Phuket Thailand - A Brief Introduction With Recommended Tours, Hotels and Beaches

This weeks featured destination is Phuket, (that's Poo-ket not, Fooket). Lying on the S.W coast of Thailand, Phuket is Thailand's largest island and something of a gem with the varied landscape alone reason enough to visit. Phuket's coastline is liberally sprinkled with those pristine white sand beaches you see in all the travel magazines and craggy limestone cliffs. The interior is no less impressive with an abundance of tropical vegetation in and around its forested hills. If that's not enough for you to think about paying a visit then consider the following; great snorkeling and scuba diving, lots of fresh seafood cooked as only the Thais know how, temples, mosques and a lively nightlife for those who seek it. No wonder its one of Thailand's most popular destinations. 

The islands inhabitants consider their home almost a country apart and are proud of its rich heritage, which has successfully fused the varying elements of the Chinese, the Portuguese and the Chao naam (sea gypsys). Add to this a significant Muslim population and you have a quite unique blend. Probably the most interesting cultural event for the visitor is the annual Vegetarian festival, which is usually held in September/ October. While which may sound a bit mundane at first read this is actually one of the most colorful events you are likely to see in Asia (especially if your favorite color is red.) In a kind of religious frenzy, devotees demonstrate blade climbing, fire walking and every kind of body piercing and self-mutilation you can imagine be it with sharpened stakes razor blades, saws... whatever! (I'm sure it must hurt.) Great photo opportunities if that's your thing and there is also of course some pretty good food. 

When I first visited Phuket about 15 years ago, I stayed in a small bamboo hut right on the beach with just a flimsy roof and a mosquito net for cover. While accommodation like this is still available for Robinson Crusoe types, an airport with quick, frequent flights from Bangkok has pushed accommodation distinctly up market. While you pay slightly more than in the rest off the country (remember this is Thailand which has some of the best value for money deals in Asia) the pay off is that you'll also find a minimum of get rich quick operations and a majority of hoteliers who make a concerted effort to keep the islands environment as unspoilt as possible. The most popular spot on the island is Patting, where venders and masseurs tend to you every need on a broad, powdery white sand beach and as night falls, life for many starts. For those of you like me who prefer something a bit quieter the beaches of Karon, Kata and Nai Han are less visited and give you plenty of chance for a bit more solitude. And if you'd like to travel further afield then short boat trips to the Racha islands, Rang Yai island, Coral island or Koh Khai Nok are all easy to arrange and promise idyllic surroundings and superb snorkeling.

GETTING THERE

By Air
Phuket has an international airport. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways have daily flights from Bangkok. For booking and more information, visit the following websites:

Bangkok Airways           Thai Airways

By Bus
Phuket Guide: A list of existing bus lines to and from phuket with price and time-table
Phuket Tourism : Boat schedules from Phuket including fares.

By Train
No direct route is available from Bangkok to Phuket. You could however go to Surat Thani and then take a bus to the island. Visit the State Railway of Thailand website for the train schedule, click here

RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN PHUKET:

A) Blue Village Pakarang, Phang Nga Phuket : 5 Stars

B) Felix Karon Phuket, Karon Beach : 5 Stars

C) Koyao Island Resort, Phang Nga Phuket : 3 Stars

D) Phuket Island Pavilion : 2 Stars

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