Phuket Always An Ideal Escape

With its sheer size, Phuket offers potential itineraries as long and as plenty as its many coastlines. Find your pace, be it active or tranquil, for memorable island experiences.

Words: Pallavi Mehta
Photos: Courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Jeremie Schatz

Only an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Phuket (‘h’ is silent in the pronunciation of Phuket) has long been a candidate for one of the finest holiday destinations in Asia. Studies indicate that your stress goes away quickly when you catch sight of the sea. But if it’s action you’re after – the entire island, including its magnificent beach frontier becomes an extravagant setting with beach parties.

However, Phuket is much more than its beach offerings. It bedazzles travellers with its nature that’s meant to be seen and enjoyed, aquamarine waters that beckon you to explore (with a lot of help from tour operators hawking their business), limestone cliffs and lively towns, it’s difficult to come close to that of Phuket. Travellers who visit Thailand’s southwestern island are welcomed with a little slice of paradise, brimming with some of the finest hotels of edgy or organic architecture, restaurants offering the best in simple dishes to inventive fare and spas whose names are renowned in the world. There’s something for everyone, regardless of taste and budget.

You can splurge on a well-appointed pavilion in one of the numerous luxurious hotels or resorts that overlook the scenic Andaman Sea or check into a villa with a private terrace and pool. Start your vacation by indulging in the extensive wellness offerings of your hotel. Take your pick from authentic herb-infused Thai treatments or hit the gym or Pilates facilities. Cap it up with traditional meals of scrumptious Thai curries (among some of the most intense in the country), and delicious seafood – Phuket has its own spiky version of lobster! Here is where you’ll also find the best of world cooking. Local favourites include Peranakan food in Phuket Town or Hokkien Chinese stir-fries, in addition to find dining options scattered throughout the island.

Being Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is enclosed by over 30 glorious beaches. Patong Beach, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Nai Harn Beach, and Mai Khao are the most renowned places. From the exclusive resorts of Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach, to family-friendly Nai Harn Beach, or the party city of Patong, there is a beach for every mood.

The nearby tropical islands, can be accessed by a speedboat or a luxury yacht or cruise, and gaining in popularity as a means of exploration. Well-furnished yachts take visitors on a voyage to discover the islands of the Phuket archipelago with more golden sand beaches that are equal parts mesmerizing and enjoyable. Characteristic to Phang Nga Bay are the sheer limestone karsts that vertically stand out of the emerald-green water. James Bond Island and Panyi Island are two of the most well-known in this bay. By far the best way of enjoying the impressive Phang Nga Bay, with only passing encounters with tourists at James Bond and Panyi islands, is to take a laid-back luxurious cruise.

Another stop on these cruises is world famous Maya Bay. In 1999, Maya Bay was magical – white-sand beaches, azure skies and a jewel-toned sea, which was abundant in natural resources and colourful marine life. Located in Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of Phuket, is the strikingly scenic bay that comprises a 200-metre idyllic beach, which is enclosed by 100-metre high cliffs on three sides. Maya Bay became a popular tourist attraction after the Hollywood movie – ‘The Beach,’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed there in 1999. In recent times, it has been speculated its popularity received an average of 200 boats and 4,000 tourists daily. Unfortunately, because of excessive tourism, there has been environmental damage to this once unspoiled area.