5.2 Phuket: Introduction

Phuket is an island in the Andaman Sea, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’. While Phuket features elegant Sino-Portuguese style buildings in the old town, it also offers a thrilling, vibrant nightlife around Patong beach. Phuket is internationally known for its astonishing beaches (of which there are several to choose from and some very different to others - but all beautiful), exquisite off-shore diving and stupendous water activities.

With its myriad emerald green limestone karsts (a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum) rising out of the water, the Andaman Sea is iconic Thailand. Off the coast are a host of islands making the area perfect for those who want variety from their holiday - they can hop from one to the other!

• The Andaman Sea comprises of Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Trang and all the surrounding islands.
• The best time to visit is between November and March which is the dry season.
• Phuket has a wide variety of accommodation and can cater for those seeking crowds and noise as well as those seeking seclusion and quiet.
• The province of Krabi is Phuket’s quieter sister, sharing the same show-stopping bay of craggy limestone karsts as Phuket's east coast, but with a more laid-back feel.
• In-between and around Phuket and Krabi are a huge selection of smaller islands and quiet mainland resorts like Khao Lak and Trang.
• As well as its beaches, Phuket is a great jumping-off point for mainland Khao Sok National Park, where elephant interaction is possible, and the diving paradise of the Surin and Similan islands.

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