Phuket

Phuket Island is situated in the southern province of Thailand and borders the west coast of the Andaman Sea. It is the second smallest province in all of Thailand and is the country’s biggest island with an area landmass of 576 square kilometres. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber and was a very popular stop along the major trading routes between India and China in the 17th century. It was frequently mentioned in foreign ships logs of the Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English traders. Walking through Old Town Phuket you can see this history reflected in the present with beautiful Sino-Portuguese shophouses which line the streets.  Locals have lovingly restored these buildings with coffee shops, art galleries and restaurants. Yearly festivals attract locals and tourists alike, such as the Vegetarian Festival, Ghost Festival, Sea Gypsy Boat Festival and the Kings Cup Regatta. Phuket has a mean average temperature of 28 C or 90 F and the best times during the year are from November to April, although even in the rainy season the island is just as special and even less crowded.

There are dozens of beaches around Phuket, but each of the main resort areas has a very different character. If you choose the right one to match your needs and preferences, you should have a fantastic holiday. The range of attractions around Kata Beach, for example, makes it a pretty good all-rounder as a holiday destination. Its beach is long and lively and is a particular favourite with surfers (from May to November) and student divers (there’s a cool reef to explore between the beach and Pu Island). The nightlife here is fun, but not too raucous. There are several great restaurants to choose from as well as shops, viewpoints and fun activities. It offers fun for all the family, making it a particularly popular destination for young couples travelling with children.

The long, curved expanse of Kamala Beach and the little town behind it are just a short distance from the more lively Patong Beach but is practically the polar opposite. Kamala is popular with retirees for its quiet atmosphere, relaxed pace and abundance of spas, villas and quality hotels. It has a very subdued nightlife, which mostly caters to those seeking a pleasant time instead of high-energy partying. The area best caters to those who are in no rush, want to take it easy, and are quite happy for lazing on the quiet beach to be the day’s most strenuous activity.