2002 - Thailand - Phuket

Phuket (Thailand) (8th to 10th November 2002)
Because of the island's hilly landscape, the island was given the appropriate Malay name of bukit or 'hill", a name that eventually became Phuket.
see also:
http://swytravel.blogspot.sg/2013/06/2013-phuket.html
http://swytravel.blogspot.sg/2008/08/2004.html
Khao Rang Hill - Phuket Hill Top Restaurant:
(A great view of Phuket Town can be seen by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the town's northwest border. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.)
Phuket Town:
Patong Beach:
A 4 Km long, crescent beach, it is the most developed of Phuket's beaches.
Karon:
Karon Beach:
At more than 4 Km in length, it is one of Phuket's longest beach.
Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort:
Other resorts:
The Banyan Tree (BangThao Bay)
Club Med Phuket (Kata)

Heroines Monument:
A statue on the highway from the airport portraying 2 heroines standing and facing north, swords in hand and awaiting new invasions.
The Burmese repeatedly invaded Phuket. In 1785, the Burmese attacked from the sea, as a surprise. The island's governor had just died, so the Thais were leaderless. Realising they were outnumbered, Chan, the governor's widow, and her sister Mook, disguised the island's women as men. The great number of soldiers on the city's walls confused the Burmese. The Burmese decamped and sailed away.
To honour the women for their bravery, King Rama I conferred royal titles on them. Chan became Thao Thep Kasattri and Mook, Thao Sisunthon.

Where to Eat:
Bangla Road at Patong Beach is our favourite:
It represents the busiest and most prolific part of this section of the Beach Road. Heading away from the beach, this 500-metre strip of bars, shops, tailors, restaurants, naughty venues and fast food joints is the heart of Patong Town.
Mengrai Seafood
Bangla Hidden Food Court
For many people this simple and cheap food court comes as a surprise as it is located in the middle of an expensive area. It houses more than a dozen food venders in basic setups along both sides of this very narrow soi. If you are travelling on a budget, this place will do you just fine. They have toilets and a shower service too, as it is very close to the beach.
Location: Opposite Soi Eric, look for the big sign on the top.
Cuisine: Thai/seafood