Phuket – Better than Ever!
 Patong Beach
Phuket's most popular resort area is Patong. Fully redeveloped after the 2004 tsunami, Patong's main roads are lined with restaurants, shops and countless bars and clubs. The nightlife here is legendary in Asia and many book a hotel in Patong just to experience its lively after-hours scene. Travelers more interested in relaxation than revelry can still enjoy Patong for its markets, wide array of restaurants and long stretch of beach.
Hotels Patong Beach - Last Minute Hotels Patong Beach
 Kata Beach
A lovely, sheltered bay on the southern coast of Phuket, that in recent years has become one of the island’s more popular beach resorts. Essentially, Kata Beach is two beaches, the smaller of the two being named Kata Noi, which translates as small Kata. Both beaches typify the crystal-clear water, and fine, white sand that Puket is famed for, and the immediate neighbourhood is an eclectic mix of Phuket hotels, bars, restaurants, and endless shopping opportunities.
Hotels Kata Beach - Last Minute Hotels Kata Beach
Recommended Accommodation on Phuket Island
 Aochalong Villa Resort & Spa 
Located along a white sandy beach on Chalong Bay, Aochalong Villa Resort and Spa offers private villas that look out to the clear blue waters of the sea.
Rooms and villas are decorated with an Asian touch and offer all the amenities needed for a pleasant stay that include internet access.
Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or relax with a session in the sauna and steam bath. You can also choose to indulge with a traditional massage to soothe your tired muscles after a day of touring and sight-seeing.
The beach also awaits you with its warm sand and inviting waters for some fun in the sun. The beach also houses the hotel's on-site restaurant that serves the freshest seafood, prepared in both Thai and western styles.
Aochalong Villa Resort & Spa is just a 10 minute drive from Phuket Town and a short stroll away from Ao Chalong Circle and the pier, which provides access to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay.
Book now or look for more information & guest reviews!
 CC Bloom's Hotel, Phuket
Named after Bette Midler’s character in the movie “Beaches”, this gay friendly boutique hotel strives to bring you your own personal paradise.For those wanting to mingle, Karon Beach is about 15 minutes drive north. Located on the Andaman Sea, you are always invited to snorkel, scuba dive, island hop, or participate in any water sports. Or if you want peace and quiet, a nice walk will bring you to the secluded, cozy Kata Beach with white sands and soft waters.CC Blooms Hotel loves to bring cultural activities and daily outings into the guest’s lives. From pool parties, barbeques, volleyball games, long tail boat rides, and more, bring the community of the hotel together making long term friends and unforgettable moments.A great hotel with a lot of heart and thoughtfulness, this hotel will be sure to provide good times and plenty of memories.
Book now or look for more information & guest reviews!
More Phuket Hotels
Passion for Perfume to Return to Phuket this August
Following the success of The Pavilions' inaugural 'Passion for Perfume' programme in April, the luxury resort will host a new series of courses in August.
The first two-day 'Passion for Perfume' course will be held on 19-20 August with a second ...
Impiana Private Villas Kata Noi
Impiana's luxurious villas offer a private pool, personal butler service, and beautiful views of the Andaman Sea. The resort features a fitness centre, spa facilities, free Wi-fi and free parking.
Impiana's villas are stylish and have a flat-screen ...
Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) 2011
As global economies continue to recover, Asia's marine leisure industry remains robust leading to some major developments at the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) 2011. High on this list is the new in-water plan which is going to accommodate ...
More Phuket News
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Phuket climate
Phuket is typical of other tropical islands and has three seasons, warm,
rainy and hot. Average temperatures in Phuket are between 25 and 30C. This
means visitors and residents enjoy an enviable outdoor lifestyle all year
round. The most popular time to visit is during the warm season from
November to February when the temperature is cooler and rain infrequent,
this is also the most popular time for diving and water sports. The rainy
season is from May to October with the highest level of rainfall generally
in September. The hottest months of the year are March and April.
Phuket’s Geography
Phuket lies off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea,
approximately 890km from
Bangkok. It is
Thailand’s largest island at 550sq km, roughly the same size as
Singapore, and is
surrounded by many smaller islands that add a further 70 sq km to its total
land area. Phuket is separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra
channel at its northernmost point, where a causeway connects the island to
the mainland.
Phuket is quite hilly. There are a few peaks above 500m, the highest
being Mai Tao Sipsong at 529m. Many of these are covered in lush jungle. The
lowlands consist of rice paddies, plantations of rubber, pineapple and
coconut as well as the only significant area of rainforest remaining on the
island, which is now protected as Khao Phra Thaeo Park.
The most beautiful beaches are found on the West coast, separated by
rocky coves and headlands. The east coast comprises limestone shoals with
only a few sandy beaches while spectacular limestone islands adorn the
horizon. Coral gardens full of exotic marine life dot the emerald waters
surrounding the island, although sadly much of Phuket's coral has been
disappearing due to environmental pressures and human activities.
The residents of Phuket comprise Thais who have migrated from the
mainland, ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Chao Leh or ‘sea-gypsies’ who are the
original inhabitants of Phuket.
According to the census, Thai-Buddhists account for 71% of the
population, with Malays (24%) and Chao Leh (4%) making up the remainder. The
figure for Thai-Buddhists also includes the Chinese who are almost
completely assimilated. Some estimates put the percentage of ethnic Chinese
at around 35%. The vast majority of the population resides in or around
Phuket City and Patong Beach, creating a population distribution along an
east-west axis.
The National Statistical Office of Thailand’s most recent census
conducted in 2000 shows Phuket to have a population of 250,000. In reality,
this figure is likely to be quite a lot higher as this data does not take
into account those who live and work in Phuket, but are registered as being
resident elsewhere, a fairly common occurrence. Together with this are the
seasonal workers, and visitors of which there are a significant number all
year round. Taking this into account, some estimates have calculated a
figure as high as 500,000 during peak periods.
Just 1 hour north of Phuket Island, in mainland Phang Nga province,
Khao Lak is a beautiful area with long, long stretches of sandy beach fringed
by the mountains of the surrounding national parks. Recently "discovered" it
offers nature lovers an unspoilt landscape of beaches, jungle covered
mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. Development has been
careful with comfortable resorts and bungalows blending into the scenery
along the coastline. A great place to relax.
Phang Nga, a land of tin mines and beautiful scenery, nestles among
soaring mountains which rise up around the town. Phangnga is located 788 kms.
from Bangkok and covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres, most of which is
mangrove and evergreen forest. The area is bordered to the west by the
Andaman Sea and consists of plenty of spectacular islands.
Islands
Similan Islands: This group of nine small islands has been rated
by Skin Diving Magazine in the USA as one of the ten most beautiful spots in
the world. This is the largest island in the national park and has a curing
bay resembling a horse shoe. The underwater view here is spectacular with
beautiful coral reefs, idea for diving. The beach on the island is white,
fine graining sand. On the north end of the island are extraordinary-looking
rocks. Once of them, for example, resembles a sailboat. This spot is
fantastic view point.
Surin Islands: There are five islands in this national park: Surin
Nua Island (Koh Su Rin Nua), Surin Tai Island (Koh Su Rin Tai), Ree Island
(Koh Ree), Khai Island (Koh Khai) and Klang Island (Koh Klang). This group
of islands is close to the marine boundary between Myanmar and Thailand and
has one of the most remarkable panoplies of coral reef life to be found
anywhere. Snorkeling gear would be proficient enough to see the coral.
Tourist attractions within the national park are:
Yao Islands: Yao Yai Island (Koh Yao Yai) is the biggest
island in Koh Yao District. There are many beaches on the island, such as
Tikud Bay, Klong Sorn Bay, Sai Bay, Lo Pa Raed Beach, and Laem Nok-ok. Lo
Pier is an important pier on Yao Yai Island. The water at the pier is
sparkling clear with school of fish swimming around. Visitors can also see
how the local villagers make dried anchovies, a famous product of the
island. On Yao Yai Island are inexpensive bungalows for rent along with
home-stay programs with local villagers in order to learn their life style.
Yao Noi Island (Koh Yao Noi). There are many beautiful beaches, such
as Pa Sai Beach and Tha Khao Beach. There are resorts, inexpensive
bungalows, or home-stay programs available on the island. Visitors can also
rent a boat from Yao Noi Island to "Pa Koh", numerous small islands nearby,
such as Lao Ka Lao Island, Lao La Ding Island, etc., or to Hong Island in
Krabi.
Khai Islands: Khai Nok Island (Koh Khai Nok) is
well known for it's rocks, beaches, and clear water. Visitors snorkel and
see beautiful coral and fish. Dolphins can also be spotted here. There is a
restaurant on the island. Khai Nai Island (Koh Khai Nai) is a small
island which beautiful sandy beaches, coral and fish.
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Thailand