Phuket Holidays Take You to the Most Charming Places

by Amanda Sutcliffe Travel Deals

One of Thailand's southern provinces, Phuket comprises the largest island in the country and other smaller islands located nearby. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand owing to its gorgeous white-sand beaches set against the backdrop of lush green casuarina trees. Upon moving beyond the coastal areas and travelling inland, you'll come across some fabulous cultural offerings, such as the Chinese shrines, historic buildings, and beautiful Thai temples. You can witness many such fascinating attractions during your time spent in this Thai province.

The best time to enjoy your Phuket holidays is between November and April when the temperatures are extremely pleasant and favourable for outdoor activities. However, this is also a peak tourist season characterised by high accommodation rates. If you like heavy rains and can refrain from swimming on the western coast, the period between May and October can be an ideal time to visit this province of Thailand. During this time of the year, you'll find lesser tourist crowds and hotels would be willing to offer attractive discounts on accommodations.

A visit to Phang Nga Bay would allow you to explore some majestic limestone cliffs and the enchanting islands, such as Koh Panyee and James Bond Island. To reach these islands, you can take a boat trip from the northern part of Phuket. Also known as 'Koh Ta-pu' or 'Nail Island', the James Bond Island became a favourite of many tourists after it featured in a James Bond movie titled 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. During your tour of this island, you'll get the chance to savour the local delicacies in a Muslim fishing village, located on the Koh Panyee Island. You can also shop for handicrafts while exploring the village.

Don't miss the Big Buddha of Phuket, which is one of the most prominent landmarks on the island. It is 45 metres tall and sits between Kata and Chalong on top of Nakkerd Hills. Upon reaching the site where the statue is located, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the island. The magnificent statue was built in 2004 using reinforced concrete and Burmese white jade marble. Next to the statue of Big Buddha is a smaller statue in a golden shade made of brass. As this is a religious site, it is mandatory to be dressed in respectful attire. Avoid visiting this site wearing short skirts, T-shirts with offensive images or texts, or beachwear.

Your holidays in this part of Thailand won't be considered complete without visiting its popular beaches. Among them is Kata Beach, which has some pleasant features like powdery sands, swaying palms, and clear waters. You can also try snorkelling or surfing in the waters touching this beach. Kata Beach has the finest sands in the region and has the best waters and restaurants, which would make your visit a memorable experience. Paradise Beach is also worth visiting for its excellent facilities and beach parties. The waters are calm and the beach gives you the chance to relax under the shades of palm trees.