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Phuket © Rivard

Overview
In the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, the holiday hub of Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest island, Phuket is incredibly diverse with rocky and sandy beaches, tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples.

Phuket caters to all, with a variety of holiday resorts offering accommodation from backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels. There is plenty to do on the island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands are good for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Phuket also has its own airport, making it easy to get to and from Bangkok, and although the island hosts thousands of tourists in peak season, its sheer size allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds. Patong Beach is the island's most famous and developed beach resort, offering a wide choice of holiday activities, dining options and nightlife. It is situated nine miles (15km) from Phuket City.

Shopping
Phuket is a shopper's paradise with a huge variety of goods and shopping establishments, from markets and street stalls to department stores and specialist shops. Patong Beach becomes a huge night bazaar every evening with stalls selling a variety of goods. Air-conditioned Ocean Plaza department stores also offer a wide range of shops.

Restaurants
The dining options in Phuket's Patong Beach are endless. Everything from fast food and informal noodle stalls to fine dining is available, with restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. Very popular among locals and expats is Kaab Gluay, serving excellent Thai seafood at good prices. Other favourites are Baan Rim Pa, serving royal Thai cuisine to go with its stunning views, and Da Maurizio for fine Italian dining. The Sala Bua restaurant at the Impiana Phuket Cabana resort is popular for its elegant East-meets-West cuisine. Sabai Sabai is a favourite for Western style breakfasts and delicious Thai dishes, and Sam's Steak Bar is becoming well known along the beach front for good steaks.

Nightlife
In Phuket on holiday, Patong Beach is known for its pulsing nightlife. The hub of the action is along Bangla Road where hundreds of Go-Go bars, girlie bars, pubs and nightclubs and discos pump out loud music and provide all manner of night time entertainment. At the top end of Bangla Road are several side-by-side establishments to party into the early hours. Paradise Complex is Patong's gay area, with more than 50 bars, karaokes, restaurants and discos.

Activities
There are numerous activities in or near Phuket to enjoy on holiday including mountain biking, bungy jumping and golf. It is even possible to go elephant trekking. A variety of tours offer day trips to the cliffs of nearby Phang Nga Bay, Koh Phi Phi, and the beaches and islands around Krabi.

Negatives
Phuket can be overcrowded and traffic can be quite bad, so those looking for a quieter, less touristy resort should take this into consideration.