It wasn’t until the 1970’s that Phuket’s natural charms started to attract adventure seekers on the backpacker trail. Word soon spread and in the mid 70s the airport was built and the island’s status as a tourist haven was destined. Today Phuket welcomes over 3 million visitors annually and there is accommodation to suit all budgets. One of the Kingdom’s wealthiest provinces, Phuket offers a wonderful mix of leisure and lifestyle amenities with the best golf, sailing and diving in the region, glorious spas and lively entertainment venues.  Phuket is an island of contrasts and has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia. Many people live in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok use Phuket as a week-end breather away from the city.

White sandy beaches abound on the west coast and mangrove lined shores, on the east. A range of hills runs from north to south, dividing the island in half. In the distance, islands rear out of the Andaman Sea, waiting to be explored. Phuket and its surrounding waters are world-renowned for their spectacular beauty and nature’s artistic hand. Phang Nga Bay to the northeast of Phuket has been the set of two James Bond movies, The Beach, and others. For those who like to splash around in the water, one can go snorkelling along one of shores of the west coast or take a dive trip to one of the many islands lying off shore.

In the last five years there has been a definite sway toward the luxury market however the costs of having a holiday or living in Phuket are still significantly lower than in Europe.