Destination Phuket in Thailand

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is off the country’s western coast in the Andaman Sea. One of the best known holiday destinations in Thailand, Phuket is easy to get to by plane; there is an airport right on the island, for both domestic and international flights. As two road bridges connect it to the mainland, Phuket is also directly accessible via bus or automobile, and ferry and speedboats operate between this island and its neighbours. Because of Phuket’s size (48 km long by 21 km at its widest), you will need to get about by bus, taxi, motorbike taxi or hired car or moto. The latter two are perhaps the most convenient, allowing you to explore the various towns and beaches on your own schedule.

Where to stay

The accommodation you choose will depend to at least some extent on which part of the island you plan to spend most of your time at. Phuket accommodation is not cheap, especially if you would like beach proximity and air conditioning, and you are traveling at peak season. Rates for a room with A/C, away from the beach, start at 500 BHT minimum. Villas or five star resort hotels are many times that, although generally you can arrange for a discount if you are staying for a month or more. Book in advance to be assured of having a place to stay once you arrive; sometimes the rate will be lower this way, as well.

What to do

Enjoy the lovely sea water by bathing, diving, snorkeling or jet skiing. Wakeboarding, wind or kite surfing or parasailing are some perhaps unfamiliar sports to try. Trek the jungle and admire the spectacular waterfalls via Land Rover or elephant. Children and adults like will enjoy the wonderful fauna on display at the crocodile farm, aquarium and butterfly garden. A plethora of spas offer massage and other wellness treatments priced to suit every wallet. Shop for souvenirs at one of the two huge local malls, or look in smaller speciality shops for ornamental items such as cultured pearls, pewter or nielloware jewelry and objets d’art.

Nightlife

The evening meal in Phuket is an excellent time to sample some of the local delicacies, which include noddle based dishes and the near-ubiquitous fresh seafood, as well as Phuket cashew nuts and pineapples. Or try a world class gourmet restaurant, featuring Thai, European or fusion cuisine. Nightlife in Phuket is plentiful and often risqué, according to which part of the island you visit. Patong has the liveliest scene, with live music venues, Irish pubs and the infamous Bangla Road, the place that has earned Patong’s reputation as a party capital of Asia. If you are traveling with children, you may prefer to spend an evening at the equally lively but more family oriented Phuket FantaSea, billed as the “ultimate cultural theme park.”