Phuket

The self-styled ‘Pearl of the South' is the largest, most celebrated and most popular of Thailand's resort islands. Blessed with tracts of tropical rainforest, a myriad of clean sandy beaches and surrounded by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, it is easy to see what has made Phuket a top Southeast Asian getaway. With its year round warm weather and choice of resorts, Phuket attracts all types of holidaymaker. Divers come for some first-rate scuba diving and kayakers, windsurfers and sailors also share the bars at night with those just looking for a relaxed slice of sunny beach living.

The majority of visitors to the island are Western Europeans looking for guaranteed warmth year round. The majority are 18-35 year-olds, but families are also increasingly discovering a destination that more than rewards the long haul flight. The number of adventure sports enthusiasts visiting Phuket is also on the rise.

The island of Phuket lies in the southwest of Thailand in the eponymous Phuket Province to the south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. It has its own airport, Phuket Airport (HKT).

Phuket lies in the Andaman Sea, which is a branch of the Indian Ocean. All of the resorts are coastal and are mainly in the west with Patong, Karon and Kata amongst the most popular.

Phuket has plenty of great beaches where you can unfurl your towel. The busiest is in the main resort town of Patong. Hat Patong is a fully-equipped beach with sun loungers, sun umbrellas, watersports, beach bars and restaurants. The beaches at Kata and Karon tend to be a little quieter and when the surf is up they are popular with windsurfers and surfers, and even more relaxed beaches are on offer for holidaymakers willing to drive out to more remote spots.

The resort towns are pretty much given over to the needs of tourists, while the capital of Phuket Town is more interesting. Over the years Chinese, Portuguese, Malay, Indian and Arab influences have woven into the architecture and culture. The town is home to the most attractive architecture on the island and also to some excellent restaurants where holidaymakers can sample the fiery local cuisine.

Phuket these days is very popular with families. The best facilities are within the grounds of the luxury resort, with children's clubs and crèches both available. The island's beaches are also great for children. Phuket Fantasea (Kamula Beach, Katha) (website: www.phuket-fantasea.com) is a theme park with rides as well as some colourful cultural and dance performances.

Phuket Town is where most locals shop with some proper shops that are not just aimed at passing tourist trade, while the shops of the resorts like Patong, Kata and Karon are very much geared towards tourists. The large luxury hotel resorts of Ao Bang Thao often have their own boutique shops. Many towns and villages also sport their own markets, with Patong a touristy highlight.

The resort island of Phuket's nightlife is nothing short of legendary. The hub of the action is in nefarious Patong. This no-holds-barred resort offers everything from bustling pubs and nightclubs through to the infamous girlie bars. The other island resorts boast their own nightlife, but nothing on the scale of Patong. Beach bars are very popular around the island and the perfect venue for enjoying a cooling sundowner.

Most of the better hotels boast their own restaurants where a range of international cuisines is available. Many holidaymakers also choose to sample the local cuisine with the most interesting place to try it at the street food stalls that are found all over Phuket. Here fresh seafood and various Thai treats are cooked in front of your eyes. There are more formal restaurants dotted around the island where first rate Thai cooking is available.

Although there are regular inter-regional services, the local bus service on the holiday island is not extensive. The most popular ways of getting around are by using the atmospheric little tuk-tuks (the island motorbike taxis) or the rough and ready sawngthaew (truck-like local minibuses). It is possible to hire motorbikes and cars and taxi are also available on Phuket.

Ko Hae is a very popular day trip option and with good reason. This fellow Andaman Sea island, which translates as ‘Coral Island', is much quieter and less developed than Phuket. There is little to do after the scenic boat ride to the island, bar relax by the sea, or go snorkelling or scuba diving; both are excellent on Ko Hae.

The Banyan Tree Spa (33 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang) (website: www.banyantree.com) has been voted one of the world's best spas and a session here is truly divine. A multitude of treatments is available, with the best the traditional Thai massages that leave holidaymakers deeply relaxed. To complete the experience they also have a range of restaurants to recline in afterwards.

Phuket Airport (HKT)