The reason I say this with such confidence is there is no other island (I"ll rephrase that), 'destination', that I can think of that fits the tropical paradise criteria and appeals to such diverse age groups and lifestyles. There is a beach location and hotel to suit everyone from the young party night owl to the romantic honeymooner. All you need to decide is what sort of atmosphere is right for you.
Phuket is renowned for its beautiful beaches and the majority are found on the western side of the island along with the main tourist resorts. Broadly speaking there are 5 beaches that are home to the major hotels. I'll start in the north, closest to the airport and work toward the south:
Bang Tao - home to the Laguna 5 hotel complex comprising deluxe hotels including the Dusit Lagana, Sheraton Grande Laguna and Banyan Tree. The beach is uncrowded and pristine. Great for couples (in particular the Banyan Tree) and families at the Sheraton Resorts.
Next is Patong Beach - this is where the action is. The main strip of beach is nice but crowded. In central Patong there are highrise hotels and all manner of restaurants from fast food outlets to fine dining. Nightlife is abundant and carries on till the wee hours. You can barter for bargains within walking distance of your hotel - great for young party goers, and people who don't mind a busy atmosphere.
Further south again is Karon Beach This is a much quieter stretch but you can still find shops and restaurants within walking distance of your hotel. There are a few highrises but generally it has a more laid back atmosphere.
Just over the headland towards the south again is Kata Beach and the smaller Kata Noi. Here the beaches have that squeaky fine sand and the snorkelling is great. The Boathouse Restaurant is located at Kata which has one of the most idyllic settings right on the beach. Savour the fresh seafood with the sound of the waves right near your table. The wine list is arguably the most extensive and expensive on the island.
Last and certainly not least is Nai Harn - home to my favourite hotel - The Phuket Yacht Club. Apart from the addition of the luxurious club which is perched unobtrusively on the side of the cliff, the beach is just as pristine as it was in the 70's (according to my travelling companion who camped here as a backpacker in those days). This is one of the most sheltered beaches where you can swim year round and there is no discernable high or low tide.
Best time to visit: The dry season is from November to April when the humidity is at its lowest and most comfortable. The wet season from May to October is not unpleasant and the afternoon downpours are refreshing but the humidity is high.
Getting Around:
Car Rental - Cars and jeeps are readily available and this is one of the best ways to see the island on your own. Make sure you only rent from a reputable company and that insurance is included.
Songthaews - These are the bright blue buses that ply the roads looking for passengers. They are trucks with 2 bench rows in the back. They travel slowly enough to be flagged down anywhere with a downward hand motion. There are no standard bus stops and compared with tuk tuk's much cheaper but slower. Negotiate the price with the driver before boarding and pay upon completion of the journey.
Tuk-Tuks - These are small open taxis found everywhere on the island. Within Phuket town it is generally a set fare between 20 - 40 baht, anywhere outside of town is negotiable so agree the fare first.
Beautiful beach frontage and the only hotel in this cove. Supeior rooms all have seaviews.
You can't get much closer to the sea especially if you stay in buildings 1 & 4 where the waves crash against rocks 5 metres below your balcony! The Amari is out of the main hub of Patong but there is a local bus service if you feel the need to cure your shopping or nightlife craving. The magnificent Italian restaurant has one of the best views in Phuket perched over the water.
Located at secluded Nakalay Beach just 10mins drive from Patong. The villas are built into the hillside and have magnificent views of the ocean or the stunning free form swimming pool. This resort has a feeling of space and seclusion only minutes from the heart of Patong.
What comes to mind when you imagine your tropical island holiday? For me it is a secluded location with luxurious surroundings and breathtaking views of the sea. The Yacht Club delivers all this to your room. Your private balcony is an extension of your suite with sun lounges and dining table where you can enjoy private meals whilst looking out over the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. My favourite on the whole of Phuket.
This is a very different and very opulent holiday experience. Instead of hotel rooms you have individual villas complete with jacuzzi or private plunge pools. Seclusion and privacy are what appeals to guests at the Banyan Tree so it is no surprise dining options include having the chef prepare your meal in your villa. There are no seaviews from your villa but the discerning decor and furnishings more than make up for this.
There is a small restaurant and a few beach chairs, this is a private beach that is open the public, but the owner drives off visitors arriving by jetski. While you laze about on the beach you can ponder up new names for the artistic rock formations that guard the entrance to the bay. Don’t forget your mask and fins because the marine life that abounds on the coral reefs is among the best on the island.
To get a longtail boat ask one of the locals on the beach about renting one and soon the owner will appear and you can bargain for a price. Figure on 400 Baht for an hour, or 1000 Baht for the day. Longtail boats, will hold 6-8 passengers.
For something really different, try the night market in Phuket Town. Surrounding the new Robinson's Department Store, this colourful market offers a wealth of Muslim, Thai and Chinese cooked meals and sweets. Simply point at what you want to take away or eat right there -- most vendors have tables and chairs and are perfectly happy to share the business with other vendors. What they don't have, they'll get for you from another vendor. Enjoy.
The special medicinal ingredients and herbs in use for centuries in Buddhist monasteries have been carefully researched and reproduced for your relaxation and enjoyment. A soothing soak and massage is just what the doctor ordered for the weary traveller. Start with refreshing herbal spa, then let a specially trained massage technician remove the knots, knead away the stress and strain, and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated and ready for more travel adventures.
When I disembarked the boat at Phi Phi Don pier I was greeeted by a vibrant village atmosphere with a backdrop of white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Longtail boats were scattered along the beach with locals selling everything from cold drinks to local trinkets and guided tours. The main township of Ton Sai is alive with tourist market stalls and a variety of beach bungalows and restaurants catering mainly to backpackers and day trippers. The atmosphere is colourful yet relaxed and I immediately unwound, settling into the laid back beach culture. However, I was soon to uncover that Phi Phi's real charm is found outside of the main township. I hired a longtail boat and discovered Phi Phi has some of the most secluded and pristine beaches I have ever seen. Dotted along the coast, only accessible by boat are long stretches of snow white sand fringed by palm trees concealing some secluded resorts. The resorts are of international standard but relatively few in number so the island is fairly untouched by commercialism once you get away from the main township. If you're like me, an incurable romantic, then you will definitely fall in love with Phi Phi. This idyllic setting should be enjoyed with special company - a place for honeymooners and couples.
Best time to visit is December - March and July - August when the weather is at its best but it is also the most popular time and all accommodation becomes fully booked.
Imagine a pristine white sandy beach with traditional Thai style bungalows blending in with the coconut palms. This is your own private tropical paradise. Guests at Pee Pee Island Village have the entire bay and beach to themselves. Bungalows are luxuriously appointed inside and the only difference between the Oceanview and superior are the views - all other amenties are the same, including satellite TV in case you need a diversion from the stunning vista outside your room. Without a doubt the best location on Phi Phi Island.
This is the prime location on Phi Phi and you wouldn't even notice the resort was there until the longboat cruises close to shore. Bungalows have all modern conveniences including fridge and mini bar. Perfect for honeymooner or couples.
