Ibrahim Jabbari
Thailand’s largest island and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Phuket has many faces. Many first-timers head to the thronging sands of Patong, an area known for its hedonistic nightlife and many water sports, but there are beaches to suit everyone. Catch a boat to the scenic Freedom Beach, chill on Karon Beach, enjoy the views from Kathu Beach, and more. Promthep Cape provides amazing sunset vistas. Entertainment-wise, Phuket promises world-class shows, exhilarating Muay Thai fights, global cuisine in a range of eateries, and bars and clubs of every type. Hiking, go karting, ethical elephant interactions, fishing, snorkelling, and jet skiing are just a few activities to try, and Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha are two of the island’s most popular cultural sites. Don’t bypass Phuket Town — the old buildings are beautiful. For fun and giggles, Baan Teelanka (the Upside Down House) and Phuket Trickeye Museum are tough to beat.
