Whilst unrestrained development has scarred parts of Thailand's party capital, this southern island remains home to some strikingly beautiful beaches, delectable restaurants and top notch resorts; there are also some world class Phuket golf courses. Those in search of a party atmosphere by and large travel to Patong for a glimpse of the seedier side of life, but there are plenty of places for those seeking unspoiled beaches and a calmer atmosphere, such as the national park beach of Mai Khao in the North or the Laguna resort at Bang Tao beach. Highly recommended are the opportunities for snorkeling and diving, whether that be in the easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata beaches or via trips to surrounding islands such as Phi Phi. Whichever you choose you are sure to encounter first hand the wide variety of marine life that the less intrepid can see at the Phuket Aquarium at Cape Panwa.
Unless you have time for multiple fittings, avoid the touting tailors and instead visit the night markets of Phuket Town for local crafts, knick knacks and T-shirts or Jung Ceylon in Patong for branded versions of the cheap knock-offs available on the street stall. If you are after relaxation, then lie back and enjoy the pampering at any one of dozens of spas.
But Phuket isn't all about water and sand - if you can hit straight then you might find the odd fairway and green also. With a large and growing number of top class golf courses, a Phuket golf holiday is probably the best that Thailand has to offer. Navigate the towering precipices and deep ravines of the stunning Red Mountain course; avoid getting too acquainted with the water hazards that feature on 13 holes of Laguna Phuket Golf Club; and take an extra ball or two to Blue Canyon country club - a plaque on the tee of the signature 13th hole telling you Tiger Woods once drove the green will have you sending the ball into the abyss of the canyon in front of you in an inevitably vain attempt to replicate him. Everyone on a Phuket golf vacation should get a mulligan here.
