Phuket, a rich, colourful history and melting pot of cultures offers more than beaches and nightlife

Anantara Phuket Villas

Banyan Tree Phuket

Evason Phuket & Bon Island

Indigo Pearl

La Flora Patong

Paresa Resort Phuket

Sala Phuket

Sri Panwa

The Bell Phuket

The Racha

The Vijitt Resort Phuket

Twinpalms Phuket Resort

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Those visiting the Thai island of Phuket are in for an experience of wonder, enchantment, and full-power excitement. From the east coast’s breathtaking beaches to the north’s virgin rainforest to the Patong region’s famous nightlife, Phuket is guaranteed to pamper and delight you.

Located in the emerald Andaman Sea, off Thailand’s southwest coast, Phuket is a luscious, green isle--the largest among several surrounding islands, and connected to the mainland by a causeway. Aromatic jungles abound throughout its 550sq kilometers, as do scenic rice paddies and busy plantations of rubber, pineapple, and coconut. Some of the world’s most impressive white sand beaches and coral reefs are also found on Phuket and the tiny islands surrounding it.

Phuket’s residents primarily consist of mainland Thais, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and indigenous island people known locally as Chao Leh, or ‘sea gypsies,’ who are animists. Their belief that every object is inhabited by a spirit colors Phuket with a mysticism and wonder all its own. This region’s smiling people exude all the happiness, harmony and peace found in their philosophies, and some still practice age-old ways of life based upon pearl farming and coconut harvesting.

Bhang Tao, Surin, and Layan beaches, with their splendid golf courses, sparkling sands, and green parks, are captivating natural areas offering everything from big waves to serene waters, as well as international gourmet restaurants, shopping districts, and discrete getaways surrounded by nature. Isolated Mai Khao beach is a perfect place to stroll the endless sands, then enjoy a day trip to Sirinat National Park, with its fascinating mangrove swamp. Patong beach offers a lively multi-cultural scene and proximity to 29 of the island’s fascinating Bhuddist and Taoist temples. These include “Big Bhudda,” a huge marble figure resonating with tranquility; numerous Chinese shrines, featuring bright red color schemes and symbolic dragon and monkey figures; and Wat Chalong temple, with its fascinating architecture and Grand Pagoda.

Wat Chalong is the spiritual centre of Phuket and draws visitors from around the world. There, you may be surprised to hear firecrackers going off-- a traditional way of thanking God for answered prayers. So be ready to cover your ears . . . but then again, after experiencing Phuket’s endless variety, startling beauty, and spectacular hospitality, you may want to light some of those firecrackers yourself and give thanks for the awe-inspiring elegance that is Phuket.