Once you have left Phuket airport behind you your vacation has started in earnest. You will see the tuk-tuks or motorized rickshaws which are a good way of getting around Phuket town, and which you can flag down to go relatively short distances. The beaches are wonderful, some small and some huge expanses of sand, lined with palm trees where you can sling a hammock and relax.
You can explore the open-air markets by day and night, and try the exotic fruit on the stalls. Rambutans and mangosteens are very good and taste a little like lychees if you have yet to sample them. You will find many other culinary delights, and the street vendors make some very good Thai food which is tasty and cheap for people on a budget. In fact you don’t have to go to a restaurant in Phuket; you can eat street food and be healthy and replete.
If you decide to take advantage of a cheap car rental deal, make sure you don’t drink and drive, as occasionally the police crack down on drunk driving, and you wouldn’t want to spend any time in a Thai jail. Don’t be tempted to take any cheap insurance if you decide that car rental is for you, as this is only third party insurance and doesn’t cover injury to you, your passengers or the vehicle.
The seafood dishes are unbelievably good in Phuket, although they are more expensive than other food, as is the case in Europe. You can sample traditional ways of cooking and have such good fish that you could happily live on it during your holiday.
There are some surprises for you in store, no doubt as you might not be aware of the Ladyboys, who really look stunning, although they aren’t actually women. In Patong they appear in cabaret and such shows are worth experiencing at least once.
There are many water sports to choose from on the island, from rafting and kayaking to windsurfing and surfing during monsoon periods (May to October). If you just want to laze on the beach, then you may want to find a fairly secluded one and this isn’t too difficult to do if you go to Paradise Beach and follow a small path through the rocks to the next small beach, you may find only a handful of other holidaymakers there even during peak season.
Unfortunately your holiday will be over all too quickly and you’ll be heading for Phuket airport once more. Remember to buy your souvenirs before you get there, as that is cheaper. Have a good flight, and come back soon!
