Phuket, Thailand, the most famous of that country’s many sunny resort islands, has all that you want from a tropical island in the way of stunning sunsets, white-sand beaches, clear waters and fine resorts, but on top of that it also features that dynamic combination of serenity and energy that is Thailand. Diving in the Andaman Sea is some of the best in Asia and several courses offer world class golf. Eco-tourists explore its rain forests, adrenalin seekers ride speedboats to its neighboring islands while more easy going visitors cruise around Phang Nga Bay. All of this and more has attracted some of the world’s best resorts.
Patong Beach is the island’s party scene central and the home of Simon Cabaret, one of Thailand’s top transvestite shows with all the glitz and faux glamour you’d expect. If you’d prefer a free chance for some exotic people watching try Patong’s own Bangla Road which gives LA’s Venice Beach a run for its money. The FantaSea Show at Kamala Beach is a Vegas-style show featuring circus artists, elephants and more. Old Phuket Town is one of the only places in Thailand where ancient traders left a cultural influence. This sleepy old capital still has remnants of Chinese and Portuguese influence.
Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket City features scheduled matches of Thai boxing. The Big Buddha stands on the top of the Nakkerd Hills towering over Chalong, Kata and Rawai.
Natural Phuket is highlighted by the waterfalls Ton Sai and Bang Pae, both located in Khao Praew Thaew National Park. Don’t miss it during the monsoon season, May to October, when the surrounding jungle is greenest and most vivid. While there check out the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. With its beautiful sea and several idyllic nearby islands, watersports are very popular in Phuket, especially diving, parasailing, windsurfing, sea kayaking and sailing. Exploring the islets of Phang Nga Bay is the most popular haunt for sailors on Phuket. Islands in Phang Nga Bay include Ko Bon, Ko Hae, Ko Lon, Ko Mai Thon, Ko Maphrao, Ko Racha, Ko Sire and Ko Yao.
Because of its role as an international beach resort, Phuket’s restaurants offer cuisine from around the world as well as a seafood oriented version of Thai. Patong Beach, the island’s party center is also the dining center.
The temperatures in Phuket are tropical and hover in the 80s and 90s throughout the year, so the real issue is dryness. The winter months are Thailand’s dry season. The rainy season runs from May and climaxes in September. Continental, United, Delta and Thai all offer service to Bangkok’s new Suvarbabhumi’s International Airport which offers frequent daily service to the country’s top beach resort. You can also fly directly into Phuket from Europe and Asia.
With 21 vessels, Viking River Cruises bills itself as the world’s leading riverboat cruise company, with diverse itineraries in China, Ukraine, Russia and Europe. For the traveler who wants to see and do a lot in a week or 10 days while cruising leisurely along a placid, scenic and often...Read More
Though full-service, five-star resorts are few and far between in New Zealand, the country does have its share of intimate and upscale luxury lodges. Ranging in size from four to 25 rooms and located in some of the most beautiful settings, New Zealand’s renowned luxury lodges offer a...Read More
In the past 20 years, China has grown from a specialty destination for just the most experienced and affluent travelers to a mainstream leisure option. The exploding growth of tourism to that country has led to a wider growth in travel to Asia in general, with China the main...Read More
We’ve reviewed the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line’s 4,000-passenger ship, before, but this time we wanted to see what the ship was like on a “real” cruise—one of its three-night Bahamas sailings with a full complement of passengers (including roughly 1,000 kids)....Read More
The Joseon Dynasty kings made their homes on the manicured grounds of five royal palaces—including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, a serene Confucian enclave of ponds, shrines and pavilions—in the middle of the town they called Hanyang, which we call Seoul. Today the elegant spirit of the...Read More
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Best Western Ocean Resort
Hotel
Located within the swaying coconut groves along Karon Beach, the Best Western Ocean Resort offers a tropical Phuket vacation for an affordable price. The 180 spacious guestrooms offer modern Thai décor and personal terraces and balconies. Perfect for on the go business or leisure travelers; the resort has top-rate facilities including three outdoor pools, a spa, fitness center, restaurant, internet café and conference center.(more)
Sheraton Grande Laguna
Hotel
Rated among the best five resorts is Pacific Asia, the Sheraton Grande Laguna offers the ultimate in relaxation and recreation. Set against the backdrop of shimmering azure lagoons and lush tropical gardens, the resort offers a wide array of exciting outdoor and rejuvenating indoor amenities. The 297 guest rooms and villas offer the best in scenic views and plush accommodations. The activities and features include an 18-hole golf course, kid’s club, luxury spa, numerous dining options and live entertainment.(more)
Seaview Patong Beach Hotel
Hotel
Located just across the street from the sparkling ocean waves, Seaview Patong offers guests seclusion and relaxation in a tropical environment. The 141 guest rooms all come with ocean and bay views, as well as beautiful modern Thai décor and furnishings. In addition to restaurants, snack bars and lounges, the hotel offers a state of the art spa, beach access, pool and internet café.(more)
Banyan Tree Phuket
Hotel
The Banyan Tree Resort is a tropical oasis resort that offers the finest accommodations and facility services. Guests stay in a range of personal villas that open up to private pools, sunken baths and secluded havens to relax and rejuvenate. The spa facilities are unlike any other, offering exotic body renewing traditional Asian massage and treatments. Indulge yourself in one of ten restaurants and lounge bars. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine or dine al fresco along the lagoon.(more)
J W Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa
Hotel
This five star resort on the beaches of Mai Khao is the ultimate in service, beauty and comfort. The J W Marriott Phuket boasts 265 lavish guest rooms and suites, each fitted with top class accommodations. For the ultimate in relaxation, the hotel offers the Mandara Spa to pamper and rejuvenate their guests. Also on site are 10 restaurants serving the best in Thai and international cuisine, in addition to Ginja Cook, the resort gourmet cooking school where guests can learn to make traditional Thai delicacies.(more)
Siam Safari Nature Tours
Attraction
Siam Safari Nature Tours of Phuket is an industry-leading eco-tourism and adventure travel guide with the goal of providing exciting educational and authentic tours. The tours range from 45 minutes to multiple day excursions. Popular tours with travelers include the elephant trek, Jeep jungle safari, river rafting and the mini eco-safari tour. All guided tours are safely lead by industry professionals.(more)
John Gray’s Sea Canoe
Attraction
Explore the lagoons, lakes and seas of Phuket by canoe or kayak with John Gray’s Sea Canoe. Excursions may last from a half day to two weeks and are lead by professional kayak operators. All trips are safe for all types of travelers. Paddle through the beautiful islands, take a nighttime cruise by starlight, or kayak through caves and sleep amongst the tropical wilderness during extended boating and camping trips.(more)
Wat Chalong
Attraction
Wat Chalong is the largest and considered most important of all the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket. The building is adorned with beautiful Thai architecture, as well as the rooms inside. The Wat Chalong is said to be lucky, as locals come to ask for lottery numbers or to have their fortune told. Locals and tourists alike flock to this temple for spiritual as well as divine intervention. Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the altars.(more)
Thaland National Museum
Attraction
This small museum gives travelers insight to Phuket’s colorful history. On exhibit, there are numerous artifacts and prehistoric tools, as well as paintings and depictions of the famous battle of Thalang against the Burmese army. Also on displays are examples of the culture, tradition and ways of life of the people of Phuket. The museum is open everyday and there is a small entrance fee of 30 baht per person.(more)
Patong Go-Kart Speedway
Attraction
Opened in 1991 and located between Phuket town and Patong Beach, this is the only karting track in Phuket. Loads of fun for children 12 and over and adults alike, the speedway covers a 750 meter course. There are karts for children as well as one and two-seater adults. There is a grand stand for watching, as well as a restaurant on site. Safety gear is provided and pricing depends upon type of go-kart used.(more)