Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a famous tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. But have you ever wondered about the origin of the name "Phuket"?
While it might seem like a Thai word, Phuket actually comes from the Malay language! The word derives from bukit, which means "hill." This meaning perfectly reflects the island’s appearance from afar, with its lush mountains rising from the Andaman Sea.
Interestingly, Phuket wasn’t always called by this name. In the past, it was known as:
- Thalang: This was the name of the island’s main town and derived from the old Malay word "Telong," meaning "cape." The northern district of Phuket still retains this name today.
- Junk Ceylon: This name appeared on European charts and was a corruption of the Malay phrase "Tanjung Salang," which translates to "Cape Salang."
It was only later in Phuket’s history, when the administrative center moved to a central mining town also called Phuket, that the island adopted its current name.
So, the next time you’re relaxing on a Phuket beach, you can impress your fellow travelers with this interesting fact about the island’s origins!
