With its own 'Millionaire's mile' that just keeps getting longer, Phuket aspires to be the Riviera of Asia. Phuket could be your first choice for a stylish, comfortable holiday in the sun.
The Thai island is on the right path but sleazy parts such as Patong still needs a clean up. To avoid the beer-gutted crowds, head for beaches such as Surin and Mai Khao.
But there is more to Phuket than sea, sand and sun. Exciting shopping provides shelter from the sun and a vast variety of restaurants let you savour colourful Thai menus or international cuisine - without getting sand between your toes.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
It takes at least 25 minutes to get anywhere. |
| 02 |
Thais go swimming with their clothes on; consider that before taking too much off when on a public beach. |
| 03 |
Go local at least once for food. Your best pick is at one of the many night markets. With simple tables and a hectic atmosphere, it's a great experience. |
| 04 |
Good news for massage obsessives: there are five Banyan Tree-run spas at the Laguna Phuket complex. Our pick is the Angsana at the Laguna Beach Resort. |
| 05 |
Phuket is not Phuket without a day on a yacht. Tawan Cruises is a good bet. |
| 06 |
Book ahead for Thai food, dancing on tables and outrageous fun at legendary nightclub Ka Jok See in Phuket Town. |
| 07 |
Real taxis are to be found at the airport but hardly anywhere else. Use the cars provided by the hotel or have your restaurant pick you up. |
| 08 |
Learn how to say "hello" and "thankyou" in Thai. Women say "sawat-dee kaa" and "kop-khun-daa" respectively and men say "sawad-dee kraap" and "kop-khun kraap". |
| 09 |
Thais will often greet you by the traditional "wai", joining their hands in front of the chest or face. A friendly nod back will do, as returning the gesture incorrectly could make you look foolish and can even be insulting. |
| 10 |
Thai-ness means leisurely waits, smiles and, above all, grace. Play along with patience. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
Sala
333 Moo 3 , Mai Khao Beach, Talang District
+ 66 76 5338 888
salaphuket.com
Dependable chain
Banyan Tree, Laguna Phuket
33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road ,Cherngtalay
Amphur Talang
+66 76 324 374
banyantree.com
Premium
Phuket Pavilions
31/1 Moo 6, Cherngtalay, Thalang
+66 76 31 7600
phuketpavilions.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Siam Deli
JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang
+ 66 76 338000
phuket.com/marriott
Leisurely breakfast
The Bakery
The Boat Lagoon, 20/17 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road
+ 66 76 238941
Lunch with friends
Catch Beach Club
Twin Palms
106/46 Moo 3 ,Surin Beach Road
Cherngtalay, Thalang
+66 76 316 500
twinpalms-phuket.com
Picnic spot
Kru Wit's
Boat from Laem Hin
+ 66 89 8737398
+ 66 81 088 0533
Lunch on your own
Silk
50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay
+ 66 76 271702
silkphuket.com
Afternoon tea/drink
Laem Singh Lounge
Laem Singh Beach, Second Beach
(October to June)
Dinner on your own
Trisara
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay
+ 66 73 310 100
(October to June)
trisara.com
Dinner with friends
Beach Restaurant
360° , Phuket Pavilion
Pansea Beach, Cherngtalay
+ 66 76 324017
(October to May)
Best barbeque/al fresco dining
Amanpuri
Pansea Beach
+ 66 76 324333
amanpuri.com
Big dinner with partner clients
Rockfish 33/6
Kamala Beach Road
+ 66 76 279732
rockfishrestaurant.com
Dinner for two
Beach Restaurant
360 ˚, Phuket Pavilion
Pansea Beach
+ 66 76 324 017
Late drinks
White Box, Roof Top Lounge
245/7 Prabaramee Road, Patong
+ 66 76 346 271
whiteboxphuket.com
Late bite
Lim's
28 Phrabaramee Road, Soi 7, Kalim Beach
+ 66 76 344834
lim-thailand.com
On the tiles
Ka Jok See
26 Takua Pa Road
+ 66 76 217903
04
Reading
Bookstore
Bookazine
18 Banglaroad, Patong
+ 66 77345 833-4
05
Thank yous
Flowers
Phuket Orchid Farm
67/1 Soi Suksan, Viset Road, Chalong
+ 66 76 280 226
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Arts & crafts from That's Siam
Jungceylon, 181 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong
+ 66 76 600111
Lost luggage – where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
Central Festival
74-75 Vichitsongkran Road
+ 66 76 291111
Something for the kids
Clothes from Central Festival
74-75 Vichitsongkran Road
+ 66 76 291111
Something for someone you love
Fashion from Ginger
Unit B5 Surin Plaza, 5/50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay
+ 66 76 271616
Something for yourself
Modern furniture from ArtOne
7/1-2 Suthat Road
+ 66 76 217709
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Phuket Town's Old City
Sino-Portuguese buildings, and Thai and Chinese temples. |
| 02 |
Promthep Cape with Rawai Beach
Beautiful sunset. |
03 |
Cape Panwa Look-Out
Stunning views. |
08
Limousine/car
Limousine Express Group
Sheraton Grande Laguna
+ 66 2651 0808
limousinethailand.com
09
Transport
Rent a bike
Bike Tours Thailand
10/195, Jomthong Thani, 5/4 Kwang Road
+ 66 76 263575
biketoursthailand.com
10
Fitness
Good gym
Royal Phuket Marina
68 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road
Kohkaew, Muang
+66 76 36 0885
rpmhealthclub.com
Good running route
Laguna Phuket Complex
Alternative diversion
Kite Surfing
Saltwater Dreaming, Surin Beach
saltwater-dreaming.com