eThailandvillas Travel Guide

Phuket

Phuket is the smallest province in Thailand, located in the south of the country, and yet home to the largest island and one of the most famous international tourist and golf destinations in Asia, Koh Phuket, with plenty of luxury villas, beaches and things to see and do.

Phuket Island is located in the Andaman Sea off the south west of Thailand. The island features a mountain range in the west of the island from the north to the south, and from a distance the location looks like a large hill. The sea of the Andaman is crystal clear, and perhaps most closely embodies the visual ideal people around the world hold of Thailand and its beaches. The most popular beaches are on the western coast of the island, and home to Phuket sailing and yachting and Phuket Scuba Diving. Laem Promthep is in the south of the island, a popular spot to view the sunset. Forest covers some 70% of land in Phuket.

The Sirinat National Park Phuket on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km², most of which is marine area, including the Nai Yang beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. In the north is the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting Area, protecting more than 20 km² of rainforest.

Patong Beach is Phuket Island’s most popular tourist area. A long sandy beach is lined with resorts, bars, restaurants and spas, and has a distinctively European feel. Patong is home to the main Phuket nightlife, with nightclubs and go-go bars, alongside more couples orientated entertainment and show.

South of Patong, you’ll find alternative beaches, including Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are less developed and crowded than Patong Beach, and a good choice for individuals with families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less touristy locations like Patong. A number of Phuket villas are to be found at these beaches. The most heavily-hyped attraction is the Phuket Fantasea show at Kamala Beach.

There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the North West, and Phi Phi Islands to the south east, which are popular with backpackers and were the location for the movie, “The Beach.”The larger Pi Pi Island is home to hostels and a hotel, whilst the smaller neigbouring island, and home to the movie, is an uninhabited paradise visited only by boat trips. All the islands are suitable for diving.

Phuket is reached via Bangkok with daily direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Phuket villas can be booked on-line with ethailandvillas.com.

Phang Nga Bay is part of a neighbouring province and a great place for coastal accommodation.