Phuket (pronounced 'Poo-ket') is a large island off of Thailand's west coast, in the Andaman Sea. The island is about the size of Singapore, with some 40kms of beaches. Phuket is located about 900 kms south of Bangkok, and is connected to the mainland by a 100 meter-long causeway.

Along with the incredible beaches, hills and lush jungle, Phuket is a water lover's paradise. The reefs and surrounding islands teem with marine life. There is a host of water activities including scuba diving, yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and parasailing. Other attractions are the Phuket Aquarium, the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and five golf courses.

Phuket is an ideal base from which to explore the Andaman region. Many boats leave Phuket for trips around Phang Nga Bay, with its impossibly sheer limestone outcrops that rise out of the sea, many caves and odd shaped islands. Other popular destinations are Phi Phi Island, Racha Islands and the Similan Islands. The Similans are considered to be among the top ten dive sites in the world.

Phuket Town is worth checking out. There's plenty of shops and departments stores, as well as a few flea markets and small antique and handicraft shops. Many of the streets are lined with Sino-Portuguese shop houses, a reminder of the island's heritage.

Karon Beach - is about 3 km long, wide with soft white sand. While this beach isn't the best for swimming, it has some of the best seafood on the island. It can be reached by tuk tuk from anywhere on the island.

Rawai Beach is set away from the touristy areas of Patong, on the southeast side of the island. There are many cheap seafood restaurants where you can eat Thai style on the beach. There are also boats for parasailing, fishing, snorkelling or cruising.

Nai Harn Beach is at the southern tip of Phuket island and is a good family beach. Its big enough and not too crowded.The water is shallow making it safer for children. There are plenty of restaurants along the tree line at the back of the beach, so enjoying a snack or meal in the shade is an option, as well the prices are lower than other areas.

Surin Beach is an upmarket beach resort 15 km north of Patong Beach on the westside of the island.

Kamala Beach is 10 km north of Patong Beach on the westside of Phuket.

Kata Beach is a nice beach area in the southwest of Phuket. It is divided into Kata Yai and Kata Noi. A lot of upmarket beach resorts.

Phuket's famous Vegetarian festival is celebrated in September or October, during the first nine days of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The center of the festival is Phuket City. During the ten days of the festival there are processions trough the main streets in Phuket City. The processions are accompanied by very noisy fireworks. The devout islanders abstain from eating all meat products and dress in white in order to cleanse the body and soul to appease the nine Emperor Gods.

Disciples of these gods walks in trance and pierce their cheeks and other parts of their bodies with sharp objects from which offerings to the gods are hung. Walking on burning charcoal and climbing ladders of upturned swords barefoot are among the pain-defying feats to be witnessed.

Featured Phuket Tour

Half Day Safari Around Phuket

Departure Date: Every Day
Duration: 5 hours
Price:  From 44.00 US Dollar