Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is a colourful potpourri filled with pristine sandy beaches, an effervescent nightlife and unlimited activities. Countless tourists flock here every year and revel in its spectacular topography and awe-inspiring infrastructure. Back in the 16th century, it was known as Jung Ceylon and served as a trading port for tin, apart from being a gateway to Thailand for merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and Siam. Today, it is a raging hub for various commercial activities and tourists love the lifestyle here, while enjoying the raw charm of the natural surroundings. A holiday in Phuket is all you need to enthrall your senses and experience a memorable vacation.

How to get around in Phuket

Since Thailand has earned its place on the world map as a tourism hotspot, it is easy to find flights from major international cities to the destination. You can get direct flights to the region, but for a more intimate journey, you can take a Trip to Bangkok and then travel to Phuket independently. From the mainland, you can take a bus or train till the harbour and then take a ferry to the island. The Thao Thepkasattri Bridge connects the islet and the mainland, so you can even rent a car and drive to your destination. Once you reach Phuket, you can travel around the city using tuk-tuks, taxis, motosais or you can rent bikes and cars as well to move around at your own pace.

Staying in Phuket

Accommodation can be a worrisome issue during peak season, so it is best if you pre-book hotels prior to your trip. Pre-booking will offer you more choices as the city is best experienced if you stay in one of the better resorts here. Get enough rest and then step out to get blown back by the magnificence of the landscape.

Witness the marvellous aquatic life

The tropical and aquatic surroundings of Phuket serve as grounds to myriad of adventure sports. A thrill seeker’s paradise, Phang Nga Bay is a great spot for snorkelling, free diving and sailing. The clear blue waters are perfect for diving where you can get up, close and personal with the exotic aquatic life which thrives here. What’s more, the surrounding vertical limestone rocks covered with lush greenery is a sight to behold.

Other than being a hub of adventure sports, the exotic locale exhibits a wide variety of places you can visit. The Phuket Fishing Park is a great place to marvel at the freshwater fish species that are found here. You can even try your hand at catching fish like arapaimas, red-tailed catfish, piranhas, alligator sharks etc.

Taste the mouthwatering cuisine here

A favourite amongst the tourists here is the scrumptious Thai cuisine. One of the most authentic places to taste seafood, Phuket is home to countless cafes and eateries that serve world-class local and international cuisine. Some of the foods worth trying are Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai and Massaman Curry. You can go ahead and try some of the exotic seafood varieties found here like squid, oysters, carp, horseshoe crabs and prawns.

Dance your heart out in Phuket’s undying nightlife

A vacation in Phuket is incomplete without letting your hair down while partying in the raging nightclubs. The Patong Beach lives and breathes parties and Bangla Road is the centerpiece with a sprawling expanse of nightclubs and pubs. The parties here can go all night long with tourists drinking and dancing away till the wee hours, however be aware of the surroundings as these gatherings attract seedy people as well.

Spend a day at The Phuket Fantasea

The Phuket Fantasea is a sizeable contender to the Disneyland of the world. This massive entertainment park is home to vivid and dazzling buildings and serves as an arena where the legend of Kamala is recreated with a show performed by adult elephants. The multi-coloured lighting, elaborate set design and performances by the acrobats here make Phuket Fantasea a much-loved attraction for tourists all over the world.

Today, Phuket draws flocks of tourists and creates wonderful memories for them. A standing testimony to Thailand’s splendid topography, unique culture and urbanisation, a holiday in Phuket will reward you with a jaw-dropping experience.