The terrain is extremely varied, with much of the interior taken up by jungled mountains, and rocky headlands, long sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, forested hills, small estuaries, lagoons, and tropical vegetation of all kinds to be found, consequently allowing varied microclimates to develop in different areas of the island.

Phuket City is on the east coast of the island and is the administrative capital. On the west coast are the most popular beaches, running in an almost unbroken chain all the way along the coastline in a series of bays, so that from various strategic headlands the visitor is able to see several bays disappearing into the horizon.

As a tourism playground, Phuket has just about everything. The hotels cover all budgets. No matter if your preference is for beachlife, nature trails, sailing or diving, golf, shopping, dining or nightlife, you will find it in abundance at Phuket. Oddly, if it is peace and quiet you need, there is plenty to be found, especially to the north of the island, for somehow Phuket absorbs the large number of visitors and it is only the main resort towns that can at times feel crowded. History is to be found in the streets of Phuket City, where the old Sino-Portuguese houses have been restored. Shopping can be done at the most modern air-conditioned malls or in tiny specialist shops or the local markets.

Phuket really is that tourism brochure cliché, a tropical wonderland. And of course, as with every other destination in Thailand, the warmth and friendliness of the local people will make you feel genuinely welcomed.

Weather

Phuket has two distinct seasons, essentially the dry and the wet.  The dry season begins in November and runs through to April, and with relatively low humidity this is the best time to visit the island. The wet season is not as formidably long as it may appear, as some months see little rainfall and frequently the showers are brief. Many people prefer to visit this time of the year, as the place is less crowded and hotel rates are lower. Only September and October are thoroughly, predictably wet.

Getting There

Air - Phuket International Airport is located at the northern end of the island, a 40-minute drive from Phuket City and the prime beach resorts of Patong and Kata. An airport limo service is available, and a public taxi can be flagged down outside the carpark that fronts the airport. There is also an airport shuttle bus that runs to Phuket City every 30 minutes at a fare of 52 baht.

Road  - The journey from Bangkok takes about 10 hours, with the highway connection being a smooth one. Buses leave from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, Sai Tai Mai, on a frequent basis, and also from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The terminus is in Phuket City. The overnight bus services are comfortable and a popular way of travelling.

Getting Around

Bus - From Phuket City there are frequent bus services to other parts of the island, including the beach resorts. Fares range between 15 and 30 baht. Buses are best caught from the bus terminal or central market.

Songthaews and tuk-tuks - The blue songtaews, actually a pickup truck with a rear canopy and bench seats, ply the routes between Phuket City and all the main beaches at fares ranging from 15-25 baht. At the beach resorts you flag them down anywhere. The songtaews do not however operate between the beach resorts, which are the province of the tuk-tuks, little red (sometimes yellow) trucks whose fares are negotiable.

Taxis - Metered taxis can be flagged down in Phuket City, but they are not often seen in the beach resort areas. Motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous but really only suitable for short hops.

Car and motorcycle rental - Rentals can be arranged at hotels or at the airport, and small local operations can be found in the resort areas, their cars, jeeps and motorcycles parked along the roadside. Car rentals start at 900 baht per day, and motorcycles 150 baht. Motorcycle crash helmets are required.