Phuket is one of the most popular holidays at the moment for Australians and it’s easy to understand why. Phuket is a fantastic destination; an exotic location with a variety of cultural, adventure and family experiences on offer, with resorts and hotels to suit all budgets, amazing food and excellent shopping.
It’s also an ideal spot for romance (popular with Honeymooners), relaxation and wellbeing with amazing secluded areas and relaxing spa resorts. Or if you are looking for a ‘party’, Phuket also offers sensational shopping and racy nightlife.
So with so much contrast on offer, where do you go and what are the best things to do?
Patong Beach is the most well-known area and is exciting, vibrant and always bustling. With wild nightlife, bars, clubs and popular markets to explore, Patong Beach really comes alive at night. There are some great hotels in town with easy access to the beach and shopping areas all within an easy walking distance. And there are also great hotels and resorts on the outer skirts of the main town area, a cheap and short taxi/tuk tuk ride into the main area – one of my favourites is the Le Meridien Phuket Resort & Spa, which has its own private, secluded bay which is stunning.
Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Kamala Beach are also all popular locations that are a lot more laid back, but with a range of accommodation to suit all tastes.
There are many great things to see and do whilst you are holidaying in Phuket. The ‘Big Buddha’ is a huge 45 metre high Buddha figure which is one of the most important landmarks of the island and can be seen from miles away, and Elephant Trekking is a great experience.
A day trip to the beautiful, spectacular Phi Phi Island is a must, and Phang Nga Bay is Phuket’s top tourist destination – amazing scenery featuring limestone cliffs, grotto caves and mangroves. Old Phuket Town is also worth a visit if you are interested at all in history.
We’ve touched on the nightlife, but Phuket Fantasea is a theme park complex that showcases the heritage, charm and culture of Thailand by means of a theatrical show with special effects. It is renowned as a great show and one that appeals to the whole family. And of course there is Bangla Road Nightlife for those that want to enjoy the clubs and bars.
The spas in Phuket are terrific, luxurious treatments that calm your senses and help you relax and enjoy your holiday. Hot stone Thai massages are popular and the prices for all treatments are a fraction of what you would pay here in Australia, a real bargain and affordable to everyone.
One of the best tips I can give to you is to ensure you book return airport/hotel transfers as part of your holiday. Phuket Island is a lot bigger than most people realise and it takes 45 – 60mins to travel by car from the airport to the main beach resort areas.
Others tips are to negotiate your tuk tuk price before you hop in, so that you know what you are going to pay upfront, and make sure you barter when you’re shopping – definitely a place for haggling!
Immerse yourself in the fantastic Thai culture of Phuket, sample the scrumptious Thai street food, shop in the newly developed shopping malls or traditional street markets and prepare yourself to enjoy a holiday that will appeal to all. No matter what type of a holiday you are seeking, Phuket has it all to offer!