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Three longtail boats moored at the beach with limestone outcrop and islands in the background, Thailand. Image credit: stock.adobe.com
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The tropical beach getaway of your dreams

Phuket’s reputation as Thailand’s premier leisure playground is well founded. Distinguished by lush, jungle-clad mountains, gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters, the island’s geographical wonders are backdrops to a world-famous pleasure zone.

Fun things to do: Phuket

  • Find the perfect beach, from Patong to Mau Khao
  • Set sail for Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
  • Feast on architectural eye-candy in Old Phuket Town
  • Meet the gentle giants of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
  • Get set for spectacular sunsets at Windmill Viewpoint

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Find your perfect beach

Beachgoers on the sand and in the water at palm-fringed Ya Nui Beach on a sunny day, Phuket, Thailand. Image credit: Tee11/ShutterstockShutterstock
Head to Ya Nui Beach for sensational snorkelling.

Phuket’s glorious beaches are, without doubt, its top drawcard. And there’s one for every type of beachgoer. Patong is long, beautiful and crowded, with a buzzing party scene that extends well into the night. Next to it is the heavenly (and much quieter) Freedom Beach, accessible only by boat or via a very steep hill. In the south, Ya Nui is renowned for great snorkelling, while Kata and Kamala host a burgeoning surf scene from May to October. At 11 kilometres, the pristine Mau Khao is the island’s longest beach and far from the madding crowds.

Set sail for Phang Nga Bay

Two longtail boats moored at the beach and a person standing in the water at Phang Na Bay, Thailand. Image credit: ShutterstockShutterstock
Float among limestone islets on Phang Nga Bay.

Phuket is your launch pad to Phang Nga Bay, a marine wonderland that will leave you breathless. James Bond Island (Ko Tapu), which featured in 1974’s The Man with the Golden Gun, is just the start. Expect sensational diving and snorkelling, surreal rock formations and limestone cliffs, islets and caves, and even a fishing village (Koh Panyee) built on stilts over the water. There are many ways to explore Phang Nga, from traditional longtail boat and kayak tours, to charter yachts and leisurely cruises.

Explore the architecture of Old Phuket Town

Façade of a colonial-style building painted orange with white details surrounded by lush garden. Image credit: ShutterstockShutterstock
Wander around Old Phuket Town's grand Colonial architecture.

If you can drag yourself away from the beach, Phuket’s Old Town is well worth a wander. Characterised by bright colours, ornate detailing and old-world grandeur, its historic Sino-Portuguese architecture is one of its most charming attractions. Some mansions are abandoned, others (such as the celebrated Baan Chinpracha) have been converted into museums, while several house cafes and restaurants. Try the Blue Elephant for exquisite Royal Thai food and cooking classes, or Endless Summer for coffee and pastries.

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