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

Surin Beach is popular with sun beds as far as the eye can see. As of now this beach has not been developed and it is a quiet and peaceful bay lined with a row of stately Casuarina trees. A tropical beach with pine trees rather than palm trees may seem out of place to many but the local Thais flock to this beach on weekends and holidays and bask in the shade provided by these unusual trees. The middle of the beach front is occupied by a dozen Thai beach-style mini restaurants serving up sizzling seafood to hungry visitors.

During high tide when the swells are big and running swiftly, good surfing conditions exist here and are becoming an increasingly popular sport.

Kamala Beach is a favored spot for witnessing sunsets. The northern end of Kamala Beach is suitable for swimming. Place for relax, quiet and private.

North of Kamala lays Laem Singh Beach. The beach is not visible from the road but the small parking area is located about half way up the grade at the north end of Kamala Beach look for the small handmade signs. This is one of the undeveloped beaches frequently missed by visitors who are unaware of its location. The natural beauty of this beach is enhanced by the fact it sits well below the highway which lends a serene and quiet feeling that is not always present on other beaches in Phuket. The interesting rock formations along Laem Sing Beach offer some the best snorkeling opportunities on the island. Recently, there is the increase in the number of beach venders and the occasional sighting of jet ski activity, but it is still a pleasant little beach get-a-way well worth going out of the way for.