by Tom Martens
Most flights into Phuket originate from Bangkok via several airlines: Thai Airways (also offering flights from the UK to Bangkok), Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Firefly and Air Asia.Thailand’s largest island, Phuket (roughly pronounced poo-get) is a popular holiday travel destination with beaches, night life and a rich melting pot of culture and religions.
Once you arrive at Phuket’s International Airport you will find that the shuttle bus will be the easiest and cost effective way to get where you would like to go. Local buses also run to all major beaches. Other traveling options include taking advantage of the minibus service or taxi.
Phuket high season is in general from November to May, though the island is hot and humid throughout the year. Summer monsoon season brings sunny, clear mornings and afternoons and rainy evenings. Locals consider May through October the “cool season.”
The island boast something for everyone from parents with children, beach bums and barflies, catering to all tastes, and budgets. Phuket’s 12 beaches are beautiful with white beaches and clear waters. The winding coastal roads offer stunning views and easy access to these fine beaches.
Karon Beach is a long stretch of beach offering a quieter environment than Patong without sacrificing a full range of dining and entertainment, including art and sports.Patong is known as the ideal beach to party and play with hundreds of restaurants, bars and discos centered around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road).
Kata Beach, just a few miles south of Karon Beach is popular with families thanks to its spectacular beach, restaurants and lively, but not wild, night life. Phuket’s other beaches are Mai Khao, Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Kata Nio Beach, Ao Chalong, Rawai Beach and Nai Ham.
While Phuket is sought after by tourists for its beautiful, and world renowned beaches, digging a little deeper beneath the surface one discovers that there is much more to see and do. Phuket is made up of 1 large main island as well as 39 additional smaller islands. And while it is referred to as an island, it is connected to the mainland by bridge. There are many destinations of interest, as well as amazing adventures to be had here, and half the fun is seeking them out.
Thai traditional myths are mixed with humor, fantasy into an increasingly amusing plotline. Simon Cabaret is probably the biggest “transvestite” cabaret in the area and features musical floor show performed by the world famous “ladyboys” of Simon Cabaret.Phuket FantaSea Show features aerial trapeze artists, elephants on stage and pyrotechnics in a Las Vegas style-show.
Enjoy sunrise and sunset views from many of the viewpoints east and west of Phuket. Promthep is a popular but spectacular example offering fabulous views over the ocean all the way to the island of Phi Phi on a clear day. Phuket town, the sleepy and provincial capital, offers funky shops to surprise and delight you. The blend of colonial and Chinese architecture highlight the Old Town’s quantness.
Bring your sense of humor and an open mind with you as you stroll after dark down Patong’s Bangla Road. Patong is known for its wild nightlife. Let’s just say it’s nothing like home. Wat Chalong is one of Phuket’s most important temples and hosts thousands visitors each year. As Phuket’s spiritual center, Wat Chalong has an interesting history.
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK’s premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on
Travel to Thailand and
Fights to Phuket