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.