Located off the shores of the south coast of Thailand, and situated in the Andaman Sea, Phuket province consists of the largest and most visited tourist island in Thailand. The island is mostly mountainous with Phuket mountain range running from north to south in the west of the island, but it’s the beaches that are generally the biggest draw of the province.
Phuket town, located in the southeast of the island, is the provincial capital. Owing to a colorful history that has seen much European influence, particularly architectural, the town itself is a worthy provincial attraction. Guest houses and restaurants are spread throughout the town where visitors will be pleased to experience prices that are lower that those at the beaches.
The province provides many cultural and historic attractions, but the main highlights for the thousands of visitors who flock to the island each year are the beaches. Visitors can take their pick between the ultra touristy beaches of Patong and Karon, or opt for quieter retreats, including beaches such as Ao Sane and Ya Nui.
While Phuket Island is the largest area of the province, the province does include some smaller islands that are situated in the west, south and east. These islands are becoming increasingly popular with visitors who are looking for a quieter and less commercial option to the highly developed island of Phuket. Provincial islands worth a visit include Koh Maiton and Koh Racha.
Phuket boast one of the most developed and well-oiled tourist infrastructures in Thailand, with Phuket town acting as the main transport hub for the province. Accommodation choices range from five-star luxury resorts and hotels to reasonably-priced guest houses and simple beachside bungalows. The island has a modern road network, so getting around by car, bus, motorbike or local shared mini van is easy.