Phuket and Andaman Today
A few weeks after the tsunami, Phuket and Andaman region is on the road to a quick recovery. Most of the hotels and services resume to normal operation. Tourist attractions and the coral reefs had a little destruction, people in Phuket and Andaman region are ready to welcome the tourists again. Message from Prime Minister of Thailand

Thailand's great shopping as a world's leading exporter of gem stones . There are semi-precious stones (opals, jades, topazes, turquoises, amethysts, zircons, etc.) and genuine precious stones (sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds) worked into jewelry in traditional Thai and modern designs. well as handicrafts and arts . Then world famous Thai silk , almost a must for any visitor. Furthermore, the country offers good value in gold ornaments, gleaming silver and nielloware, bronze ware, pewterware, ceramics and specially high-fired celadon as well as wood carvings.

Thailand's diverse geography offers an impressive range of activities. Northern Thailand's mountainous forests are renowned for their spectacular waterfalls, lush green scenery, caves, birds, and other wildlife. The exotic elephant safaris and trekking with knowledgeable guides to visit remote hill tribes have become very popular.
The Southern coastline is ideal for all aquatic fun, regardless of your level of expertise. An abundance of national parks, land and marine, scattered throughout the country provides a variety for exploring Thailand's natural wilderness. Some come to take advantage of the country's plentiful, excellent golf courses, while others seek their thrills in adventurous sports. Whatever your choice may be, there's bound to be an activity tailored especially for you.

In popular seaside resorts, a variety of water sports are on offer, from parasailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and motorboat/ jet ski rentals. Inflatable "banana boat" rides have gained in popularity, where a maximum of 5 sitting astride an elongated rubber tube attempt to hold on as the motorboat tugging it sends it into a number of swerves, eventually resulting in a wipe out.

Deep Sea Fishing
Anglers have a choice of excellent facilities for big game fishing at Pattaya and Phuket, where it's almost guaranteed you'll catch a sailfish at the latter destination throughout the year.
Islands
Spectacular off-shore islands dot the azure waters of Southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, providing ample opportunities for frolicking in the sun or for perfecting those tans.

Kayaking/ Sea Canoeing
Having gained much popularity in recent years, kayaking is widely available at all seaside resort towns. It first became known in Krabi and Phang Nga, being the most peaceful way and only way to enjoy the strange karst islets, narrow channels and mangrove forests.

Sailing
The international yachting fraternity love Thailand's dramatic coastline and congregate once a year at Phuket for the annual King's Cup Regatta. H.R.H. The King was once an avid sailor and still shows interest for this sport. Though sailing is possible from Hua Hin and Pattaya, the best facilities and most scenic sights are in Phuket. Charter a yacht, join a crew or even sail one of your own, the choice is endless.

Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling
The Andaman Sea offers some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs, ocean drop-offs, and submerged pinnacles. With numerous wreck dive sites and islands also available on the Gulf of Thailand side, diving is capable nearly year-round. The crystal clear waters enables you to view colorful sea fans and soft corals for up to 100 feet, while the murky waters, full of nutrients, attracts larger marine animals, with numerous sightings of the elusive whale shark. The tropical, warm currents means suiting up in bathing suits is quite adequate.