Existing amidst a myriad of pale sandy shorelines, ancient cultural sites and glorious sunshine, Phuket is the ultimate exotic escape. Hovering within the crystal clear, turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, this huge Thai island attracts everyone from the jet set glitterati and the package holiday tourists, to the budget hunting back packers and the adventurous travellers.
A Glistening Coastline
If your holiday dreams consist of lazy days spent under the sun with the sand between your toes, Phuket offers an endless array of beaches, bays and forgotten coves. Fringed with coconut trees and lapped at by shimmering ocean waters, this lengthy coastline stretches past the perfect sandy spot for every type of traveller.
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Those looking for a desert island escape can head to the more deserted sands of the north of the island, where you will find Kamala Beach, Mai Khao Beach and Bang Tao Beach. The shores surrounding these beaches are peppered with hidden coves and small bays, which vary in accessibility. That said, some of the most beautiful beaches reward those who seek them out, such as the serene Banana Beach and the almond tree shaded Ao Sane Beach.
Visitors who are looking for bustling bays filled with beachside bars and water sports can look to Phuket’s more popular beaches, such as the lively Kata Beach, a palm lined coast that boasts a spectacular nightlife and a huge choice of entertainment options.
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One of the most vivacious atmospheres awaits at Patong Beach, which is sat within the islands self-branded ‘Sin City’. The beach borders a hectic resort town filled with modern amenities and a veritable mixture of attractions, from late night bars with go go girls, to high street shops and water sports.
Thrills for the Adventurous
Adventurous travellers will find plenty to keep them entertained in Phuket, from authentic Thai boxing classes to quad bike island tours. If you’re a fan of the water you can choose from a huge array of water sports, from sea kayaking, white water rafting and surfing, to wakeboarding and sailing. Those interested in delving into the vibrant underwater world will find some mesmerising snorkelling and scuba diving sites here, offering sights of coral gardens, colourful sea creatures and forgotten wrecks.
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If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on dry land you can choose from a number of other adventurous activities, such as cycling, hiking, go karting and beach volleyball. If you’re in need of some adrenaline thrills you can try some of the more extreme sports on offer, which include rock climbing, bungee jumping and zip lining.
One of the most popular natural sights on the island is the Ban Pae waterfalls, which, soaring into the sky some 18 metres, are the biggest in Thailand. Visitors can enjoy trekking across the Kha Phra National Park’s lush landscape to this spectacular landmark.
Local Island Life
Phuket also offers the chance to soak up some Thai culture, and explore its historical sites. The island’s rich calendar of events is brimming with festivals and cultural celebrations, such as the famous The Vegetarian Festival, which is colourfully held across the island’s Chinese shrines.
Those looking for some history and traditions can lose themselves in some of Phuket’s ancient and new attractions, such as the Big Buddha, which stands proudly atop the peak of the Nakkerd Hills. The Wat Chalong is one of the island’s most prominent temples, intricately detailed with miniature glass pieces.
For a slice of old Thailand you can visit Old Phuket Town, which is a quaint area filled with traditional restaurants and a blend of colonial and Chinese architectural sites.
A destination once reserved for those with a big holiday budget, Phuket is now easily available to those who want a purse friendly break. Low fares are also more available today, with Thomson having recently opened a flight path direct to Phuket. For direct flights from the UK to Phuket take a look at www.thomson.co.uk.
Bio – Once an eccentric ten year old writing scripts from her bedroom in Oxford, Laura now spends most of her time regaling with tales of travel, design, fashion and film. The rest of her time is spent daydreaming of where to go next…
