Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast. In the past, Phuket’s economy was based on tin mining and rubber plantations but tourism has overtaken these and is a major contributor to the island’s wealth. It is easy to see why its popularity continues to grow each and every year. Apart from having stunning scenery, it offers an amazing range of recreational facilities and many sightseeing opportunities. Whether you are seeking total relaxation or looking for an active, sporting break, Phuket will accommodate your needs. It has everything from romantic hideaways to resorts that party until dawn. Phuket’s accommodation caters for all budgets and its eateries provide for all tastes and pockets. Those requiring retail therapy will be delighted by the numerous opportunities around the island with markets in every resort. Phuket’s nightlife has something for everyone regardless of orientation. It can be as relaxed or as lively as you wish.
The resorts on the island are so widely diverse that a Phuket holiday can satisfy all tastes and keep the whole family entertained.
Phuket is a beautiful verdant island that offers amazing scenery, great beaches, warm seas and excellent accommodation and cuisine. The variety of recreational activities is immense, both on land and sea, and there are many sightseeing excursions. With good weather and warm welcoming locals, it is easy to see why so many people make return visits.
A Phuket holiday has broad appeal as the islands many resorts provide a wide variety of venues that cater for all tastes. Some are geared to the needs of families and couples, while others accommodate young adults. Phuket also appeals to the gay community.
Boasting a tropical climate that has consistent high temperatures year round, Phuket weather falls into three main seasons; a hot and dry springtime, a wet season from June to October and dry cooler weather which lasts from November to February. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 30c at any time of the year and can reach highs of 35c during spring.
Phuket is Thailand’s most popular island where thousands choose to leave grey northern shores and relax on sun-bleached sands. There is no North Sea gasp as you enter the tepid waters, no shivering behind wind breaks trying to catch a tan. On Phuket the sun will shine and translucent waters will relieve any stress. Those who enjoy active holidays will find much to occupy their days as there is just about every type of water sport imaginable. You can take an excursion by boat to the Phang Nga caves. On land there are tennis courts and golf courses, elephant treks into the forest, visits to temples, shrines and waterfalls. The Fantasea complex is worth visiting as it showcases Thai culture and offers a range of entertainment.
Phuket offers a variety of accommodation from five star luxury to self-catering apartments and budget rooms. Those looking to have their every whim satisfied, and those scratching along with limited means, will be equally satisfied. The same applies to food. Eateries cater for every experience from fine a la carte dining to a fast food take-away. There are shops and markets everywhere. Remember to barter as the asking price is usually double the item’s worth. Popular purchases include silks and gem stones. Phuket nightlife can please everyone from party animals to romantic couples as you can find throbbing bars and discos as well as secluded tranquil hideaways.
A Phuket holiday can please everyone. Choose your resort according to your interests and you will be more than satisfied.
Phuket nightlife is as relaxed or as lively as you wish it to be with resorts to suit every mood. Patong is the liveliest on the island with hundreds of bars, pubs, discos and clubs offering dusk to dawn entertainment to all orientations. There are many family friendly resorts where you can enjoy pleasant evenings drinking and dining under the stars.
Phuket has numerous shops, boutiques, markets and pavement stalls. The markets offer the opportunity to haggle over prices which are usually highly inflated. Expect to pay no more than half the original asking price. Thai cotton and silk, gem stones and hand crafted jewellery, wooden carvings and Buddha figures make popular gifts and souvenirs.
Phuket’s restaurants, cafes and street vendors serve a variety of food from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine. There are even fast food outlets which include McDonalds. Thai food has been influenced by its neighbours China, India and Malaysia and is a delicious blend of herbs and spices. Some dishes can be very hot but on the whole Thai food is deliciously aromatic.
