Next Destination: PHUKET. 24-26 Dec 2010

Phuket, the biggest of the 1000s of islands sprinkled around Thailand’s coastline, is a magical blend of everything a holidaymaker or expatriate could dream of. Swaying palm trees, white sand beaches, restaurants galore and exhilarating nightlife.

On Phuket Island (which is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge), budget hotels, guest houses and roadside noodle stalls co-exist comfortably with luxury 5-star resorts, fine dining international restaurants and multi-million-dollar villas owned by some of the world’s top household names. About the same size as Singapore, Phuket is Thailand's second wealthiest province (after Bangkok).

While restrictions on hillside and beachside development have preserved much of the island’s natural beauty, Phuket’s infrastructure is well-developed – although around 80 percent of the land on the island remains forested, providing mountain vistas, sea views and jungle walks that are rare in a major tourist destination.

Phuket was not always about tourism. Well before the first backpackers discovered Phuket, its twin claims to fame were tin mining and rubber. As we get well stuck into the 21st century, the open cast tin mines have gone – some turned into marinas and others into luxury resorts – while the rubber plantations are slowly succumbing to housing and resort development. Nevertheless, about a quarter of Phuket’s land is still given over to rubber plantations.

Phuket is roughly 50 kilometers from north to south and 20 kilometers east to west at its widest point. Depending on traffic, you can drive the whole length of the island in about 1-2 hours. The west coast is home to long sandy swimming beaches and most of Phuket’s bigger resorts. The east coast faces out onto Phang Nga Bay and, with one or two exceptions, is not ideal for swimming. Most east coast resorts offer transfers to nearby islands (as little as 10 minutes by boat) for those who want a traditional day baking on the beach.

Although really deserted beaches are largely a thing of the past on most parts of the main island (there are still one or two exceptions), Phuket really does cater to every possible whim. Incredible beaches, jungle-covered hillsides, yacht marinas, superb tropical climate, vibrant (and in places naughty) nightlife, great food, international-standard shopping and countless little islands all within easy reach.