Phuket Travel Guide

Phuket is a true paradise with an interesting history. Chinese, colonial gentlemen and hippies; all have been attracted to this location's convenience and bewitching beauty of the island. Meanwhile, holidaymakers have also started to come here to enjoy the bright tropical island.

Visitors will come across monks in their orange robes and the Thais sacrifice incense in the many temples. The waters of the Andaman Sea are crystal-clear and, in some places, the corals grow as far as the shore. It is their typical Thai composure, their totally individual gentleness and love of life that characterises the islanders. The nickname, Land of Smiles, is still not a phrase devoid of meaning. Visitors just adore the rural wealth and the beauty of the island, from the bizarre chalkstone formations on the outlaying islands of Phi Phi to the powder-fine, Robinson Crusoe-style beaches and the magnificent sunsets that are enough to make one weep with joy.

Phuket has lived through various colonial transitional periods. Evidence of this history may still be seen today in the form of buildings in the Sino-Portuguese style in the largest town on the island, Phuket Town, and portrays an interesting contrast to the beach lifestyle. Indeed, many travellers to Phuket tell of how difficult it is to leave this beach paradise, even for a few hours to pay a visit to one of the towns.

Island, sea and water sports: the triad that attracts most holidaymakers to Phuket. Water-based activities dominate the island's sport offerings. For variety, visitors may turn their attentions to the island's hinterlands.

Harbour a desire to go diving, water skiing, jet skiing or simply bathing? Phuket is the water sports centre of Thailand and most of the well-known sports count among the standard offerings on the beaches on the west coast that boast good infrastructures. Thanks to the idyllic underwater life, the islet of Ko Phi Phi has also developed into something of a centre for diving. Alongside the standard activities, several unusual offers are also to be found on Phuket, for example, sea canoeing tours in the Bay of Phang Nga to view the bizarre karst rocks.

Those who prefer something more sedate may enjoy a round or two of golf. Adventurous types may seek out a challenge with the range of trekking and elephant tours in the hinterlands. Situated to the northeast of Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is definitely worth a visit. Incidentally: the reasonable prices for courses and rental draw in many visitors, who wish to learn a sport such as diving here - a true step into paradise and a new sport.