Phuket

Phuket is particularly attractive from its soaring heights; visit Windmill View Point to cast your eyes over the divine Nai Harn Beach in the south. Among lush green hills and a string of islands, this long stretch of sand lined by clear blue sea is the perfect place to relax. The restaurants and stands selling exotic fruits set back from the beach offer some welcome shade underneath the trees. Here and there, Thai massage stands offer visitors the opportunity to take their relaxing experience one step further. And although the beaches in west Phuket may sometimes be very busy, in the north, you should still be able to find a quiet spot. Nai Thon Beach is a true haven of peace, accessible via a windy road, overlooking rubber plantations and hills. Further out, coral reefs flourish. Phuket, with its multitude of fantastic treats, is the ideal destination for divers and snorkelers. Manta rays, whale sharks, sea anemones and other colorful, exotic fish will greet you on your aquatic adventures, or head to Phuket Aquarium if you’d rather play it safe. There are also, however, plenty of adrenaline rushes available if that’s what excites you. Bungee jumping, paragliding, tree climbing, quad biking in the jungle: the island has a lot to offer if you’re after something adventurous.

Phuket, with its bustling cities and quiet fishing villages, also offers a condensed introduction to Thai culture. Wander around its traditional markets on the quest for a more traditional, elegant way of life. Explore its iconic sites, like the huge white marble statue of Buddha, which, from Nakkerd Hill, towers 25 metres tall over the island. Here, Buddhism is part of everyday life. Everywhere, from Phuket Town to the most remote village, has its own temple. Visit Wat Chalong, the island’s largest, for its rich, colorful ornaments.

After sunset, a site worth seeing in Phromthep Cape, Kata-Karon or Windmill Viewpoint, Phuket adopts a more festive feel. In Patong, along Bangla Road, the nights go on well into the early hours. The busiest street in Patong, the epicenter of the city’s nightlife, is packed with stands selling tempting street food, as well as busy, bustling bars with their vibrant atmospheres. Vibrant and colorful, Phuket is much more than the sum of its idyllic beaches. From its shopping centers (like Central Festival Phuket and Premium Outlet Phuket) to the Phuket Trickeye Museum, there’s plenty to enjoy here.