Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Phuket & Khao Lak has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- Phuket’s cinematic environs have the honour of being part of film history. Phang Nga Bay’s Koh Ping Gan, dubbed James Bond Island, made a splash with 007 in The Man with the Golden Gun. Phi Phi Ley, as idolised in The Beach, is a snorkellers’ wet dream.
- Arts and culture
- Phuket Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture is the island’s cultural claim to fame, a charming legacy left behind by wealthy Chinese tin miners in the 19th Century. Phuket’s Town Hall, Provincial Court and Nakorn Luang Bank are among the most magnificent, must-see examples. Along Thalang Road, find Thalang National Museum, Phuket’s most important centre for history and culture. Several galleries are also in the vicinity, including the Loft (+66 (0)76 258 160), which is well worth a peek.
- Something for nothing
- The southernmost point of Phuket, Cape Promthep, is where to go for an uninterrupted view of the heavenly Andaman Sea sunset. There’s always a crowd waiting with their Nikons; get there in a timely fashion to commandeer a good spot.
- Shopping
- Central Festival Phuket (+66 (0)76 291 111) and the Surin Plaza (+66 (0)76 271 241) are the only two mega-malls worth a trawl. For more selective shopping, Lola (+66 (0)76 271 618) stocks the choicest beachwear, while Mandalay (+66 (0)76 270 954) turns out a nice range of hats, lacquer and ceramics. Eclectic shops abound in Phuket Town. When shopping for the nest, look no further than Bypass Road (Chalermprakiat 9 Road). Many furniture and home interior shops have opened along this stretch.
- Daytripper
- Learn to dive in Phuket and take the plunge in one of the top ten dive spots on the planet: Similan Islands National Marine Park (+66 (0)76 595 045). Its amazing topography makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Live the high life: a seaplane tour on Destination Air (www.destinationair.com) to Krabi or Phi Phi reveals a different kind of landscape; a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Andaman Sea.
- Best beach
- Little hand-painted signs mark the trail down to Laem Singh beach. This tiny gem of a sand-stretch may just be the most beautiful on the island – blissfully free of hotels. While it used to be a secret spot for local residents, these days the word is out. Go early to mark your territory. The best of the three or four restaurants here (opening hours depend on the season) is Ali’s, which was also the first.
- Activities
- Phuket’s temples may not be as grand as those in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, but Wat Chalong is widely regarded as the most beautiful on the island. Have a meal at the hilltop restaurants on Khao Rang Hill overlooking the city – or even a picnic. The colourful night market surrounding the new Robinson's Department Store titillates the palate with its sumptuous spreads of Islamic, Thai and Chinese cooked meals and sweets.
Diary
February Spine-tingling rhythm and blues at Phuket International Blues Festival (www.phuketbluesfestival.com). The Old Phuket Town Festival brings traditional music, dance and food to the streets, which are closed to traffic. March Phuket Pride (www.phuketpride.org). April Phuket Bike Week welcomes Hondas, Harleys and more roar for charity (www.phuketbikeweek.com). June Phuket International Marathon is followed by a hearty pasta party (www.phuketmarathon.com). July Yachting on the high seas at Phuket Race Week (www.phuketraceweek.com). October Local Chinese go vegetarian amid the bustle of processions at Phuket Vegetarian Festival (www.phuketvegetarian.com) November Phuket Carnival offers plenty of kitschy fun and floats to welcome the start of high season (www.phuketcarnival.com). December Phuket’s King Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest regatta race held in honour of the King (www.kingscup.com).
