |
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| Salathai Resort | Patong Beach | 1500 THB | |
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