Thailand's largest island has it all - postcard-perfect beaches, gracious and friendly locals, ancient temples, such as Wat Phra Thong, with its golden Buddha, and Wat Phranang Sang with its tin Buddhas, and fantastic shopping. Add to that, the benefits of a strong dollar and it's no surprise why more and more Australians are taking cheap flights to Phuket.
This small island - 48km long and 21km wide - has an astonishing array of diversions. Limestone cliffs give way to white-sand beaches, waterfalls to the gentle lapping of the Andaman Sea. Patong Beach, Phuket's most developed beach resort with its naughty nightlife, is counterbalanced by the laid-back charms of Kamala to the north and Kata and Karon towards the south.
Phuket Town is the capital of Phuket, where you can go shopping, view the Sino-Portuguese architecture from the old tin mining days and experience an authentic Thai town.
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Phuket's tropical monsoon climate means that it's warm year round. April and May are the hottest months, but during September and October temperatures and rainfall are at their highest. There are two seasons, the rainy season, which extends from May to October, and the hot season (November to April).
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Peak Season:
November to March are the high season months. The very best weather tends to be between December and February. April is also a popular time to visit, not least because the Songkran Festival occurs at this time. Locals take their hols between June and August (this is also when most Australians arrive). There are heavy rain showers during these months but they are broken up by brilliant sunshine.
Off Season:
September and October are low season in Phuket. Travellers taking cheap flights to Phuket during the rainy season should heed the warning signs on the western beaches.
Shoulder Season:
March to early May is shoulder season when savvy travellers may find discounts on accommodation.
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There are a couple of rental-car companies represented at the airport includuing Avis and Hertz.
The airport shuttle bus service (runs 7.30am-9.45pm) to Phuket Town bus station costs 85 baht (about $3 AU) and takes about an hour.
Metered taxis are available from the car park. Taking a limousine to Phuket City, for example, should cost about 400 baht (about $14 AU). Minibuses (offering door-to-door service, on a shared basis) charge about 150 baht per seat (approximately $5 AU).
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Renting a car or a motorbike will allow you to explore Phuket to the fullest but remember to drive defensively. Bus services (songthaew) connect most parts of Phuket. It's a cheap way of getting around. A fare between Patong and Phuket Town will cost about 15 baht (approximately 50 cents). Tuk-tuks are plentiful, but be careful. Some drivers will double as travel agents and try to influence where you stay.
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- It's easy to get to one of Phuket's islands although you'll need to check in advance that your chosen destination is not privately owned. Longtail boats can be hired at one of the piers. Our pick is Koh Lone. To get there, catch an early-morning boat at Chalong Pier. The island is quiet, home to fishermen mostly, and there is some great diving.
- Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre is a haven of virgin forest and wildlife about 20km from Phuket Town. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and is home to barking deer, mouse deer, monkeys, gibbons, macaques, reptiles, lizards and several types of birds.
- The Turtle Release Fair take place around Songkran (Thai New Year, April). During the fair, baby turtles are released into the sea at various beaches around the island.
- Phuket's most famous monument is a statue of Thao Sisunthon and Thao Thepkasattri, the two women who fought against the Burmese army in the 1700s. The Two Heroines Festival takes place in March and includes a mass ordination of monks, a flower laying ceremony, a sports event and a light-and-sound show.
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