If you are a fantasizing about sunshine, beaches, elephant rides, water activities and great food, Phuket may be the perfect holiday destination for you. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, promises endless fun in the sun and sand and activities in the Andaman Sea and as you plan your holiday to one of Asia’s greatest tourist destination, here are some tips that can make your stay all the more special.
Venues for water activities
Apart from swimming, you can enjoy a range of water activities such as diving, snorkelling, yachting, jet-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding and deep sea fishing. Popular destinations for kite surfing include Nai Yang in summer and Chalong Bay in winter. For sea canoeing, head to Phang Nga Bay where many grottoes are only accessible by canoes.
Book your excursions and activities in advance
Phuket, being a popular tourist destination, invites visitors the year round. It is advisable to book your tour and trips in advance and especially the more exclusive ones such as the John Gray Sea Canoe’s night time tour that takes you to a canoeing trip through the seaside caves and view phosphorescent sea life. The tour is much in demand and the tour operators don’t have any spots left for last minute bookings.
Go beyond shopping
While you may find shops selling genuine Thai silk scarves, chances are that most Ed Hardy and Louis Vuitton items on sale are counterfeit. While Thailand is a popular shopping destination, Phuket is not the place for shopping and so you will be better off if you save your baht for other destinations such as Bangkok.
Carry plenty of sunscreen
Even under the umbrella, you can get burned to a crisp and so remember to get along plenty of sunscreen. While sun blocks are available on the island, they are very expensive. Remember, even on a cloudy day, the sun can be pretty strong.
Try out the seafood
Great food is easily available in Phuket and you can eat just about everywhere from road side eateries to fine restaurants. Thai cuisine needs no introduction but while in Phuket, do try out the seafood-based dishes as the seafood is here is ridiculously fresh.
Stay safe
Phuket experiences strong currents on the beaches especially in the summer monsoon season. Heed warning flags on beaches and play it safe when you go to explore off-the-beaten tracks.
Accommodation
Phuket is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors of all types from backpackers to luxury travellers. There is an accommodation type to suit all budgets and requirements from luxury Phuket villas to budget guesthouses and everything else in between.