Sunset on Patong Beach Phuket

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is located south west in the Andaman Sea. It is famous (or infamous) for the wild nightlife and other forms of entertainment of Patong Beach. But at approximately the same size of Singapore, it has a lot more to offer visitors, such as a diverse array of natural wonders and wildlife, also a chance to sample local cuisine and experience village life.

Patong is the vibrant heart of the island, and features many of the attractions of a major city like Bangkok. While many of the big hotels serve international cuisine, there are also many local places with great food at cheap prices. And somewhere in the middle, there are restaurants serving both Thai and Western or fusion dishes. Bangla Road and its lanes are crowded with bars, especially the go-go type, but also a more regular variety for a quiet drink.

Saikaeo beach, Phuket

With its long wide beach, Patong is also a popular spot for a variety of activities such as beach volleyball, kayaking and parasailing. The town is ideal for touring on foot or by bicycle, and mopeds are available to venture further afield, perhaps to one of the international standard golf courses, or to more peaceful beaches, such as Kata or Karon. The ultimate in relaxation, however, is to be found at a spa offering treatments to pamper the most world weary of travellers.

Phuket City is located about 15 minutes away from Patong. It is an interesting mix of old and new, with some examples of both colonial architecture in the Old Town, and modern venues for young people, such as trendy bars and nightclubs. Other amusements include art galleries, museums and some of the best dining options on the island, ranging from Muslim pancake stalls to Chinese noodle shops. A visit to the night market is also highly recommended.

Beautiful tropical waters in Phuket

There are plenty of day trips on offer in Phuket. Many visitors who take a boat tour around the coast to the renowned Phang Nga Bay limestone islands are awe-struck not only by the beauty of their surroundings, but also by the novelty of encountering chattering monkeys and other wildlife within the hidden mangroves. A bit further south is Krabi Bay, whose many limestone karst islands feature stunning stalactite caves to explore.

Speed boats set off for Kho Phi Phi in the early morning for snorkeling and swimming, also to Coral Island for an afternoon of waterskiing. Richy Island, or Koh Rang Yai, is worth visiting for its pearl farm. And while luxury cruisers take divers out for a week on the superb reefs of the Similan Islands, even an overnight charter trip provides the opportunity to try fresh seafood and both a spectacular sunset and sunrise.