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| Phuket, Southern Thailand, Thailand |
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, being approximately 50 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide, and is one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. Known for its hilly terrain and its many beautiful beaches, Phuket Island is dominated by the city of Phuket which is the largest town and administrative centre of the Phuket Province which lies within the region of Southern Thailand. The island lies approximately 900 kilometres south of Bangkok and is located off the southern coast of the Malay Peninsula. Phuket is accessed by road over the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge which spans the channel between the northern Phang Nga Province and the island, or by airplane to Phuket International Airport which stands in the northern area of the island.
Surrounded by the waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket boasts a rich and diversified culture as it has historically been frequented by many trading nations due to its location within the busy Straits of Malacca which has been one of the world’s major shipping lanes for centuries. The old town of Phuket reflects these Sino-Colonial influences through its historic streets which are lined with ancient houses, shops, cafes and restaurants. These delightful architecturally designed buildings hint at the wealth which once flowed through Phuket when it was a major producer of tin that was exported throughout south-east Asia. Today the old town of Phuket offers visitors an interesting insight into a typical Thai town and provides quaint cafes and fascinating old shop-houses selling Chinese herbal medicines and handicrafts.
Between the island of Phuket and the mainland of Thailand lies Phang Nga Bay which was recently declared a National Marine Park. Phang Nga Bay is known for its magical beauty, shallow waters, limestone cliffs and caves, and its many islands which create some of Thailand’s most unforgettable scenery. The island of Phuket is primarily known as a tourist destination although its production of rubber, through its numerous rubber tree plantations, makes Thailand the world’s largest producer. The tourist industry is focused along the western coastline which is comprised of many beautiful beaches that support several vibrant, highly developed tourist centres with those at Patong, Karon and Kata being the most popular. Known for their great variety of accommodation, frenetic nightlife, girlie-bars and clubs, the west coast of Phuket provides many visitors with an ideal, relaxing destination where good shopping, quality restaurants and sun-filled days can make any holiday a success. For those not necessarily interested in the sun, sea and sand which is on offer, the island provides a few diverse attractions which may possibly be of interest. They include visits to the Big Buddha, which stands on the top of the Nakkerd Hills and provides fantastic views of the island – the Wat Chalong, one of Phuket’s most important temples – maybe a trip to see a Thai Boxing match which is locally called Muay Thai – or for something a little different, a visit to the FantaSea Show, Phuket’s local cultural theme park!!
Some of the world’s best diving sites can be reached by boat from Phuket and can be found on the Similan Islands, which lie within the Similan National Marine Park, and the Surin Islands, which are protected by the Mu Ko Surin National Park. It is worth noting that within the Surin Islands one of the top ten ultimate dives can be found at Richlieu Rock. These two island groups are accessible only between the months of November and May due to possible extreme weather conditions.
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| Accommodation | Activities |  |
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Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket
Phuket
 |  A spectacular resort surrounded by a lagoon and set on the beach at Bang Tao Bay. This is one of the best resorts in Thailand. Villas are just perfect for honeymooners. It is currently undergoing some renovations to rooms however with minimal disturbance to guests. |
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Phuket
|  Located on the pristine shores of the Mai Khao Beach and amidst tropical gardens, this JW Marriott provides the ultimate experience with a touch of Thai elegance. The resort is beautifully designed and has wonderful pool area and restaurants. It is adjacent to Nai Yang Marine National Park and sea... |
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket
Phuket
 |  Holiday Inn Resort is situated opposite the beach in Patong. Set in its own secluded grounds, it is perfect for that relaxing holiday, but still close to all the action. The property caters well for families and is good value. |
Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club
Phuket
|  Nestled in a magnificent headland at the southern tip of popular Nai Harn beach, this resort is one of Thailand's premier resorts and offers exclusivity and luxury in a sophisticated yet friendly environment. There is a wide range of sports and recreational facilities. The Royal Spa, with four spa... |
Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
Phuket
 |  The Holiday Inn Resort is situated on Laem Tong Beach and was thankfully unaffected by the tsunami. The is a good quality resort in a great location and perfect for total relaxation. The magnificent white sandy beach and coral reef teeming with marine life has everything for that perfect escape aw... |
Merlin Beach Resort
Phuket
 |  Situated on Tri-Trang Beach and only five minutes from Patong, Merlin Beach Resort is an excellent property. It is a sister property to the Patong Merlinand is suitable for families and couples. The resort is very picturesque and overlooks the Andaman Sea. |
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Phuket
|  Le Meridien is a terrific resort with something for everyone. It is situated on a delightful stretch of secluded beach at Relax Bay, but only ten minutes from Patong. The resort facilities are very extensive from an exercise circuit, tennis, squash, rock-climbing wall and not to mention the beach ... |
Novotel Coralia Phuket Resort
Phuket
|  The resort overlooks Patong Bay and has spectacular views from almost every vantage point. Set in 8 acres of lush tropical gardens and yet still within walking distance to Patong, it still maintains a peaceful and serene environment. There is also a magnificent three tier swimming pool with connec... |
Patong Merlin Hotel
Phuket
 |  The hotel is situated across the road from the beach in a great location, just a few minutes from the heart of Patong. It has very friendly and attentive service, a great pool area and good value. |
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Phang Nga Eco Tour
Boating
Phuket | Phang Nga Bay, is Phuket's top tourist destination. A luxury local cruiser will cruise through spectacular scenery created by the limestone cliffs, mangroves and grotto caves. Lunch is served at a Sea gypsy village on Panyi Island. En route stop at a secluded beach for swimming. Fruits, softdrin... |
Thai Cooking Class
Cooking
Phuket |  Learn the secrets of cooking healthy, delicious Thai dishes in this cooking class and enjoy plenty of hands-on experience. Chef Rattana discusses recipes and demonstrates how to cook the dishes. After that students have a chance to prepare and cook the recipes themselves. The classes start at 10am a... |
Fantasea Cultural Theme Park Tour
Family
Phuket | On this tour, you will spend an evening at Phuket Fantasea, a theme park and entertainment complex with carnival games and a shopping village that the whole family can enjoy. Buffet dinner at Asia's largest buffet restaurant is included as you sit back and appreciate a charming traditional show depi... |
Phi Phi Island Tour
Tour
Phuket |  A full day out to visit the beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea, a perfect combination tour for those who have limited time to explore this area. A speedboat takes you to Phi Phi Island where you will discover the fantastic landscapes of 'Maya Bay' now famous due to the film 'The Beach'. Enjoy lu... |
White Water Rafting Trek Eco Adventure
White Water Rafting
Phuket | This tour will send you north to the Tone Pariwat Sanctuary Station, an unspoiled wonderland covered with gorgeous vegetation. You will ride an elephant through the jungle to explore its beauty. This journey takes you through a tropical rain forest and beautiful countryside - a chance to enjoy white... |
Phuket Country Amazing Bike Tour
Biking
Phuket | This half day Biking tour has guests riding in the north east of Phuket Island, an area known for its small traditional Thai villages. You will cycle on and off small country roads through palm and rubber tree plantations along dirt tracks. It also inculdes the opportunity to visit Phuket's Gibbon R... |
Canoe Cave Explorer
Tour
Phuket | A unique experience that takes you into the famous Phang Nga Bay in a somewhat different way. A cruiser-style boat takes you to join your own skilled canoe guide. The tour takes you to some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Thailand The newly-discovered sea caves and 'Hongs' are open-... |
Jungle Safari and Khao Sok Tour
Tour
Phuket |  Travel through Phang Nga province passing rubber plantations and small villages, to Khao Sok. A thai buffet lunch is provided. Afternoon arrival at Siam Safari Elephant camp to start your elephant trek through tropical jungle. Please wear non-slip shoes and bring a change of clothes in case you g... |
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