Phuket - The Pearl of the Andaman:
Phuket is slightly smaller than Corfu and about a ninety minute flight from Bangkok. Lapped by the warm, unpolluted turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea to the west, Phuket is hilly and lush, an island made rich by rubber, tin and tourism. Phuket Town is full of charming Chinese owned shops and has some interesting Sino-Portuguese architecture. Palm and casuarina trees line the west coast beaches whilst the east coast is fringed by mangroves. Although Patong caters for those wanting full-on night-life, the island in general exudes a laid-back exotic ambiance, made even more special by the warm, smiling Thai welcome. The weather's stunning all year round, and we love June to August - it's low season, with occasional showers, but you'll have the island to yourself! Driving is easy, on beautifully maintained roads; both car hire and petrol are great value. We can recommend a couple of great value car hire companies. Or just take a cab!
Great things to do:
Have drinks at 'Silk', in Surin, a great venue for an upmarket evening out. Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project then trek through the jungle to Bang Pae waterfall. Watch the sunset at Promthep Cape on the southernmost tip of the island. Have a Thai massage. Buy silk, gems, handbags and much more. Go sea canoeing through sea caves to explore the mysterious limestone 'hongs' in Phang Na bay (home of 'James Bond Island') Explore the vibrant local markets. Eat locally - it's unbelievably cheap and delicious. We recommend Khon Khaen just across from Club Lersuang - the White Snapper green curry is to die for! Visit Wat Chalong, the fabulous temple on the way south. Take the kids to Phuket's great new aquarium, or the Phuket Fantasea attraction. Go elephant trekking in the rain forest, or white water rafting, or bungee jumping. Enjoy the panorama from Rang Hill, above Phuket Town. Learn to scuba dive or windsurf, or watch a Thai boxing match. You won't be short of things to do.
Golf & spas, medical & dental:
With seven fantastic golf courses (including Blue Canyon, and Mission Hills, the latter designed by Jack Nicklaus) you won't be short of a challenge. It may not be quite as cheap to play as in some other parts of Thailand, but still great value compared to a round in the West. If you have small kids, take them to Dino Golf at Karon - they will love it! Or if golf isn't your thing, then bliss out in one of the many spas on the island. We can recommend the Hide-away Day Spa in Cherngtalay, offering a wide range of treatments in a jungle setting. Want a dental makeover, a top-to-toe medical check-up or new reading glasses, at a small fraction of what you would expect to pay in the West? Phuket has excellent medical, dental & optical facilities. Its reputation is such that 'medical tourism' is becoming a reason in its own right for visiting the island. So if you want to go home tanned, certified fit for another few years and sporting a Californian smile, this could be the place for you!
Other Activities:
Shopping, Thai culture, temples, local and fine dining, spas, wildlife, markets, aquarium, sea canoeing, island hopping, go-karting, Thai massage
