Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Thailand / Phuket
 |  | Destination Guide : Phuket |
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| | | The Pearl of the South |  | Why go on holiday to Phuket?
Dubbed the Pearl of the South, Thailand's largest island is usually a magnet for hedonism-seeking sun worshippers. With the azure waters of the Andaman Sea lapping against the shores of white sand beaches, you need look no further for a place to flop and unwind.
Excellent water sports, especially diving, plus soft adventure options are also available. Or else you could simply enjoy the creature comforts of sophisticated international resort hotels. Whether you'd like a fortnight in the sun or want to tag on a beach holiday to a cultural tour elsewhere in Thailand, fancy a well-earned rest or some action, Phuket is the place to go.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary dramatically, depending on where you stay. A basic, six-night package is around £500 in low season (May-September). A five-night stay in a four-star hotel can be around £1,000 in high season (November-January and March-May). Flight-only deals start from £350.
When should I go?
The climate is tropical and humid, with year-round temperatures hovering around 30C/86F. But the best time to visit is between November and February when there's significantly less rainfall.
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| | | What's to see | | Where do I start?
When you can bear to tear yourself away from the lovely beaches, head into the town for a glimpse of Sino-Portuguese architecture. Places like Thanon Thalang and Thanon Dibuk are worth exploring. But perhaps the best example in town is the Standard Chartered Bank – Thailand's oldest foreign bank – on Thanon Phang-Na, which is pretty impressive.
Anything else to see?
A few old temples can be seen on Thanon Ranong. Make sure you visit the Shrine of the Serene Light, which is tucked away at the end of an alley next to the Bangkok Bank of Commerce. There's a small garden here with some interesting pieces of temple art, which are said to be around 200 years old. It's open between 8.30am and noon and 1.30pm-5.30pm daily. You could also walk up Phuket Hill or Khao Rang for nice views of the city, jungle and ocean.
What about activities and sports?
You'll be spoilt for choice. Firstly, divers can rejoice in the fact that Phuket is one of the world's top 10 dive destinations. Most dive companies are located around Hat Patong and offer trips to nearby islands or further afield to the renowned Surin and Similan Islands. Snorkellers are also allowed to join dive trips for a 30-50% discount. In addition, you can charter a yacht and go fishing for the day, explore semi-submerged caves in a kayak, enjoy elephant rides or hikes into the interior or learn to whip up a Thai meal on a cookery course.
What's to do at night?
There's plenty of bars and restaurants for night-time revellers and most hotels will offer entertainment too. Fans of Thai boxing should check out the Friday night matches at the stadium in the southern part of town.
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| | | Food and shopping | | Will children like it?
Kids will love the beaches, swimming and activities organised by the hotels.
What's the food like?
Thai cuisine is spicy, with heaps of garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass and coriander. Other distinctive flavours include peanuts, ginger and coconut milk. Green and red curries and noodle soups are delicious and fruit and vegetables are abundant.
What should I buy?
Many tourists search for silk fabrics which are then tailor-made into clothes, sometimes within 24 hours. Woven shoulder bags, fake designer clothing and gemstones such as rubies and sapphire are also great value. Be sure to know what you are doing when it comes to purchasing jewellery though – and only buy from reputable dealers.
More information
Tourism Authority of Thailand , 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London. SW1Y 6EE. Tel: 09063 640666.
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| | Available rental properties in Phuket |
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| |  | | Baan Panom, Karon, Phuket
On the hillside above Karon beach, this 3 bedroom luxuriously furnish residence with roof-top infinity pool swimming. Enjoy the beautiful sunset view from pool.
50% DISCOUNT FROM 7-14 MAY Min 4 days
|  | | Baan Sa-moot Sa-wan
Luxurious 4 story villa with spectacular ocean views close to superb beach. Roof top infinity pool. 4/5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, maximum sleeps 12.
|  | | The Stunning Penthouse Andaman Cove Evason Phuket
The Penthouse Evason Phuket. Situated within the 5-star Evason Resort. Enjoy all the resorts facilities, including; 4 restaurants, 4 swimming pools.
|  | | The Retreat, Naka Yai Island, Phuket, Thailand
A luxurious private beachfront family villa with infinity edge pool in a tropical island setting just offshore from Phuket with panoramic dreamscape v
|  | | The Retreat, Naka Yai Island, Phuket, + annexe
A luxurious private beachfront family villa with infinity edge pool in a tropical island setting just offshore from Phuket with panoramic views
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