Welcome to Phuket
A palm-fringed paradise of pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and cocktails on tap, Phuket is Southern Thailand’s headline act. Jutting out into the Andaman Sea, this is Thailand’s largest island, as well as its busiest, and while the crush of tourists in high season can be overwhelming, its popularity is well deserved. The capital, Phuket Town, is the obvious starting point, with its buzzing markets and non-stop nightlife, but the best hotels can be found along the west coast, hugging the shores of Kamala Beach, Karon beach, and Kata Beach. Farther north, Surin and Layan Beach, and laid-back Rawai, at the southern tip of the island, offer respite from the crowds, while busy Patong Beach is the life of the party, boasting the island’s best nightlife. Phuket also serves as the departure point for many of the surrounding islands and there are a huge variety of day trips available. Cruise beneath the jagged limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, home to James Bond Island; admire the Hollywood-worthy landscapes of the Phi Phi Island, where Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach” was filmed, or discover the underwater wonders of the remote Similan Islands.