It is easy to see why this jungle hearted island, encircled by sweeping beaches has become the most popular beach destination in Thailand. Getting this, the largest island, is now so very easy with direct flights from Europe and other Asian destinations as well as multiple daily flights from Bangkok. Holiday makers also arrive by the causeway linking the island to the mainland, so coaches and minibuses will take you from any other location south of Bangkok to Phuket. The only transport that is missing is the train but many Thailand tours will transfer you by train to Surat Thani then a coach onwards to Phuket if its budget you are after.

I have traveled by coach from Bangkok to Phuket and would say if you can afford it try and avoid this. It’s a very long journey, some 16 hours in total although advertised as 12 hours, even with its many stops and when you finally arrive in Phuket your first day may be catching up on lost sleep. As a diver though any form of road travel allows you an extra days diving, with the flying-diving restrictions, but its best to work this out as the journey time of the bus may also waste a day.

Finding a dive company to take you diving will be no problem here. Phuket has the biggest number of dive centers in Thailand but that does not mean that are all good, in fact with that many about I would say if you’re not careful you will end up with a poor one. Like everything else I suggest you do your research before you arrive and check out some companies web sites. Location is not really a problem as all dive centers will pick up and drop off at your hotel.

Hotel Locations

Patong is the largest beach destination on the island and has hundreds of hotels and guest houses at a variety of prices. Hotels on the beach front or soi’s running off the beach are prime location and as such can demand high prices. Rat-U-Thit Rd runs parallel with the beach road and will get very busy in the evening with traffic, stalls and restaurant markets setting up. A variety of cheap accommodation will be found here but there is also the higher 3-4 star places. My personal choice of hotel in Patong is the Deevana Resort & Spa at the north end of Rat-U-Thit Rd. It’s close enough to all the action of Patong but far enough away that at night it’s quiet. Nanai Rd runs parallel with the other 2 but is set further back so requires transport to the beach. It offers splendid views of Patong as some hotels are set in the hillside.

Karon beach is a very long stretch of white sand with many hotels along most of it. With this number of hotel rooms is can be easier to get a one with a sea view that wont break to bank to do so and it may also be the place to go when Patong fills up. Cheap taxi’s make Patong accessible but you will find plenty of bars and restaurant in north and south ends of Karon beach, so you don’t really need to go anywhere for your evening entertainment. The southern end of the beach has some rock outcrops that can provide a nice day snorkeling just off the beach.

Kata is largely dominated by Club Med, but there are a few other hotels in the area now, many of which have direct beach access. That is to say you can go straight onto the beach from reception without crossing any roads, unlike most other hotels in Phuket. This area is a fast up and coming destination now with many restaurant and bars to keep you suitable watered and feed during your holiday. The rocky outcrops at the north and south tips of this beach offer some nice snorkeling options for those in between dive days.

Other Beach Destinations. With so much beach surrounding this island there are many destinations to Phuket and the 3 I have outlined above are only the main ones in terms of popularity and choice of hotels. Other places you may want to consider include Rawai beach, Kamala beach, Surin beach, Phuket Town and Chalong Bay amongst others.