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6

Mai Khao

PHUKET

Phang Nga Bay

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

5 Ton-sai Waterfall Bang Tao

Kamala 7

Siray Bay

To Phi Phi ( by boat )

1 Courtyard by Marriott Phuket & Amari Phuket 2 Centara Kata 3 Centara Villas & Phuket Emerald Resort 4 Cape Panwa & Amatara Welleisure™ Resort 5 Dusit Thani Laguna , Angsana Laguna & Banyan Tree 6 Avani + Mai Khao Phuket 7 Hyatt Regency Phuket

Patong

Getting there : Flights from Bangkok to Phuket take about 1 hour 20 minutes . Private transfers are included . Best time to go : Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate enjoying warm weather year round , although November-March is considered the best time . Rain ( usually short heavy downpours ) can be expected May-October .

Fabulous beaches and a wide choice of hotels

Hailed as the Jewel of the Andaman Sea , Phuket is Thailand ’ s largest and best-known island . Its broad appeal is due to its soft sandy beaches , inviting warm water , majestic mountains and lush undulating rainforest which intermingles with family-friendly resorts , luxurious hideaways and superb shopping , dining and entertainment . Lively Patong is the island ’ s busiest resort and with a colourful neon-lit nightlife , exciting activities , tempting eateries and shopping galore , it suits those looking for a place to party and play . South of Patong are the slightly quieter Karon and Kata , known for their long stretches of sands , excellent snorkelling and a decent choice of shops and eateries ; while on the sheltered south east coast is tranquil Panwa Bay . On the west coast , Bang Tao Bay ’ s four mile stretch of beach is lined by some of Phuket ’ s most luxurious resorts and villas , including those within the acclaimed Laguna Phuket Resort . With a couple of beach clubs , golf and dozens of places to dine and drink it ’ s top-notch . Further south is Kamala Beach , known for its tranquil atmosphere and relaxed pace of life . On Phuket ’ s northwest coast is Mai Khao , which remains blessedly undeveloped due to being part of the Sirinat National Park . Make time for a stroll around charming Phuket Old Town with its brightly painted shophouses , grand colonial mansions , museums , shops and quirky cafés where you may fancy trying oliang - a Thai iced coffee made with condensed milk . Don ’ t miss also the iconic Big Buddha and consider day trips to the glorious scenery of Phang Nga Bay or Phi Phi ’ s idyllic beaches .

UNMISSABLE PHUKET EXPERIENCES Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person

FREE PHUKET INTRODUCTION TOUR

Discover the cultural landmarks and iconic beaches of Thailand ’ s largest island . Available Aug 24-Dec 25 if you book at least 60 days before arrival and also book return airport / hotel transfers . Admission fees payable locally .

FREE TOUR

PHI PHI ISLAND BY SPEEDBOAT from £ 89 ( including lunch ) Enjoy a full day visiting two of Southern Thailand ’ s most famous islands , Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay , the home of Maya Beach which featured in the Hollywood fi lm “ The Beach ”. After lunch at a beachside restaurant , you ’ ll explore further and stop for swimming and snorkelling .

SEA KAYAK from £ 95

With your own skilled canoe guide , look forward to a different way of exploring Phang Nga Bay . Venture into newly-discovered sea caves and “ hongs ”, which are open-air , cliff-lined cylindrical tidal lagoons connected to the outside world only through stalactite fi lled tunnels . You ’ ll also paddle to one of the many secluded beaches where there ’ s time for a dip .

ELEPHANT SANCTUARY from £ 99 ( including lunch ) Spend an eye-opening and inspiring morning at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary which sits within picturesque jungle that is dotted with ponds , wide open fi elds and hillsides where the elephants roam . After an introductory video to help you understand why these majestic beasts need to be protected , you ’ ll venture onto Thailand ’ s longest canopy walkway and along several trails to observe the elephants as they forage and bathe freely . By keeping a safe and respectful distance , the elephants are free to express their natural behaviour , from bathing and playing to socialising .

ONE DAY VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME from £ 129

Look forward to spending a meaningful and exciting day volunteering at Phuket ’ s fi rst ethical elephant sanctuary . Immerse yourself in the sanctuary ’ s daily life and assist with tasks such as cutting bamboo and banana trees for the elephants , cleaning and tidying up , maintenance work and more . Certain to appeal to passionate animal lovers and those with a keen interest in wildlife . Along with enthusiasm and the ability to work as part of a team , a certain degree of fi tness is required .

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