Phuket: The Pearl of the Andaman Sea

Phuket Seaview

For many people, Phuket is the ultimate holiday destination. Some call it “paradise on earth”, because it has so many beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear seas and breathtaking scenery. Phuket combines all the best things about Thailand – you are always guaranteed a smile from the friendly people of Thailand, and the locally-produced food is both inexpensive and delicious. There are so many things to see and do in Phuket that many people who come here extend their holiday in the “Land of Smiles”.

In Phuket, you can take part in a wide range of activities and sample the food and culture that make Thailand famous. For the adventurous, there is plenty to do in Phuket, such as elephant-trekking, jet skiing and paragliding. There are many famous landmarks and sights to visit in Phuket, such as the sublime temples of Wat Chalong, the 45-metre high religious statue known locally as “Big Buddha”, and the historic Two Heroines Monument.

For people who want to just relax and unwind, Phuket is the ideal place to come. There are many beautiful beaches here, including the idyllic resorts in Karon, Bang Tao and Kata. The sea is warm all year round, and it is easy to spend the whole day soaking up the sun and relaxing on a beach chair. As you sip on one of the local cocktails while the sun goes down, you can witness a spectacular sunset and feel that you have truly come to an island paradise.

Nai Thon Beach

When the evening comes, the vibrant nightlife of Phuket is another thing that really sets it apart from other holiday destinations. You can mingle with the local Thais at one of their many festivals that are regularly held in Phuket, and dine at one of the countless gourmet restaurants that the island enjoys. Fresh local delicacies such as lobster and sea bass are available all year around, and Phuket also has many international restaurants serving the finest in foreign cuisine.

There are always places to visit at night – the world famous Soi Bangla in Patong hosts many of Thailand’s finest clubs and bars, and it is common for world-famous DJs to play in one of Patong’s many superclubs. Kamala’s Phuket Fantasea has a spectacular nightly show which is a great introduction to Thai culture – the huge stage features hundreds of local dancers in ornate traditional Thai outfits, and the show includes no less than 30 elephants.

But it is the people of Phuket that make it the finest holiday destination on Earth – first-time visitors are always amazed by the friendly welcome that they get from everybody. Thais and tourists mingle freely together at the local shopping centres, restaurants and bars, and Thai people love the opportunity to chat to visitors from foreign countries. By the time your holiday ends, you are guaranteed to have made many new friends, and you will probably already be planning a return visit to Phuket – the island paradise that you will want to come back to again and again.

If you plan to visit Phuket make sure to know where to stay and where to find real Beachfront Hotels in Phuket.