PHUKET

The island of Phuket is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Australians.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island ( 48km x 21km) – about the size of Singapore.

Most of the beach resorts are on the West Coast of the island.

The tourist hub is Patong Beach with neighbouring beaches Karon, Kata and Kamala

WHERE TO STAY

Patong is the main beach & shopping area – it is VERY touristy, can be seedy with lots of women on the streets and bars, nightlife, loud music etc.

Accommodation – everything from backpackers to 5 star resorts – open air style resorts

Other beaches – Karon, Kata, Kamala and others along the West coast that are not so touristy but still have local restaurants, a few shops and most hotels offer shuttle buses into Patong or Phuket town.

Smaller islands – Phi Phi, Kho Lak and even Krabi are all options (for honeymooners)where you want peace & quiet and more luxurious surrounds

South of the island – Rawai beach, Chalong Bay have 5 star resorts beautiful beaches yet still only half an hour to Patong for shopping

 WHAT TO DO

Shopping- lots of copy goods though, local crafts soaps, ceramics, etc

Beaches – lounge about - the water is beautiful blue, the sand crunchy white. Loads of water sports to choose from

Day trip to famous islands like Phi Phi (where The Beach was filmed), Phang Nga (where James Bond movie The man with the Golden Gun was made)

Massage and spa treatments – expensive in resorts, cheaper in day spas, dirt cheap on the beach

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT

To avoid monsoon and rainy season the best time to visit is now December to March.

Sept/Oct are the wettest months (its the best time to visit Koh Samui)

LEARN SOME OF THE LINGO

Sawasdee ka  - greeting (hello)

Kob kun kaa - thank you