Phuket

PHUKET.

EAT.

Phuket is teaming with restaurants from family owned gems to the less celebrated Hooters in Patong.

Being an island the seafood is fresh and plentiful however, take a wander through the small sea gypsy market on Rawai beach to sample some of the best fish on offer where you buy the fish of your choice then take it to an adjacent restaurant who will conjure up a tasty treat for you.

The standard Thai fare is all here but why not try something from Eastern Thailand, it's a step in the direction of the unknown and will have you pulling faces due to a mixture of shear heat, sweetness, delight and just plain weird as you bounce your way around a cornucopia of dishes. An experience that will not be forgotten.

SLEEP.

You can stay secluded in the dense Thai forests that envelope this small island, chill out on the multitude of beaches or get down and dirty in the heart of Patong. A good choice is one of the Centara hotels located between Chalong beach and Patong as it puts close to all the main tourist attractions. Alternatively the clean, crisp and modern Eastin Easy hotels are idea for a quality sleep and shower.

PLAY.

Bangla road runs through Patong like a sewer of seediness feeding foreign sadistic tendencies. Take a look, have a drink however, be aware that you'll leave with a tiny bit of your soul stolen. To be fair it's light entertainment in comparison to Pattaya near Bangkok.

Lots of different areas have the same type of bars where you can kick back and watch island life slide by with a Singha. Beach club parties are also pretty popular with O2 Beach Club and Nikki Beach being the island's favourites.

Don't miss out on a quad-bike (ATV) or elephant ride through the jungle on the Big Buddha hill.

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