Phuket Holidays

There are a lot of threads in Phuket’s tourism tapestry. The island is just off Thailand’s southwest coast and its capital, Phuket Town, is an animated city of early-morning markets and beeping tuk tuks. The shoreline, meanwhile, is home to a league of beaches – 40 kilometres’ worth to be exact. Some of the stretches of sand turn the tempo right down. All 11 kilometres of Mai Khao Beach are protected as part of the Sirinat National Park, so there are hardly any signs of life along its breadth.

Kamala Beach is another one that keeps itself to itself. The unspoilt sand here is accompanied by a village with Thai tradition at its heart. This is the place to come to learn local cookery or to experience an authentic Thai massage.

At the other end of the scale you’ve got Patong Beach. Like all good sandpits, this place was made for playtime – it’s just footsteps away from a directory’s worth of bars and restaurants. After sunset, the main strip is closed to vehicles, and human traffic fills the streets, making U-turns in and out of bars and discos.

The middle ground is occupied by Kata and Karon. On these beaches sunloungers are spread out in Goldilocks fashion – there’s just the right amount – and snorkelling is the main watersport on offer. The beach scene is complemented by sand-side promenades, quirky souvenir shops and lively restaurants.