Phuket

Phuket | Where To Stay | Beaches | Sports & Activities | How To Get Here

Most people tend to forget that the full name for this province is in fact Koh Phuket, due to it being the only island with provincial status. Known as the Pearl of Thailand, Phuket is a fully fledged international playground for those who like life's excesses.

Swamped with too many resorts, go-go bars and night time activities, Phuket can be seen as being nothing but a tourist trap but if you take the time to explore the island, you can find some beautiful spots.

The main centres are the beaches, Patong, Karon and Kata. Although these areas are famed for their nightlife, the beaches themselves are fantastic during the day time and the surrounding waters contain a lot of colourful marine life, offering superb scuba diving.

Phuket town is notable for its old European style architecture. The main occupation of the locals not in the tourist industry is rubber plant cultivation while a few are engaged in the cultivation of coconuts, rice, fruits and fishing.

The main tourist centres are gradually replacing the cheaper accommodation places with big brash hotels but there are still a handful of places in the mid-range price. Food and drink are still fairly cheap in the hundreds of bars and restaurants.