Phuket - the Pearl of the Andaman

Phuket is the second smallest province but at the same time the largest island in Thailand. Located on the Andaman coast in the south west of the country it has some of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches and offers something for every visitor. From first-class golf courses, high-end spas, historical sites, fun attractions for all ages and of course the famous nightlife, you will have so much choice to fill your days(and nights) when staying in Phuket. The east coast of the island is generally the preferred destination for holiday makers as this is where you’ll find all the great beaches but the west and south coasts offer plenty of things to see and do. Phuket Town is one of the oldest cities in Thailand once being an important port of call for Chinese and European traders. The old buildings indicate the former prosperity with a Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Major attractions in Phuket

Phuket is undeniably the most famous island in Thailand and the most visited. With Phuket airport taking many direct flights from Europe, Asia and Australia it is easy to get there. The island apart from the amazing beaches like Surin, Bang Tao, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata, offers so much for travelers. Great shopping with modern malls and traditional markets, some of Asia’s finest restaurants, fun-filled land and sea activities, animal sanctuaries, national parks and sightseeing, you are spoiled for choice. Something not to miss when in Phuket is the famous Phuket Fantasea Show which is filled with a range of entertainment and activities and the amazing Las Vegas style theater show. Phuket is also the gateway to visit many of the surrounding islands like Phi Phi, Similan and of course Phang Nga Bay.

Rent a luxurious holiday villa in Phuket

Phuket has a strong reputation as one of Asia’s premier destinations for a luxurious holiday experience. In recent years, the luxurious Phuket villas offer guests not only privacy but also gives them the best facilities and services to make their time unforgettable in Phuket. Whilst many of the villas in Phuket are high-end and attract the wealthier travelers there are also many villa options for the average holidaymaker seeking a different experience than a stay in a hotel. Nearly all Phuket villas will have a private pool and can provide guest services like chef and concierge assistance.

Kata Beach, Phuket

Kata Beach and its glistening bay are a short ride south of Karon Beach and one of Phuket’s leading tourist attractions. The beach is curved and wide, lined with palm and pine trees, and making it a very picturesque and beautiful attraction, highly popular with visitors from around the world. It is also a popular diving site for beginners doing their first open water dives.

From May to October, Phuket’ surfers meet on Kata beach to catch good and safe waves. From November to April the beach is alive with sun seekers and families who favour that quieter and less obtrusive beach spot. As a surfing spot, Kata is well catered for with board hire shops and safety inspectors. Contact the local Phuket tourism authority to keep up to date with the waves.

Aside from the attraction of the beach, Kata is an all year round favourite due to its wide array of restaurants, lively but not in your face nightlife and multiple accommodation options ranging from all prices and all close to the beach.
Kata is separated into two areas. At the northern end is Kata Centre and then there is Kata South. The Club Med property runs up most of the beach road which ensures low rise construction and a long and pleasant footpaths shaded by pine trees.

Visitors will find plenty of clothing and souvenirs shops, local mini-marts, brand name fashion stores and trendy coffee shops with broadband internet access and shaded terraces on both sides of Kata, as well as restaurants and accommodation.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival - The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song."

There are also plenty of dive shops and tour operators are at hand to assist those looking to additional adventure on dry land or beyond the beach. Phuket is one of Asia’s most popular dive locations, and Kata Beach is an ideal spot to take the plunge: safe, clean, and well managed. Ask to see Dive Master and Instructor certificates from your company and ask for those that employ international staff in the interests of ease of communication.

Kata Beach villas

Kata Beach offers a range of villa rental opportunities for all tastes. As a leading destination in Phuket, villa operators are conscientious in providing competitive rates and top facilities, with easy access to the delights of Kata.
Kata is recommended for those who wish for a quiet but not too removed holiday in the sun. There’s plenty of room to escape for some peace, while at the same time, shops and amenities are close by, alongside plenty of entertainment. We’re sure you’ll be tempted by the diving; too once you see the wonderful underwater photography displayed around town.