Thailand has always been a favourite holiday spot in Asia thanks to its vibrant nightlife, excellent cultural attractions, and divine shopping opportunities. The country also provides a diverse range of experiences that few tourist spots can match. Tourism in Thailand is generally concentrated in two regions – Bangkok and Phuket. Bangkok is more of a shopping destination with an amazing night scene. Phuket is more of a beach destination with a nightlife that rivals that of Bangkok.
The island of Phuket is located off the southern tip of Thailand, near the province of Phang Nga. The Thai island is generally regarded as having some of the best beaches in the world and thousands of tourists go there every year just to experience the island’s white sandy seashore and warm, azure waters. Phuket is a fairly large island, measuring about forty eight kilometres in length and up to twenty one kilometres in width, and it can be something of a challenge to navigate it as public transport is not fully developed here.
Although the bus network is somewhat limited, it is still a very useful mode of transport. There are two different kinds of buses – blue buses, called ‘Songtaew’, that operate between the major resorts and Phuket Town, and smaller, air conditioned buses, that operate in the Phuket Town area. For short distance travel one can also hire a tuk tuk. They are not that comfortable which can make long distance travel in a tuk tuk a little unpleasant. One should always negotiate a price before getting on. For travelling long distances taxis are the best option. One can find plenty of taxis with metres, while one should negotiate a price in advance with taxi drivers who do not have metres.
Of course staying at a centrally located hotel can also be very useful. One of the best ways to explore the island is by foot and that is only possible by staying at conveniently located lodgings. Tourists looking for a boutique hotel in Phuket with a central location can try Thanyapura. Guests will find many interesting things to do at this sports hotel Phuket has to offer including engaging in holistic wellness treatments.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.