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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Nearby Phuket – stunning alternative holiday destinations


Khao Lak - Panoramic View
When you read about the glorious scenery and weather in Phuket, as well as Phuket’s famous beaches, you may be forgiven for thinking that Phuket is an oasis of paradise, surrounded by areas of lesser magnificence. In fact, the opposite is true. There are many areas of outstanding natural beauty nearby Phuket – at Phuketbooknow.com, we offer exclusive hotels in Phuket, and also in Khao Lak, Krabi and the world-famous Phi Phi Islands. All these destinations are easily accessible from Phuket Airport, where most international travelers to Phuket arrive.

Getting to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport is easy – simply turn left out of the airport, left at the main road, and head north for one hour in your taxi or hire car. Khao Lak shares the same quality of beach that Phuket is renowned for, with fine white powder sands and sparkling tranquil seas. Its distance from Phuket means that you are far away from the crowds of tourists – one of Khao Lak’s best features is its quiet unspoiled beaches, where you are guaranteed privacy and relaxation. Having said that, there are plenty of Khao Lak hotels to choose from, ranging from small beach bungalows to five-star palaces of luxury. The local amenities include shops, small supermarkets, bars and restaurants. As Khao Lak is close to the world-class scuba diving sites on the Similian Islands, it is an ideal destination for those who love to dive.

Krabi - Longtail Boat
Krabi is a place that many holidaymakers choose to visit while they are their Phuket holidays, due to its outstanding natural beauty. So many people fall in love with Krabi that it now has a booming Krabi hotel industry of its own. It’s relatively easy to get to – it’s a 3 hour car ride from Phuket Airport, or you may wish to take a ferry from Phuket to Krabi via the Phi Phi Islands, which is also approximately a three hour trip. The stunning scenery ensures that you will enjoy your journey however you choose to get there. The spectacular cliffs and islands in Krabi are a unique backdrop to the white powder beaches that are comparatively undeveloped and free from overcrowding. Canoeing, kayaking and snorkeling are strongly recommended here, and the wildlife is equally beautiful below the water and above. 

Lastly, we come to the glorious pair of Phi Phi Islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. The north island of Phi Phi Leh is unpopulated, and is the home of Maya Bay, where the Leonardo Di Caprio blockbuster “The Beach” was filmed. The spotless sands and turquoise sea are truly idyllic, although naturally many tourists come here to see the sights – there is no Phi Phi Leh hotel where you can stay. Phi Phi Don is home to a Thai population, as well as some of the world’s finest beaches – there are numerous places to stay here, from cheap and clean budget hotels to luxury Phi Phi resorts. It is ideal for accessing Krabi and Phuket, both of which are a 90 minute ferry ride away. Excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving are available, and there are enough amenities here to ensure that you enjoy your stay without being overwhelmed by shops and bars.

Phi Phi Island Seaview
All of these destinations enjoy the same superb weather and beaches that Phuket is famous for. They are also nearby Phuket, so if you enjoy island-hopping you can book multiple hotels in advance without having to worry about how you will get to your next destination. 

We hope that you have enjoyed this guide to the attractive resorts nearby Phuket – if you have any suggestions of your own, let us know! Check out our Facebook page for more information about Phuket and its surroundings and leave a "like".

You can also find more Phuket information on these following blogs: