Phuket

Phuket, Thailand's largest island and premier resort area has been built up in recent years with haphazard development. However there are still fabulous, beaches, islands and resorts to provide and escape and level of tranquility. A multitude of world-class diving is just off shore and other activities, including golfing, wind surfing, kayaking, and mountain biking are popular. If you're on a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or looking to play golf during your vacation, Phuket should be at or near the top of your list.

Clownfish off of Koh Bon

Diving
Diving and charter boats can be arranged in advance through Indochina Travel. If you prefer to keep your plans more open, arrangements can be made easily through your resort's dive center, acitvity desk, or nearby dive centers such as Dive Asia, a reputable dive center located at 24 Karon Road (info@diveasia.com).

Koh Phi Phi
We recommend a speedboat trip out to explore the picturesque Phi Phi Islands. Day trips can be arranged through us or on the spot with Simba Sea Trips (http://www.simbaseatrips.com).

Sirinath National Marine Park
A marine protected park has scenic beach and mangrove forests and soem of the most pristine coral reefs found in the area.

Accommodation
Amanpuri, an Aman resort (photo above), shares most exclusive along with the Trisara and Evanson (Six Senses). Anantara has a new resort here (2008) and the Banyan Tree is also noteworthly. For 4-star accommodation, the JW Marriott is far and away the best property, located on the desolate Mai Khao Beach.

Hospitals
The Bangkok Phuket Hospital at 2/1 Hongyok-Uthit Rd. (off Yaowarat Rd. in Phuket Town) (tel. 07625-4421) has English-speaking staff and high quality facilities, plus they claim to accept some international medical insurance. Also with clinics at Patong (Soi Patong Beach Hotel, tel. 07634-4699; and Laguna Canal Village, Laguna Phuket, tel. 07632-5442)

When to go?
Although Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate and is warm all year long, ideally visit February through March. The rainy, or monsoon season is from September until October. During this time it is wet and very hot. April, May, and June are off-peak season months, best for avoiding the crowds. Also consider Koh Yao, in Thailand for an more remote getaway just off of Phuket with solitude and access to diving.