Phuket OverviewIn the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, the holiday hub of
Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is
connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest
island, Phuket is incredibly diverse with rocky and sandy beaches,
tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters to all, with a variety of holiday resorts offering
accommodation from backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern
luxury hotels, though the beachfront bungalows on unspoilt
stretches of white sand are rarer now than they used to be. There
are numerous activities in or near Phuket to enjoy on holiday,
including mountain biking, bungy jumping and golf. It is even
possible to go elephant trekking. A variety of tours offer day
trips to the cliffs of nearby Phang Nga Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the
beaches and islands around Krabi. There is plenty to do on the
island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands are good
for snorkelling and scuba diving. Phuket has a huge variety of goods and shopping establishments,
from markets and street stalls to department stores and specialist
shops, and a range of restaurants from Thai seafood to Indian and
Western cuisine. Phuket also has its own airport, making it easy to
get to and from Bangkok, and although the island hosts thousands of
tourists in peak season, its sheer size allows visitors to escape
from the madding crowds. Patong Beach is the island's most famous
and developed beach resort, offering a wide choice of holiday
activities, dining options and nightlife. It is situated nine miles
(15km) from Phuket City. |