Fun in Phuket: Luxury Thailand Summer Trips

Fun in Phuket: Luxury Thailand Summer Trips

by Andrew Regan

Summer is low season in Thailand, but this means that it's a great time to visit the country if you're looking for special offers on hotels, including free nights and free upgrades (both on a hotel room and for a meal plan) and also no crowds.

Phuket, which has also been named "The Pearl of Thailand", is regularly voted as one of the world's top holiday destinations. Lying just off the southwest coast, and surrounded by the warm, blue, tropical waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand's largest island. It is home to around 200,000 people as well as a transient tourist population.

Though tourism is now a major industry on the island, it was originally tin that brought the area to the attention of the world, and the capital Phuket Town, is still a major port, exporting tin ore, rubber, timber and seafood to the rest of the world.

The rapid growth in tourism has led to the quick development of beach resorts, but tranquil spots are not hard to find, especially when there's always a boat waiting to take you to Phuket's offshore islets, where visitors often find themselves completely alone.

In contrast to the many white sandy beaches, such as Mai Khao, Nai Yang and Pansea, the bustling night markets are well worthy of a visit; just make sure you get your haggling skills up to scratch so that you can bag yourself a bargain!

Thailand has a monsoon season which runs from May to October; when the climate is still hot there are frequent torrential downpours. Whilst the idea of rain may put some people off, others actually enjoy the tropical torrents which are unleashed from the skies. There's nothing quite like sitting under a veranda, as the heavy raindrops drum down on the roof, and enjoying the wonderful sounds and refreshing smells that the rainy season brings. And unlike rain in the UK, tropical storms don't last for long; it's never long before the sun comes out and the ground quickly dries off again.

With Phuket holidays, there are several great luxury resorts and hotels to stay in, for example Bayan Tree Phuket, a deluxe resort with a tranquil setting which is ideal for honeymooners, or those looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. Cape Panwa, an excellent first class hotel, has good facilities and a peaceful location, and the Amanpuri resort offers azure waters and palm shaded gardens. The fabulous resorts of Pattaya (just 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok) and Hua Hin on the Gulf of Siam are also recommended destinations if you'd like to see a different part of the country.

So remember, summer is a great time to visit Thailand, and especially Phuket. If you're after a great value holiday, with fewer tourists to compete with, if you want to dive, play golf, visit a spa, or just relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, you won't regret a trip to "The pearl of Thailand".