Phuket is one of
the premier holiday destinations in Thailand, and for very good reason, as this
jewel in the Andaman Sea is more than a little idyllic. Many expats spend half
the year in Phuket to escape the cold European winter and if you are planning a
holiday in the South of Thailand, Phuket is about as good as it gets.
Best Times to
Visit
The optimum period
to visit the island of Phuket is between November to April, with November,
December and January being the high season months, when you will find holiday
accommodation slightly more expensive. May through October is the rainy season,
which is not as bad as you might think, when it rains, it pours, but strong
sunshine always follows, leaving everything green and lush.
Hotel
Accommodation
An online search will bring up a very long list of resorts and hotels, and with a booking at an affordable 4-star hotel in Phuket, you have the perfect base for exploring the island. The beaches are really something, and if you want a hotel that has its own beach, you will not be disappointed, as many have their own private stretch of coastline, as well as a pool.
Water Sports
Whatever you are
into, can be found in Phuket – kiteboarding, jet ski hire, parasailing and even
marlin fishing can be booked, and with snorkelling and scuba diving, you are
not limited for water-based activities. You can even take a PADI course in
scuba from one of the many dive schools to be found in Patong.
Marine Life
If you are a
nature lover, Phuket offers you the chance to swim with Whale Sharks and
dolphins, and every skipper knows the best snorkelling spots, just make sure
you follow the strict rules to protect the coral reefs. Hiring a boat for the
day is easy, you can even ask your hotel to make a booking and someone will
come to the hotel and take you to the waiting boat.
Amazing Seafood
Cuisine
Phuket offers a
unique opportunity to sample delicious seafood dishes, all with fresh seafood
that is caught the very same day, and the menu is very extensive. A warning to
those who do not like very spicy food, make sure that you tell the waitress,
otherwise you might be in for a shock! Curries made with coconut milk are
mouth-watering and must be eaten to be fully appreciated, and with a long list
of Thai desserts, you are in for a treat when you dine in any of the beachfront
restaurants.
Nightlife
If you love to let
your hair down and dance the night away, there are a few very popular discos
along the stretch of beach called Patong, and ask any local and they can tell
you where that is. If you wake up late in the morning, you can enjoy a
traditional Thai massage before brunch and get ready for another evening of
fun.
Phuket is an
amazing place to spend your downtime, and with so much to see and do, you will
never forget your time in this tropical paradise and you might feel inclined to
consider buying a holiday home in Phuket.