A brief history of Phuket – Things every tourist should know!

The capital of Phuket province in Thailand, Phuket is a famous tourist destination. It also has a long history and a vibrant culture worth knowing about. Here’s a brief history of the town for those history buffs.

Early history

Wedged between India and China, Phuket was located right on the trading routes, which was the reason for its foreign influences. Trade ships would wait in the Phuket harbour hoping for the monsoon winds to come along and set them on the path to India. The town was once home to indigenous people, but the settlement was displaced by tin miners in the 19th century. The coastal part of the town was inhabited by pirates. And Phuket officially became part of Thailand in the 13th century.

Tin & Rubber

Phuket was an excellent source of tin, which became a known fact in the 16th century. The island was prosperous due to its abundant availability of tin and rubber. The British almost made Phuket part of their empire, but the attempt wasn’t successful.

Tourism

Tourism started taking root in Phuket in the 1970s. The island was a popular backpackers’ destination back then. The island’s beautiful beaches and the warm waters of the sea are the main draws for tourists. Today, the island is visited by nearly three million people each year, making it one of the most visited destinations in Thailand.

The Battle of Thalang

The most celebrated event in Phuket’s history, the Battle of Thalang took place with the purpose of wading off the Burmese investors. Two heroic figures performed the most fearless acts to defend Phuket, and their statues can now be seen in Phuket City. If you are looking for places to visit in Phuket in order to learn more about the battle, you should visit the Thalang National Museum, which is only half an hour from Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas.

Origin of the name

The name Phuket has the meaning ‘hill’. The island was also called Junk Ceylon at one point. The name Phuket was a late invention, and it didn’t come into being until quite recently.