Phuket is the largest island in Thailand just offshore in the Andaman Sea. Phuket Island is one of the top tropical island beach resort destinations in all of southeast Asia and all of the world. It is famous for its blue waters, sandy beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling, delicious spicy Thai cuisine, and nightlife.
Travelers the world over flock to Phuket for relaxation and adventure. It is one of Thailand's most popular destinations and a place where one can enjoy exceptional weather with warm, sunny days year-round.
About Phuket And When To Go
On Phuket, one is free to enjoy the nodding palm trees, lively towns, and glittering seas. Even during the Monsoon season, it might only rain once or twice a day. One is free to enjoy the nodding palm trees, lively towns, and glittering seas.
- Monsoon Season: Mid-May through October
Phuket has something for every budget with hundreds of hotels to choose from, a vibrant nightlife, and a superb selection of dining options.
- Beaches: Phuket Has Over 30 Beaches Including Patong Beach, Kata, Karon, and Kamala
Phuket also has a large Chinese influence so one will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese Restaurants around the city further adding to its culinary diversity.
The Tropical Beaches
A very big part of why people choose to come to Thailand is to relax on its world-famous beaches.
Patong Beach: Patong Beach is Phuket's longest beach and was one of the most beautiful. It was once a tranquil retreat from the world. Today it has changed flavor as development and tourism have transformed it into one of the busiest beaches in the country.
- Longest: Patong Beach is Phuket's Longest Beach
- Busy: It is Very Developed and Touristic
So while one will not be able to find a quiet idyllic spot to contemplate the meaning of life, there is plenty of shopping and other activity to be enjoyed. Consider a massage on the beach or go for a swim under the gaze of the lifeguards.
There are many resorts all along the beach road that one can choose from, including Amari Phuket - one of the island's best hotels.
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You may not be able to find a quiet spot on Patong to read and contemplate life, but you'll find plenty of shopping and activity to keep you entertained. Many resorts are strung along the beach road, and one of the island's best hotels, the luxury Amari Phuket, perches on a headland overlooking the sea.
Kata Beach: Another stunning beach is Kata Beach. It is in a curving bay hugged by lush hillsides at both ends. It is less busy than Patong Beach but still quite touristic and there are fewer hawkers. The beach is broad, the sand is soft and white, and it has some decent snorkeling spots.
Tip: A Quieter Shoreline Is Just South Toward the Adjacent Kata Noi Beach
There are plenty of beachfront stalls where one can grab a refreshing tropical drink or one can also walk to nearby larger restaurants.
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Karon Beach: A third beach to consider is Karon Beach around 15 minutes away from the crowded Patong Beach. It is around 3.5 kilometers or 2 miles long and attracts many couples and families. When the weather is good it can be great to swim, but if the winds whip up there can be large waves crashing into the exposed shoreline.
Tip: The Beaches In the South Coast Are Normally Crowded While In The North They Are Much Less Busy
There are also resorts and restaurants spread out opposite the beach, some of the four-star resorts offer direct beach access.
Island Boat Tours
It is common to take speedboat trips to the many nearby tropical islands (including the famous Koh Phi Phi) and serene cruises around the mystical Phang Nga Bay.
While relaxing on the beach is stunning, many also like to get out and explore the other remote islands. Island boat tours are easy to book and some of the most notable islands are Maphrao, Nakha Yai, Nakha Noi, Koh Kaeo, Racha Noi, and Racha Yai. An example of a boat island day trip can be seen on Viator.com.
Other Attractions In Phuket
- Export Phuket Town: See The Bustling Tropical Sin City Of Phuket Town - See the Many Restaurants, Massage Parlors, And Other Tourist Attractions
- Snorkeling And Diving: The Waters Around The Island Are Some of The Best In Thailand For Diving - See An Underwater World of Colorful Corals and Tropical Fish
- Big Buddha: This Statue Is One of The Island's Most Distinctive Landmarks And Offers 360 Degree Views On The Summit of The Hill
- Visit Temples: The Island Has 29 Temples, And Wat Chalong is The Largest, Most Popular and Most Beautiful of them All