Insight Guides Pocket Thailand by Insight Guides

Author:Insight Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Travel, Thailand
Publisher: Apa Publications
Published: 2018-07-01T16:00:00+00:00

Preparing to parasail off Phuket

John Ishii/Apa Publications

Beaches and islands

The best beaches are on the western coast of the island, where fine, white sand slopes gently into the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean). Patong Beach C [map], 15km (9 miles) west of Phuket Town by paved road, used to be the island’s most beautiful, but has become over-developed, packed with bungalows, hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. You will also find the Phuket Simon Cabaret (tel: 0 7634 2011-5; www.phuket-simoncabaret.com; daily showtimes 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm) with its kathoey, or ‘ladyboy’ shows. From Patong, visitors can take a 45-minute longtail boat ride to Freedom Beach, located just around the headland.

North of Patong are the lovely Bang Thao and Pansea beaches, the latter home to the Amanpuri Hotel, one of the most exclusive addresses on the island. At Kamala beach, the popular Phuket Fantasea (tel: 0 7638 5000; www.phuket-fantasea.com; theme park Fri–Wed 5.30–11.30pm, showtime 9pm) has shows combining acrobatics, pyrotechnics and performing animals.

South of Patong, the wide beaches of Kata and Karon have an abundance of family resorts, while further south, at Nai Harn, is the sophisticated cliffside hideaway of The Royal Phuket Yacht Club.

It is possible to hire a Jeep to tour the island, but some roads are steep and accidents are not uncommon. The most dramatic viewpoint is the Laem Promthep D [map] promontory.

The sea views from Phuket are dotted with 30 or so uninhabited islands, to which owners of long-tailed boats operate excursions for picnics and/or snorkelling. Scuba diving is first rate, either on liveaboard or day boats, with plenty of coral and brilliantly hued fish. The most favoured diving destination is the Similan Islands fi [map], which have National Marine Park status. Deep-sea fishing expeditions can be arranged to catch mackerel, barracuda and sailfish.

Island escapes

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