The party island to sea and be scene, Phuket is rocketing up the Asian island stylometer with lush new properties, restaurants, shopping and leisure pleasures popping up like polka dots on a teeny-weeny. There’s simply no point resisting. Connie, get your kaftan…
Overview
The west coast takes the lion’s share of the best beaches, hotels, restaurants and of course, sunsets. Old Phuket town and boat lagoon are to the east, and all within easy access to the islands of Phi Phi, Racha and Lanta.
Need to Know
Weather: Dry season is Nov-Apr (Apr is sweltering), rainy season is May-Oct (surfing season) but relax, even in the rainy season most days see a good chunk of sunshine too
Airports: Airport to Patong (not that you’ll be staying there): 45 mins / from 650 baht by cab
Transport: Taxis are run like cartels and a total ripoff, so hire a car and driver, or self-drive
Cash is King: Stock up on cash as credit cards will often NOT do nicely, sir, with the exception of hotels, larger stores and restaurants
Last Call: Most bars are open til 3am – huzzah!
Etiquette: Don’t fiddle with monks, point with your feet or pass remarks about the royal family
Dress Code: Temples and shrines have dress codes – bare shoulders, shoes and Kylie hotpants are no-gos
Talking Points, 2016 Edition
Island goss: Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa newly opened in Dec ‘15, a glam beachfront playground with saucy spa, swank sips and seafront beach club. Sri Panwa also opened doors to buzzing Baba Beach Bar & Restaurant in Dec. Kini’s and tini’s galore
Events: Chinese New Year festivities in Feb welcome the year of the monkey as locals get swinging with sensory spectacle, followed by Phuket Old Town Festival which sees roads come alive with parades, tunes and a splendour of street eats. Meanwhile, Songkran Festival (Apr 13-15) gets wet n’ wild for the beginning of the solar calendar
Phooks rapidly becoming a megamall mecca, with a flurry of luxury shopping hub launches
