Are you planning a visit to Phuket, Thailand to savor its world-famous beaches? If so, you are like many other savvy travelers. With its swaying palms, gorgeous white sand beaches and its amazing cultural sites, it makes for one of the most appealing holidays imaginable. A large island off the coast (the largest in Thailand, in fact), it does have the feeling of another world.
Pair your visit with a stay at a luxury villa and you may discover your own private paradise. And though it can be appealing to envision yourself immersed in the solitude of an opulent, private residence, there is much to see and do in Phuket, Thailand.
The Beaches of Phuket, Thailand
Whether you are staying somewhere in sight of the beaches or opening directly on to one of them, you will want to set aside the bulk of your time to dedicate it to visits to the shore. The island features more than 30 stunning beaches, with some gazing out at the beautiful Phang Nga Bay and others framed by the lovely winding roads that encircle the entire island. As you might guess, some are very busy and some utterly remote, and that means you have your pick of experiences to savor.
The most popular and well known include Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Mai Khao, Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Surin and Bangtao.
What to See
A visit to Phuket, Thailand cannot be complete without also paying a visit to what is easily one of the most stunning settings on the planet – Phang Nga Bay. It features many island-like cliffs that jut out of the water. Covered in lush growth, they are a wonderful sight (and familiar to fans of James Bond films as they appear in several of them). Phi Phi Island is another must see as it too is a place of staggering natural beauty, but if you want to get the most awe-inspiring views, pay a visit to Similan Islands. These are close to Khaolak and are ranked highly for divers, sailors and those who just appreciate sparkling clear blue sea waters.
If you like to hit major cities and cultural stops, the giant Buddha is for you. Set atop the Nakkerd Hills, it gazes out over Kata and Chalong and is a remarkable 45 meters in height. A drive to the site is a wonderful experience in itself and lets you pay a visit to any number of other destinations along the way.
What to Do
One thing that many do not know about when planning a visit to Phuket, Thailand is the abundance of night markets. They are all going to be some of the most enchanting and appealing experiences imaginable. Whether shopping for gifts or looking to try authentic street food, you are sure to find a wonderful experience. Street performers are in abundance, and because the sun has set, you don’t have to worry about the heat.
While exploring the island, don’t forget that the eastern and western coastal areas are full of promontories and stunning spots to take in the scenery. The Promthep Cape, for example, offers some amazing views of Phi Phi Island nearby. You will also want to visit Three Beaches promontory near Nai Harn and Kata, pay a visit to Black Rock viewpoint to see the jungles of Ao Sane, and head to the Karon promontory to take in the most famous beaches below.
There is much to see and do during a visit to Phuket, Thailand. And though you might enjoy your entire visit from a luxury villa, you will also want to head out to at least one or more of the beaches or towns.