Joanna James
The largest island of Thailand, Phuket boasts a concoction of blue water, spicy Thai cuisine, snorkelling, diving and beaches. Travellers flock to this island in pursuit of adventure and relaxation.
Sitting on the southern coast of the island, Phuket Town is brimming with activity. Restaurants, hotels and massage parlours are all part of the appeal. The buildings in the town reflect the influence of Chinese architecture and Portuguese aesthetics; this delivers the perfect contrast to the traditional Thai-style structures seen in the other parts of the region. A stroll through Old Phuket Town is a must, the well-preserved shops, temples, shrines and mansions are worth seeing. You can also try delicious street food at the Sunday Street Market and visit Phuket Trickeye Museum.
Phuket nightlife is truly wonderful, and it is something you must experience. Drinks are pretty cheap, and there are delightful street performances. As a result of the tolerant culture in Phuket, ladyboys have become a ubiquitous feature of Phuket nightlife; there are famous cabaret shows that they star in with their stunning costumes. There are also expat bars, beach clubs and places like Bill Bently Pub. Patong is the heart of nightlife, though nightspots are spread out throughout the island.
Phuket beaches are such that visitors want to spend their days lounging. But if you manage to tear yourself away from the beach, there's plenty more to enjoy. Taking an island boat tour is the best way to enjoy the delights of Phuket. Needless to say, discovering the seascape around the island is an absolute must-do. Signing up for an organised tour is the best way to enjoy all the highlights.
Waters around the island bring you some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences. Visibility is excellent, and the temperature is comforting. Colourful corals and tropical fish will make your underwater experience magical; you can also see other creatures like sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and seahorses. Travellers usually come here to get certified as a snorkeler or a diver; the main reason is the affordability of these courses.
Though not as developed as other beaches in Phuket, Karon Beach has its own share of appeal. The golden sand of the beach and aquamarine waters of the ocean attract many tourists to the beach. Karon is a good spot for a swim when the weather is calm, and when the wind becomes volatile, the waves become more intense, so, if you visit the beach during these times, you need to be very careful. In front of the beach are several restaurants and sports bars in Phuket. There are also several five-star hotels that give you direct access to the beach.
Wedged between Kata and Chalong, Nakkerd hill is famous for one good reason, which is the Phuket Big Buddha. The whitewashed statue sits so serenely at the top of the hill beckoning everyone to visit. This 45-meter-high statue presides over 360-views of the area. It was built in 2004, and now it's become a spot where people can take time away from their day to day lives. The prayer flags fluttering and the small bells tinkling produce a spiritual ambience. The windy path to the hilltop is six-meters long, and you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk, but there's no escape from climbing the steep staircase that leads to the statue. The site offers excellent views, and mornings aren't very crowded.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
