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.
