Tell people that you are off on holiday to Phuket and they will assume that you are visiting Thailand’s largest island for its cheap cocktails and go-go bars. But after spending a month on the island I discovered that there is much more to Phuket than the coastline favourite of Patong. There are private islands a short boat trip away, endless yoga classes and more than one wellness retreat to keep you busy.
The beaches | The little known Kata area is often dismissed for Patong, but those looking for a calmer holiday in Thailand should look no further than Kata Beach. Though the area is not touristy, there are many bars and restaurants to choose from. Stick to the local ones, like the Thai restaurant called Nom, and you will not have to spend much more than £1.50 for an enormous and excellent Pad Thai. If you are feeling more adventurous, there are lots of watersports on offer in the area as well. A local market runs every Thursday off the main road, where you can pick up local souvenirs to take back in your suitcase.
The Thai cooking classes | The Boathouse also offers a Thai cooking class (£50.00 for one day), where an enthusiastic chef will show you how to make Thai classics like Pad Mee Sapam. You will also receive a collection of Thai recipes to put in your suitcase to dazzle everybody back home.
Phuket is ideally placed in Thailand to visit the surrounding islands, like the Phi Phi islands. They are all easily accessible from Phuket, with boat journeys generally taking less than two hours, leaving you with lots of time to snorkel and top up your tan.