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Bucket List World’s Best Beaches: Phuket, Thailand

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t’s just after dawn. Neatly lined beach chairs and folded umbrellas occupy Karon Beach

(above) on Phuket, Thailand, at the edge of the crystal-clear Andaman Sea. This is one of Phuket’s most popular beaches. Soon, throngs of people will arrive to swim, sun- bathe, and snorkel. Several large re- sorts are located here, but the beach is wide and never feels crowded. Many tourists might consider it the best beach on the island; in fact, many Phuket beaches are listed as best in the world by experienced travelers and travel magazines. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located on the southwestern coast, and easy to access by bridge. Long

popular with tourists, Phuket offers 17 beaches — each slightly different. Nai Harn is a great swimming beach but largely un- developed. This quiet spot at the southern end of Phuket features a beautiful lagoon. Part of the beach is bor- dered by the Nai Harn monastery, which has prevented over- development. There are a few restaurants for sunbathers to take a break or enjoy an impressive sunset. Patong Beach (inset) is consid-

ered the most famous and one of the most beautiful and best devel-

online: For more information, visit www.tourismthailand.org. 28 MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2016

oped. By day, diving, swimming, and parasailing are popular, but the island also is known as the “party capital of Asia.” There are hundreds of restaurants, bars, and cabarets; neon colors and loud music; and dancing. Whether it’s swim- ming or snorkeling, sunbathing or para- sailing, relaxing or partying, one of the famous beaches

on Phuket could be your island fa- vorite — or even, to you, the best in the world.

— Marilyn Jones PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK