ABOUT PHUKET

Phuket is the largest of the many Islands that make up Thailand, laying just off the south west coast in the beautiful turquoise Andaman sea.
Phuket has long been considered a vacationers dream because of its large variety of soft sand beaches, beautiful warm clear waters, and a wide variety of activities for people of all ages and interests.

Phuket's history includes becoming a part of the major trade route between India and China, followed later by becoming a major producer of tin and rubber. Today, the economy of Phuket is mostly tourism driven as it would be hard to find a better place on earth that offers so much for so little, when it comes to vacation pleasure and leisure pursuits.

If beach and water activities are your thing, look no further.
Phuket is ranked in the top 10 world-wide for scuba diving. With its abundant colorful sea life, coral reefs and warm crystal clear water, it is ideal for both the avid diver or the beginner looking to learn or become professionally certified.
If you prefer water exploring at a little more leisurely pace, Phuket has many places where snorkeling gear can be rented to observe sea life a little closer to shore.

Long, wide sand beaches can be found all along the west coast of Phuket, each with its own unique characteristics. You will find on-the-beach massage available, as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals. Para-sailing, wind surfing, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing are all available for the active water lover.
Try exploring some of the other Islands by hiring a boat; spend half a day snorkeling, kayaking, or just leisurely beachcombing for shells.

If golf is your game, you will find EIGHT golf courses spread out around Phuket offering 9 hole golf for  new players, to world class 18 hole courses that are rated as some of the best in the world, with the most stunning settings imaginable.
Many of the courses are built over and around the old Tin Mines that were such a key part of Phuket's history. You can expect a first class experience with courteous service and caddies. As there are such a variety of courses available, you can choose an extremely challenging, professionally designed course or one of the more leisurely courses.

What would a trip to Thailand be without sampling the many exotic Thai foods offered up everywhere at a fraction of what you would pay at home? Fresh fish and seafood barbeques just off the beaches; succulent fresh lobster and prawns, and an incredible assortment of Thai dishes ranging from mild to spicy to simply fire breathing hot, can all be found in Phuket.

Whatever your interest, Phuket has something for everyone at prices hard to match anywhere else in the world. Come enjoy a vacation of sun, surf and quiet leisure; spoil yourself with a massage at one of the many spas or engage in some of the many adrenalin producing activities offered.
Experience for yourself why so many vacationers keep coming back to the place known as the "land of smiles".

PHUKET TEMPERATURES YEAR ROUND:

BEACH & RESORT AREAS:

Patong Beach - Clearly the most famous, largest, and busiest beach resort area in Phuket. Soft white sand stretches for 2 kilometres. Whether it is leisurely relaxing on the beach with a massage after your swim, or trying out a little more adventurous sport such as jet skiing or paragliding, one thing is for certain, you will never run out of things to do in Patong.  A great bustling place for day and evening shopping and 100's of restaurants with their exotic Thai dishes and bars, Patong is busy day and night and a great place to experience the thriving nightlife of Phuket

Karon Beach - As you move a little further south you will discover a long stretch of beautiful beach lined with some of the best hotel chains available. There are lots of restaurant choices, clothing and gift shops and a somewhat more subdued night life as compared to the high energy Patong resort area.

Kata Beach - A beautiful beach lined with palm trees, on-the-beach massage, restaurants and shops with a quieter more family oriented lifestyle for those looking to lay back and relax.  This quiet beach also offers a shallow pool and stream that runs to the ocean and is ideal for young toddlers and children to wade in. By far the better family option. Stunning sunsets on this beach.

Nai Harn Beach is a small quiet spot on the southern coast of Phuket. This peaceful little beach resort area has a few nice resorts and restaurants and is one of the lesser known spots for a leisurely break from the busier beach areas. Very nice snorkeling here. This beach is very close to the famous Cape Prom Thep viewpoint and lookout, another great spot for beautiful sunsets.

Rawai Beach is one of Phuket's best kept secrets. It lies on the south eastern tip of Phuket and is still mostly undeveloped. It is a popular area for local residents and expats. Used as a launching pad for island hopping by taxi-boats, and a place for the local fishermen to moor their boats, this beach is scenic. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this beach in the late afternoon, then select your favorite fresh seafood from the market to be cooked at one of the many beach front restaurants.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Songkran Festival (Thai New Year or Water Festival) – April 13th – 15th 
Thailand's Songkran Festival is celebrated all over Thailand starting April 13th and may run as long as 6 or more days in duration. This celebration of the New Year is also well known as the "Water Festival" as the younger generation have turned this festival time into a ritual of water throwing and water fights of massive proportions.

Songkran has traditionally been a time to visit and pay respects to the elders, friends, neighbors, and monks. Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran as a Buddhist festival may also go to a Buddhist Monastery to give food to monks and pray. They may also pour mixed water over Buddha images to bring good luck.

Vegetarian Festival - October
Starting every year on the first evening of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, this large and festive occasion celebrated by Phuket's Chinese community and many local residents, lasts up to 10 days and is usually in October.

The festival believers will adhere to a strict vegetarian diet during this time and engage in many other unique activities such as body/face piercing, walking on fire, and bladed ladder climbing just to mention a few.
During this festival, excellent vegetarian food can be found in many of the food stalls throughout the celebration and should not be passed up, nor should the opportunity be missed to capture these unique events on camera!

Patong Carnival - Annual event (Dates vary year to year)
This week long annual event is held every year at Patong beach to celebrate the opening of the high season. Parades, light shows, traditional Thai dancers and live music, make this exciting event a colorful and visual experience for all to enjoy.

Lit up Bangla road at Patong beach is converted into a walking street where all the fun and entertainment can be seen as well as a vast array of food stalls, handicrafts, and other wares.

Loy Kratong " Moon Party "- November
In November, Thailand holds one of its most magical and mysterious events on the evening of the twelfth lunar month. Known as the Moon party, almost every body of water will become lit up with bobbing and weaving lights. Floats made of banana trees carry flowers, candles and incense.
Considered one of the most beautiful and mystical events in Thailand, it is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. This special evening of floating lights and wish making, will be a night to remember for you and your family.
Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide. In Phuket, major hotels usually host a special evening so that guests may join in.
 Nai Harn Lake and Patong Beach usually have the most activity, with locals visiting beaches like Kata and Karon.