How to Spend Five Days in Phuket — Choose from a Myriad of Experiences

On your first day in Phuket, enjoy a relaxed stroll around the less crowded areas; rejuvenate and rest your mind and body. Choose your accommodation from among the more popular Phuket luxury hotels that give you easy access to iconic sites within the city centre and the lush mountainsides. Some like Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas give you the best of both worlds and a chance to savour island vibes as well as the best sightseeing on the island.

Places you can visit include the Old Town where you can explore, pick up a few souvenirs and enjoy mingling with the locals. Let the beauty of the island soothe your senses as you explore the interiors. Ask your Phuket resort about treks into the mountainside exploring the lush foliage and chasing waterfalls. There is nothing more soothing to revive a tired soul than time spent exploring the beauty of a tropical island.

Once relaxed and rejuvenated, plan to enjoy your first night in Phuket in style. Check out the cultural entertainment at Siam Niramit or enjoy a burlesque night at Simon Cabaret. You can explore the island's famous night markets browsing the range of stalls there and indulging the foodie in you at the many food stalls there. The Indy Night Market comes highly recommended and is a good place to explore the range of consumer goods from accessories and clothing to shoes and handbags. Some of the best food is found at this market giving you a choice of barbeque delights, seafood and Thai favourites such as sticky rice and papaya salad.

This is one of the best beach destinations in Phuket to explore. The Promthep Cape, home to Nui Beach, is an oasis of soft white sand and glistening emerald-green waters. There are catamaran boat tours that take tourists to the cape for a day of fun in the sun. Swim in the gorgeous sea, relax, work on your tan and tuck into the amazing food served onboard the vessel.

Hang around for sunset and make sure to take along the camera or have that special someone sit close to you, because sunsets at Promthep Cape are a magically enchanting experience you will never forget. Once your day on the cape is done, you can unravel and enjoy the balmy night at one of the nearby bars or restaurants. There are several serving drinks and a variety of cuisine that you can enjoy together with the lively party atmosphere.

If you watched the 007 movies, The Man With the Golden Gun, you just may recognise Khao Phing Kan, otherwise known as James Bond Island, due to its starring role in the blockbuster movie. But the island's fame is not the main attraction – Phing Kan is popular for kayak tours and is one of the more beautiful precincts to explore inlaid with secret coves and lagoons of green, emerald water that shimmer in the sunlight.

Explore the interior of the island for more dramatic landscapes and your fill of nature-backed therapy for the soul. Once done, end your day by heading over to the foodie hub in Phang Nga Bay.

One of the best places in Thailand for snorkelling and scuba diving, the Similan Islands are well known for their offering of breathtaking underwater experiences. Explore the colourful coral formations and the myriad of sealife that thrive below the waves.

Once done, get changed and head over to Khao Lak – this island is a popular party central and easy to reach from your resort in Phuket. Enjoy your last night on the island and make the most of the party atmosphere there.

Prepare to head back to reality by enjoying a relaxing Thai massage. The perfect going-away gift for yourself, Thai massages will soothe your muscles and rejuvenate your senses, thus completing your entire experience on the island of Phuket.