In the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, Phuket, or the
'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is connected to the
mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest island, Phuket
is incredibly diverse, with rocky and sandy beaches, tall cliffs,
forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters to all, with a
variety of resorts offering accommodation from backpackers and
simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels. There is plenty to do
on the island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands
are good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Phuket also has its own
airport, making it easy to get to and from Bangkok, and although
the island hosts thousands of tourists in peak season, its sheer
size allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds. Patong
Beach is the island's most famous and developed beach resort,
offering a wide choice of activities, dining options and nightlife.
It is situated nine miles (15km) from Phuket City.
