Phuket is Thailand's largest island and one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

Phuket Hotels

Phuket is located off the southwest coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by a bridge. Phuket has more than 20 scenic white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and color reefs rich with sea life. It also features green tropical jungles, spectacular views, limestone cliffs, cool waterfalls and dozens of lush neighboring islands, in easy reach by boat and offering splendid snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.

One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is the wide and long beach at Patong on the central western coast. Patong Beach is also where most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located. Among other popular beaches to the south of Patong include Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. Beaches to the north of Patong include Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These beaches are less crowded and the hotels and resorts often more exclusive.

Phuket isn't only famous for its beaches, but also for its golf courses, and there are plenty to choose from. The best known is probably the Blue Canyon Country Club, but among other premium Phuket golf courses are: Mission Hills Golf Resort, Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Loch Palm Golf Club, Red Mountain Golf Club, Phuket Country Club and Thai Muang Beach Golf.

Phuket International Airport is located in the north of the island. It is Thailand's second largest airport with very frequent flights to/from Bangkok as well as direct flights to many other airports in the region, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. In the high season there are many direct charter flights from other countries in Asia, Europe, Australia and North America.

Phuket Town has a population of around 63,000 and is the largest town on the island. For most part it is just an ordinary provincial Thai town, and hardly a major tourist attraction, but the Chinatown area is worth a quick visit and there are some great Thai-style shopping opportunities too. Overall, accommodation and food in the town is cheaper than near the beaches.