Phang Nga Bay's distinctive feature is the sheer limestone karsts that jut vertically out of the emerald-green water. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just 2 of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds at James Bond and Koh Panyee, is by taking boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through Phang Nga Bay's dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.

Phi Phi at a glance It’s small wonder that Phi Phi is one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Thailand. From the beautiful pristine bays of Koh Phi Phi Leh to the white soft-powder sand of Bamboo Island beach, and the festive atmosphere of Tonsai Village on Koh Phi Phi Don, there's loads to do here. It has all you’ll need for spending a memorable tropical island vacation. What's good about Phi Phi: Many beaches and islands to explore Good choice of dining and nightlife entertainment options in Tonsai Village Wide range of hotel prices Good choice of hotels right on the beach

Phuket is known for its outstanding beaches, probably more than anything else. With over 30 of them around the island, there’s a wide variety of atmospheres, scenery, facilities and even textures of sand available. But with such a huge amount of choice, the question of which is the best beach in Phuket is inevitable. This is not a simple question to answer, and it largely depends on how you judge a ‘good beach’. We chose to combine a number of measurements, from the availability of nearby places to eat and drink to the fineness of the sand and the idyllic-ness of the surroundings. We also gave priority to those beaches with a lifeguard station, so pretty much all of those listed below have at least 1. If you’ve visited before, you might be surprised by some of the places we’ve included, and even more so by some of the places which didn’t make it into this compilation of top best beaches in Phuket. Do you agree with our list?

Phuket's Big Buddha is one of the most important and revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 metres tall, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach. The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island, with sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay and more. Reachable via a winding, 6-km road leading from Phuket's main roads, it's a must-visit island destination.

The Similan Islands is one of the best-known island groups in the Andaman Sea, largely because of the wonders that await beneath the clear-blue waters surrounding it. They're around 84 km northwest of Phuket. This little archipelago is one of the most interesting diving areas in the world, as well as a favourite destination for yachties and boat tours. Its name is derived from sembilan, the Malay word for 9. Each of the Similan Islands has a number as well as a name. These are, from north to south: Koh Ba Ngu (No. 9), Similan (No. 8), Payu (No. 7), Miang (No. 4, No. 5 and, in some opinion, No. 6), Payan (No. 3), Payang (No. 2), and Hu Yong (No. 1). Hin Pousar, or ‘Elephant Head Rock’, is alternatively designated No. 6 by some. Koh Bon, lying 17 nautical miles north of Ba Ngu, is part of the Similan National Park – is often granted the honorary status of No. 10.

Wat Chalong is a historical landmark and Buddhist temple in Phuket's Chalong Bay. For centuries, locals come to pray almost every day while westerners learn about Buddhism during their holiday. It's officially called Wat Chaitararam, but most people refer to it by Wat Chalong. The temple is located on Chao Fa West Road in the northern part of Tambol Chalong. Many locals claim that the temple often experiences many miracles. It's also known for its pivotal and healing role in the fighting between Chinese secret societies (Angyee) in 1876.

The best night markets in Phuket have a special festival feel to them, often being accompanied by street performances and music. Local markets are generally a good place to find some great bargains on souvenirs and keepsakes. However, why waste a perfectly good beach day? Wandering around a busy marketplace under the scorching sun will have you drenched in sweat within minutes. That’s where night markets have the advantage. Food vendors do a roaring trade at Phuket night markets, making them excellent spots to enjoy your evening meal, experience genuine Thai street food, and shop in cool comfort, all at the same time.