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.
Khao Lak, Phuket
Khao Lak is based 100 km north of Phuket in Takua Pa district, Phang Nga province and is very popular as a departure point for scuba diving trips. The sands are fairly popular as a resort beach, westward facing, with rubber plantations and tropical forest on the hillside framing the area. A beach road runs parallel to the beach, featuring accommodation, shops and other businesses catering to tourists.
Khao Lak still retains a quiet Thai village feel with enough existing locals and small town life to balance out the influx of tourism from abroad.
There are many tourist hotels, small shops and restaurants, plus services relating to the diving trade. Most of the tourists are European, particularly from Scandinavia, Germany and the U.K. Explore the wider area which produces rubber and palm oil and view Thai agriculture at work.
Khao Lak is considered to be "upper class" compared to some lower budget accommodation on Phuket. This is mainly a recent development – post tsunami – when damaged hotels were rebuilt and improved at the same time. Villas have responded with a higher level of architecture and service.
The coastal vegetation is mostly new and replanted, and continues to be added to with funds from various missions. As a result, Khao Lak is a reflection of the artistic and personal vision of the locals and experts who have restored the island to a level higher than its original state.
Get to Khao Lak
Khao Lak is accessible via Phutet Airport. Head to the transfer counter and book a one way direct for around 600 baht rather than bartering with taxi drivers outside. A budget option is to share a mini van, for around 150 Baht. These are also booked at the transfer counter but take a little longer because you'll be dropping of passengers along the way.
Eating on Khao Lak
The villas on Khao Lak are close by the main restaurants of the beach area. These restaurants have a Scandinavian leaning with fresh fish from the Andaman and Phuket lobster being ubiquitous. There's plenty of range to keep you satisfied during a longer stay.
Khao Lak villas
Khao Lak Villas are based around the sandy white beach with crystal blue waters, and a luxury, high end places to stay.
