Phuket

Hotels In:

• Pattaya
• Ayuthaya
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Hua Hin
• Khon Kaen
• Ko Pha Ngan
• Ko Samui
• Krabi
• Lampang
• Loei
• Phuket
• Sukhothai
• Surin

This island in the Andaman Sea with its long, white sand beaches, warm clear water, excellent scuba diving and snorkeling off of Koe Similan, windsurfing, mountain nestled fine resorts, and some of the best sea food in all of Thailand make it an attractive beach side vacation. However, at its worst, it's over-developed and crowded with tour groups. The over-development and commercialized strip are a bit much for finding any kind of peaceful, tropical tranquility.

In recent years, the Thai Government has been granting economic incentives to encourage developers to mold the island into an international first class resort town. Construction continues to take place at an alarming rate, pushing into previously remote areas as tourists flood in from Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Those in search of a more island experience will often head to nearby Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, or the island chain on the eastern gulf coast like Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. Phuket does very well at offering a selection of nice places to stay, at affordable rates with great service. It also serves well as a hub to visit other islands, and numerous tours can easily be arranged from any of the travel shops along the beach.

Phuket town

Phuket island's commercial center, Phuket town, is located on the southeast part of the island. There are many beaches which make up the region of Phuket. Along the western coast, from Nai Harn up the coast line almost 20 miles (30 km.) to Bang Tao, there are plenty of white sand beaches dotting the coastline. In the south, Kata, Kata Noi, Karon, Patong, Surin, and many beautiful smaller beaches can be found along the corridor. A narrow, congested mountain road links the beach towns to Phuket town, and goes on further to inland Phuket where many visitors plan trips to the jungle parks like Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in the northeast, known for its diverse plant life.

The beaches

There is a beach for every type of person in Phuket. Ranging from five-star resort beaches, to private hideaways, to backpacker campgrounds. Each beach is distinct, and picking the right one makes all the difference. Starting from the top northwest side of the island:

Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach on Phuket Island. It is a pristine white sand beach that is devoid of development and protected as part of the Nai Yang National Park. Camping is allowed but there are few facilities. If you are in search of a remote, private beach to have all to yourself, this is it. If you are looking for a luxury experience, this beach is home to the JW Marriot resort, which will certainly provide for a first class holiday.

Patong Beach is about 30 minutes south and is the most famous, or infamous, beach on Phuket island. Patong Beach is known for its endless rows of shops, variety of restaurants, and neon glaring red-light district on the beach. An endless assortment of go-go's, beer bars, and late night disco-techs catering to the people of the night, provide for an adult playground on the beach. Although the sex scene pales in comparison to Pattaya, its still is a little bold for some people's taste. All that being said, most people really enjoy Patong Beach for its variety of food and nightlife. The beach remains the most popular destination on Phuket island.

Heading further south, over the hill, the next beach is Karon Beach. Featuring a long stretch of squeaky white sand, Karon is far less hectic than Patong beach, but still offers a full range of facilities, dining, and activities. While it's a fast-growing area, Karon is spread out and rarely feels crowded. Karon beach is concentrated around three main areas. The Karon Plaza on the southern tip of the beach, features a number of budget guest houses, restaurants and pubs. There is plenty to explore walking around the alleys (sois) that lead off of the main beach road.

The next beach over from Karon beach is Kata Beach. Very popular with families, Kata Beach is a very scenic, white sand, palm-lined beach which is very popular with surfers and sun-seekers. Often referred to as one of the nicest beaches in Phuket, Kata has a nice selection of restaurants, and a fairly clean and tame nightlife scene with varied options for accommodation. Kata is split into two main areas: Kata Center, which is located toward the north, and Kata South, which is home to many nice resorts. Most of the beach road is occupied by Club Med, which provides for a nice footpath for an afternoon walk. There are plenty of shops, diving excursions, and tour guides to assist you in seeing whatever you went to see.

Nai Harn Beach, at the southern tip of the island, is a quiet, hidden spot, that is popular with the locals. It's a tranquil place with only a few hotels, and a yaht club which serves as a favorite anchorage for boaters during high season. It offers great swimming, restaurants, and opportunities to relax.

Just north of Nai Harn is a small, secluded beach called Nui Beach. Difficult to access, it makes for a nice private break from Nai Harn. Further down the coast is Ya Nui beach, a sandy cove which is popular with divers and snorkelers. Ao Sane is another out of the way beach. In the same area is Promthep Cape, a picture perfect place to watch a sunset. It is a popular local attraction with a great view only a few minutes drive from Nai Harn.

  Favorite Nighlife in the Area

  Favorite Events in the Area

Thailand Travel Guide Thailand blends the exotic with modern convenience: Bangkok is a gleaming city with a robust traditional cuisine and a culture of devout Buddhism, while the ancient city of Chiang Mai is spa central. When you're done lapping all that up, move on to cloudy mountains or lounge around on the pearlescent sand of those famous beaches.