| Phuket, in Thailand’s stunning south, is a haven of sandy white beaches, crystal clear water and swaying palm trees. Like Bangkok, the activities offered here are both diverse and numerous. Join a sea kayak tour to the dramatic limestone islands of Phang-Nga Bay, ride an elephant or relax with a soothing massage. |
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For family fun, Fantasea cannot be beaten. This cultural show incorporating demonstrations of elephants at war and traditional Thai dance, performed whilst you eat a wonderful Thai meal will keep the whole family entertained. And for shopaholics and those who can’t resist a bargain, Patong Markets is certain to provide ultimate satisfaction.
Phuket is a large island - only a little smaller than Singapore - so make sure you understand where your resort is in relation to other attractions on the island before making a booking. If you want to be in the middle of the action, stay in accommodation close to it.
Famous for:
- Dramatic limestone islands in the Andaman Sea
- Vegetarian festival – usually
in late September or October (see Events/Festivals)
- Luxurious
hotels on white-sand beaches at great rates
- Markets and night
life
- Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
- Water sports – snorkelling, diving, kayaking, swimming
Climate:
Season |
Months |
Aveg Temp
(Celsius) |
| Cool |
Nov - Jan |
26 - 28 |
| Hot |
Feb - April |
27 - 29 |
| Green |
May - Oct |
28 - 29 |
By Air
- Thai Airways International fly direct from Perth to Phuket
4 times a week.
- Jetstar are now flying direct from Sydney to Phuket three times per week.
- Singapore Airlines flies daily to
Singapore from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and
three times a week from Adelaide to Singapore. There are many
flights per day from Singapore to Phuket with Bangkok Airways
and Silk Air.
- A flight from Bangkok is approximately 1 hour.
THAI, Bangkok Airways, Phuket Air, Air Asia, Air Andaman
and Orient Thai all fly daily from Bangkok to Phuket and return.
- Emirates, Qantas
and British Airways fly directly from Sydney to Bangkok.
Passengers going to Phuket must then fly to Phuket with any
of the domestic carriers.
By Bus – from Bangkok: air-conditions and non-air-conditioned
buses leave Bangkok’s southern bus terminal more than
24 times daily. The trip takes approximately 11 hours.
Here are some suggestions for great things to see and do in Phuket:
Beaches – Phuket has scores of beautiful beaches, all offering clean water and fine white sand.
The main beach is Patong, but the best swimming beaches are Bangtao, Kata and Karon. There are great resorts at all of these. |
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Sea-Cave Canoeing
explore limestone caves and tidal lagoons by kayak, whilst learning about the natural flora and fauna.
Tours can be taken through the day, overnight or as a 3 – 6 day expedition. This is the ultimate in eco-tourism.
www.johngray-seacanoe.com |
Photo: John Gray's Sea Canoe |
Eco-tours – Combination tours in the national parks and rainforests can include trekking, rafting, elephant riding, swimming under waterfalls, ox-cart rides and mountain-biking. Some tours even take you to sea-gypsy villages and teach you how to cook traditional Thai dishes.
www.siamsafari.com |
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Spa and Massage – spoil yourself and visit a spa. A traditional Thai massage will leave you feeling supple and relaxed.
Many spas in Phuket offer a delicious menu of international treatments, which have been enhanced by the use of Thai herbal ingredients. Thai spas are amongst the best in the world. |
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Sealand Adventure Camp
This place has it all:
- Whitewater rafting
- Flying Fox
- Elephant Trekking
- Mountain biking
- Self-paddle canoe
- Jungle Walk
- 4WD Adventure
- All Terrain Vehicle
- Rock Climbing
www.sealandcamp.com |
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Night Markets
Phuket’s night market, located at Patong Beach, is a lively mix of food vendors, restaurants, hotels, night clubs and stalls selling all sorts of clothes, DVDs, jewellery and homewares. |
Patong Markets |
Diving and Snorkelling – There are many Dive Shops operating dive tours to Similian Islands (best between November and April) and around Phuket.
Visibility is good and the array of colour fish makes any dive worthwhile. Snorkelling in the Similan Islands or around the 38 islands off Phuket is recommended. |
Snorkeling |
| Golf – one of Thailand’s best golf courses is here, the world-renowned Blue Canyon Country Club, where the 1994 and 1998 Johnny Walker Classic tournaments were played. There are also many other wonderful courses to be played. |
Blue Canyon Country Club |
Phuket Fantasea – a great evening out for the whole family. This cultural show includes, elephants, traditional Thai dances, magical illusions, acrobatics, indoor pyrotechnics.
www.phuket-fantasea.com |
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James Bond Island - this famous icon, originally featured in the movie, The Man With a Golden Gun, may be visited on many tours offered by various companies.
Also worth a visit is Panyee Sea Gypsy Village, a floating village that is home to 1500 people. |
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Baan Rim Pa Restaurant - eat at one of Phuket's best restaurants, offering a choice of traditional Thai, Japanese or Italian. This restaurant is perched on the top of a cliff at the north of Patong Beach, overlooking Patong Beach and the Andaman Sea. Bookings are recommended - ask your hotel concierge to call for you.
www.baanrimpa.com |
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