Phuket Information

That said, Phuket’s most developed beach, Pa Tong, is well worth a look in if only for the experience of a Thai style tourist Mecca. Hotels of every sort line the beach, and the nightlife is unparalleled. From the infamous Thai lady-boys and seedy bars to the world class restaurants and dazzling markets, Pa Tong is a must see. A night out can be an unforgettable experience in any sense of the word. If you keep your eyes peeled and play it safe you aren’t likely to have any problems, but tourist traps and pick pocketing are common enough, and a healthy dose of caution is advisable.

While the beach at Pa Tong is arguably one of the island’s best, some of the more secluded beaches to its north (Kamala, Nai Thon, and Nai Yang) and south (Kata Yai and Kata Noi) are generally considered very good, and are much less touristy (though you should still expect to come across plenty of tourism based businesses). The beaches around Karon are probably the next most developed after Pa Tong, but are still spectacular.

Anyone looking for the ‘everyday’ Phuket should check out Phuket Town, the provincial capital. Functioning as the island’s economic and administrative centre, the town is a far cry from Pa Tong. A while spent exploring the place is likely to reveal a few hidden gems, and a few good restaurants and markets make the town a nice getaway from the super-touristy areas.

So if sandy beaches, sunshine, and a party is what you’re after, Phuket isn’t about to disappoint. And with temperatures consistently warm and humid throughout the year, the only thing to hold you back is the wet season (May through October), which can make swimming on some beaches dangerous, but shouldn’t deter any determined holiday makers (provided you don’t mind a little rain).