Phuket

Island in

Thailand

is the number one destination for tourists in Southeast Asia.

Phuket

is located in the southern part of

Thailand

, approximately 800 km south of Bangkok. Even though

Phuket

is an island, it is connected to the mainland by a 300m bridge, for easy access to the four million tourists that arrive every year.

Phuket

is the home to nearly 600

hotels

and resorts that are mainly located on the western part of the island. There's a large variety of accommodations in

Phuket

, from inexpensive guesthouses and bungalows, to

hotels

and luxurious resorts with large suites and private villas. Nearly half of the

hotels

and resorts in

Phuket

are located around

Patong

beach, by far the most commercial and populated beach on

Phuket

Patong

beach has nearly 300

hotels

and resorts most of them either on the beach or within a walking distance to the beach.

Patong

beach is one of the biggest and most beautiful beaches on

Phuket

, with its white sand and clear waters. Nighttime is famous in

Patong

beach; this is the only place in

Phuket

where the

hotels

and the city never sleep. Many restaurants, bars, discotheques and shows will keep most tourists out of their

hotel

room

s and onto the streets of

Phuket

. However

Phuket

Island can also be wild, secluded and mysterious like other islands in

Thailand

. Karon and Kata beaches are somewhere in between. Not nearly as commercial and constructed as

Patong

, these beaches offer a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere with large luxurious

hotels

and resorts and some quiet more affordable

hotels

. But for tourists looking for wilderness, quietness and a change of scenery, beaches on the North of

Phuket

like Bang Tao or Nai Yang or in the south of

Phuket

like Panwa, Nai Harn or Chalong are perfect for them. These beaches are the hidden treasure of

Phuket

Island. With just a few

hotels

and resorts so as not to spoil the wilderness of the environment, these beaches offer breathtaking views, gorgeous beaches and incredible sunsets.

Map

Island Guide

Photo Gallery

Hotels

Activities

Festivals

This 4 km long Patong Beach, ringed with high green lush mountains, is no doubt the most famous of Phuket's beaches. The white sand and the water is very clean despite this is the most developed beach on the island. The bungalow complexes, restaurant, shops and vibrant nightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. Among the many popular daytime activities are windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing.
Apart from endless shopping area day and night, Patong has an extensive range of dining options with all kinds of excellent local and international food available.

Italian regional specialties and home made pasta; French classic and nouvelle cuisine; Indian tandoori and curries; Japanese sushi and teppanyaki, in addition to Scandinavian and British Pub Fare. Wine is increasing in popularity with a good wine selection now on offer at many restaurants.

The beach tends to get rather crowded in high season and still has visitors between June and October. This is a party beach. It is definitely suitable for those looking for a lively holiday, but not for those in search of solitude.

Those seeking a less commercial and quiet atmosphere may want to head 3-4 hundred meters north on the seaside road to the Kalim Bay. The bay consists of rocky but quiet beaches, and an interesting road leading up into hills with high viewpoints and a few good quality restaurants perched on the edge and top. Near the bridge connecting to the Coral Island Resort are a group of long tail boats for hire.

Another little known and quiet beach south of Patong is the Tri-Trang Beach. This beach with a few palm trees is quite nice at high tide, and is never crowded with mostly Thais that relax under the trees.