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Pearl of the South in the Land of Smiles.
Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of colour and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand.
There are a hundred and one ways to pass the day in Phuket. There are also more tourists here than on any other Thai island - it certainly knows how to cater to tourists' every whim. Most flock to the beaches on the southwestern side, which are loaded with amenities and entertainment options.
Most travellers visiting Phuket will encounter no trouble but they should be aware of more serious security concerns elsewhere in Thailand. These include the September 2006 military coup against the Thai civilian government, the December 2006 bombings in Bangkok that occurred in areas popular with tourists and the ongoing insurgency in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla. Travellers should monitor the media for details of these situations and exercise caution when visiting these areas.
For the official warning check Safe Travel or check out The Thorn Tree.
