Phuket Hotels

But show a little initiative and Phuket reveals far more – from the relaxed, unspoilt Nai Harn Beach and beautiful Karon Beach where you’ll find most of the high-end resorts popular with European travellers, to the rainforest interior where the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary operates. You can even channel your inner Tarzan (wrong continent, but you know what we mean) and explore the jungle on Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai islands, both easily accessible from Phuket. Then finish the day by watching the sun set from Phrom Thep Cape.

Despite, or perhaps because of the cheap souvenirs and girlie bars, Phuket is one of the world’s most desirable locations. But it’s when you move beyond the Bangkok-lite façade that the best holidays are found.

PHUKET’S TOP 10

Phuket Local

Old Phuket Town

Get in your time machine and take a stroll through this historically rich part of town. There’s heaps to check out, from shrines, temples (Buddhist and Chinese), ornate and beautifully preserved ‘shop houses’, quaint cafés, tiny printing shops, impromptu private and public museums and even a mini ex-red light district on Soi Romani.

Smack bang in the centre of it all is Thalang Road, where you’ll find Sino-Portuguese architecture in abundance – a throwback to Phuket’s colonial days. It might sound lame, but it’s actually really cool – especially if you check out the open cooking and bathing areas (don’t get those two mixed up!)

Take a stroll down Dibuk Road to see the famous On On Hotel, which featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Finish the day at the Night Markets, where bargains galore of authentic Thai goods can be bargained for and bought.

Patong Beach

This is why Phuket is famous. If hedonism is what you’re after, Patong Beach is truly the best there is. Apart from being super sexy and drawing the hotties from afar, this is place to get amongst all the action. And let’s not forget the shopping and the great nightlife centred on Bangla Road.

But down by the beach is where the action takes off – in and around the water. There’s jet skiing, yachting, para-gliding, surfing, snorkelling and kite surfing. And if that doesn’t float your boat (pun intended) how about stopping by the Aqua Zone Water Park. And if that doesn’t excite you, you could be a little dead inside.

In Patong, you’re not going to find much that’s authentically Thai amid the neon lights and non-stop partying. But chances are you’re going to be having too much of a good time to care.

Kamala Beach

Quite different from party-central Patong Beach is Kamala Beach.A little more subdued but not quite the nerdy-type, it’s still cool, just comparatively quiet.

Swimming at Kamala is generally safe although surf and swells do occur from May to October, so keep an eye out for red flags. Your relaxation may also be interrupted by beach vendors trying to sell you things. Simply say, ‘No thanks’ and they’ll move on.

Off the beach, Kamala is also where you’ll find great shopping, and on Fridays you can browse the Kamala Friday Market and practise your bartering skills. Kamala Beach is also home to Wat Baan Kamala, one of the region’s most famous and ornate temples. When visiting, make sure you dress respectfully (you probably lost your bikini in Patong anyway). If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find a variety of the best and cheapest Thai food anywhere in the hawker vans to the north of the beach.

Eat & Drink in Phuket

What’s On

In of honour the two heroines who fought for peace in the island during the Burmese invasion, the island celebrates the Thep Krasatri and Tao Sri Sunthorn Festivals during March.

April brings around the wet and wonderful Songkran Festival – Thailand’s New Year celebration. This is big one so brace yourself! The locals level to spray tourists (with water, we should add…)

Coinciding with New Year is National Fisherman’s Day in Phuket. Baby turtles set out to sea – enough to make even the most cynical cynic go ‘Awww!’

Adorable little flower boats lit with candles mark the start of October’s Loy Krathong Festival.

Just in case the girls/boys in the bars don’t make you feel welcome enough, November brings the Patong Carnival to mark the start the tourist season. There are parades, food fests and quirky beauty contests (fancy your chances?).

The carnival is followed by the annual Gay Pride Festival. Paint yourself rainbow and get down!

Plus, there’s always the chance to see a fit young thing run past for the Laguna Triathlon on Bang Tao Beach in November. But watching all that exercise may leave you in need of a lie down and/or stiff drink.

On the King’s birthday in December, the aptly named King’s Cup Regatta kicks off at Nai Harn Beach. It’s like England’s Henley Regatta, only with less Pims.

WHEN TO GO

Tourists flock to Phuket all year round. It really depends on whether you can stand the heat or don’t mind a bit of rain. Here’s a rough guide:

• Hot and Dry Season (November to May) 25-31°C (77-88°F) – sweltering humidity, little or no rainfall.
• Rainy season (June to October) 26-30°C (79-86°F); occasional heavy rain but the cool sea breezes ease the humidity.

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GETTING AROUND

• Motorbikes – Fun, cheap and safe (but be careful). The daily rental rate for the small motorbikes is 100-150 baht. The larger bikes rent for 300-500 baht. But be street smart and don’t let anyone charge you more.

• Buses – Public buses are the cheapest way to get around. A one-way trip from Patong to Phuket Town costs 15 baht. They aren’t always reliable, though, but if you do get stuck, there’s always another way home!

• Taxis and Tuk Tuks – The standard rate for a ride from one point in Patong to another is 20 baht, from Patong to Phuket is 150 baht, from Patong to Karen Beach is 100 baht. If you pay much more, you’re being ripped off.

WHAT TO MISS

• It might seem obvious but the water is a no-no! You don’t want to be cramped up or over up in the loo for half your holiday. This includes ice in your drink, ice-blocks and freshly made cold drinks like iced tea.

• If you’re going diving, be careful. There are some dangerous spots around and the instructors are not always as qualified as we might expect. Pay particular attention to safety around monsoon periods (May/June to October).

• In the southern parts of Phuket the beaches can get a bit murky and muddy. Some people don’t mind it, so each to their own!

• If you’re out partying, be careful. Buy your own drinks and don’t buy for locals unless you’re sure who they are and what they’re expecting…

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