Thailand PHUKET
Party playground
Multi-faceted Phuket offers a variety of holiday experiences. It’s probably best known as Thailand’s most popular, party-minded resort with plenty of Western influence to comfort the Asia first-timer
Phuket is also however a great family resort with child-friendly tourist attractions and numerous hotels with kids’ clubs, playgrounds and waterslides. For those in search of a more chilled- out holiday, Phuket’s northwestern beaches near the airport and its newly- developed east coast are certainly spots to consider. Watersports, snorkelling and fishing
trips are plentiful and for the more serious enthusiast Phuket is a great base for diving and sailing. Heading into Phang Nga Bay is a
must. Here numerous stunning limestone islands are waiting to be explored. Take a day trip and hop between the islands with snorkel and beach towel in hand. Join a kayaking excursion, or choose a luxury island hotel to retreat to for a few days.
22 Thailand Travel Guide 2012
Things to do • Take an island-hopping and snorkel excursion by longtail boat
• Join the party around Patong • Spend a night in the Phi Phi islands
• Experience world-class diving at the Surin and Similan islands, best reached from Khao Lak
• Take the family to Dino Park for dinosaur-themed mini golf or go to FantaSea for a circus-style cultural show with a difference
• See fire-walking and body-piercing rituals at Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival (September/early October).
• Visit the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre in Khao Phra Thaeo national park
• Twin Phuket with Koh Yao Noi for a luxury break at the Six Senses or an eco-retreat in a homestay
• Shop till you drop in Phuket’s air- conditioned malls
• Charter a yacht with or without crew from Sunsail’s Phuket base
www.sunsail.co.uk
Where to stay Casa de La Flora, Khao Lak Striking box-like structures housing villas and suites comprise this modernist resort, a member of Design Hotels. Rooms feature iPod docks and free daily mini bar. Guests also enjoy in-room breakfast and butler service. Until March 15 2012 those booking more than 60 days in advance get 10% discount on room, food and spa treatments.
www.casadelaflora.com
The Vijitt Resort Phuket This family-owned hotel siituated on a
private stretch of Rawai Beach, offers 92 luxury stand-alone villas. Ideal for both honeymooners and families, the resort features a 40-metre infinity pool, a kids’ club, a signature Thai restaurant and stylish V Spa.
www.vijittresort.com
Thanyapura Retreat and Thanyachiva Lifestyle Resort The 38-room, three-star Thanyapura Retreat opened in late 2010 in the grounds of Phuket International Academy where guests can use the extensive sports facilities. A sister property, 77-room four-star Thanyachiva Lifestyle Resort was scheduled to open in November this year (2011).
www.thanyapuraretreat.com www.thanyachiva.com
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