Holiday lettings in Phuket

There’s so much diversity on offer in Phuket, that where you stay should really reflect the type of trip that you want to have. For those seeking peace and tranquility, there are sea view villas where you can relax and take in the beautiful natural surroundings. If you want to feel immersed in the unique and colourful culture of the island then an apartment in Phuket city would be a better option. Full of grand Buddhist temples and historic architectural symbols of the city’s former mineral wealth, there’s lots to do and see in the city. The city is also former trading port on the west of the Malay Peninsula. The southern part of the island offers many opportunities for boat trips to nearby islands. Patong Beach in the southwest of the island is the largest beach on the island, and the surrounding area is lined with nightclubs, restaurants and numerous tourist attractions.

The list of things to do and see in Phuket is seemingly endless. Amongst the best attractions of offer is the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World, which is one of the last remaining butterfly gardens in Thailand. There’s also the Pearl Farm, located on the island’s east coast around a kilometre offshore, which can be visited by boat. The Phi Phi Islands are another popular natural attraction, and the incredible beauty of their white beaches, unique foliage and geographical features are protected by their national park status. Various marine recreational activities are on offer, including scuba diving and snorkeling to view the coral reefs and marine fauna, as well as kayaking. Phuket Old Town offers some fine examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture, dating back to the island’s episode as a colony of the Portuguese Empire. The unique and varied cultures of Phuket with its history of Siamese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian and Chinese migration are most evident within the capital.

As an eastern haven of multiculturalism, Phuket has some fantastic and diverse gastronomic offerings. Local dishes include variations on Chinese, Peranakan, Malay and traditional Thai cuisine. The island is already renowned for its delectable seafood dishes, but as tourism continues to increase its reputation continues to grow. In Phuket, you don’t have to go to a restaurant for a sit down meal to enjoy the great grub - you’ll find an excellent street food vendors all over the main tourist areas, offering delicious treats for very low prices. Freshly cut chilled fruit is also available from specialised stalls if you have a hankering for something light and refreshing. The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is an annual vegetarian festival held on the first day of the 9th Chinese lunar month (which falls between the end of September and early October). During the festival, islanders of Chinese descent commit to nine days of vegetarianism as a purification ritual to eliminate troubles from the year ahead.

Transport in Phuket is a relatively easy affair, but there are a few thing that you should be aware of. Firstly, Phuket has no rail network. Secondly, buses only run during the day and most do not connect to the nearest beaches. There are two different types of bus on the island, and these are: the “Song Taew”, which are blue open-air buses that run between Phuket city and the main resorts. The second type of bus is the “microbus” - air conditioned units that serve routes around Phuket city. If you plan on staying within a beach resort area you may find that many of the places you want or need to go to are within walking distance. If you stay in an area of the island without good transport connections, it may be worth hiring a vehicle. Tuk Tuks (a type of taxi) and regular taxis used to be very cheap, but as tourism increases so do the prices. If you need to use a taxi service, always agree on the price before setting off.