Introduction

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and has the largest number of recorded reigns in the world. Current King, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the ninth king of the House of Chakri, and is the longest serving head of state alive today, and the longest serving monarch Thailand has ever had.

Thailand's economy was considerably boosted in the 1980s and 90s, when it became more industrialised, and tourism became strongly promoted. Today, Thailand's exports and tourism are two of its most valued industries.

Thailand is blessed with several tourist destinations which see millions of visitors from all over the world. Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui are among the most popular places in Thailand.

Phuket is an island which lies off the South West coast of Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination and is famed for a number of activities, some of which are highlighted below

Lean to Cook Thai Cuisine

Thai Cuisine is known the world over, and Thai food is one of the most popular in the world. Though cookery classes may not be an immediate choice for a holiday or vacation pastime while in Thailand, the exotic nature of Thai food provides hours of fun for many Phuket tourists.

Phuket provides cooking classes from experienced chefs. Many cooking classes are held near man shopping complexes in Phuket, such as Jungcelon. Many classes are held in working restaurants and bars.

Classes are aimed at all levels and many start with a tour of a Thai food market, before combining these wonderful and exotic Thai ingredients together. Thai food is about balancing flavours for an authentic and unforgettable dinning experience.

Of course, once you have picked up the basics, putting your new found Thai cooking skills to use in your Thailand Phuket vacation and holiday rental apartment simply has to be done.

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

Gibbons and other species of Monkeys native to South East Asia are often taken and used as tourist attractions. The process of hunting and capturing gibbons is often barbaric, with younger animals being taken and the older ones slaughtered. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) on Phuket was established to try and help gibbons that had been taken from their natural habitat, by nursing them back to health and reintroduce them to the wild once they were ready. It has received some bad press from people that have claimed to work for the GRP, but it has also received plenty of praise from other quarters. The project on Phuket It is open to visitors and volunteers.

Elephant Trekking

If you choose to go on an elephant trek across Phuket, you have in all probability saved the elephant's life. Since the logging industry was banned in 1989 and the changing environment of Phuket due to industrialisation, wild elephants together with working elephants have all but disappeared outside of tourism. Like humans, elephants need employment to survive in Thailand and being used as transport for tourists is really their only option. They are clever, intelligent, and due to the slow speed they walk at, are a perfect way to take in the splendour of Phuket.

It has been recommended to only use established tour operators for elephant trekking, as they treat the animals better, and they avoid inhumane or cruel practices.

Elephants are an established part of Thailand's history, where in Ancient Siam they were used in battle in a similar role as modern day tanks. It is believed that only 2000 South Asian elephants live in the wild and experts feat that the numbers are too low to sustain genetic diversity.

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands are four islands which are for the more outgoing traveller or tourist. Surrounded by coral reef, not surprisingly all manner of water sports and activities can be undertook, including snorkelling, cliff diving, and scuba diving to name but a few. Other activities include camping, walking, football (soccer), and wildlife includes monkeys and sharks.

Temple Viewing

To understand Thailand's culture and their religions is key to understanding Thailand itself. Phuket like many parts of Thailand has plenty of temples. They are established landmarks, and temples such as the Big Buddha and Chalong Temple are must see viewing for any visit to Phuket. As temples are very important to locals in Thailand, it is important to treat them with respect and follow common sense practices that you would if visiting a church in the west. Beachwear for example would be frowned upon to visit a temple.

Thailand is an exotic place filled with wonders and riches. It suits all types of traveller and tourist, and the island of Phuket offers a holiday maker or vacationer adventure, relaxation, and opportunities.