Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular holiday destinations in southeast Asia. A tropical paradise located in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, the island has many beautiful sandy beaches, mountains, small estuaries and lagoons with pretty coral reefs and lush vegetation.

Eating out presents no problem in Phuket and the island’s eateries range from the chic and sophisticated to simple roadside stalls. Many restaurants can be found in the town centre but, for good, inexpensive Thai cooking, the stalls at the market on Ranong Road are worth a try. Patong Beach has some excellent seafood restaurants, most notably Baan Rim Pa, which offers delicious food and stunning views from its cliff top location.

Phuket does have some historic and cultural sights to see including Thalang National Museum and Wat Phra Thong, the temple being surrounded by life sized concrete animals and a half buried Buddha image. During the day it is worth taking a trip to Phangnga Bay where stunning limestone rocks rise straight up from the sea and where one of the James Bond films, “The Man with the Golden Gun” was made.