Phuket

The most spectacular thing to do from Phuket — a boat trip to the jaw-dropping Phi Phi Islands, where towering limestone cliffs plunge into impossibly turquoise water, above the famous Maya Bay (of 'The Beach' fame), hidden lagoons, coral reefs and pristine sand. Snorkel among tropical fish, swim in the clear bays, and drink in some of the most beautiful island scenery on earth. Go on a speedboat or, better, a longer or overnight trip to beat the day crowds; it's the essential Andaman experience. Breathtaking and unmissable. Simply paradise.

One of the world's most magical seascapes — Phang Nga Bay, a vast, calm bay north-east of Phuket studded with hundreds of dramatic limestone karsts and sheer cliffs rising sheer from emerald water, including the famous 'James Bond Island' from the film. Explore by boat and sea kayak, paddling into hidden sea caves and 'hongs' (collapsed lagoons open to the sky) that can only be reached at certain tides. A serene, spectacular and unforgettable day out among the karsts. An essential, breathtaking excursion. Utterly stunning.

The island's most characterful corner — Phuket Old Town, a charming grid of streets lined with beautifully restored, pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses and mansions, built by Chinese tin-mining barons, now full of hip cafés, boutiques, galleries, temples and street food. Wander the photogenic streets (especially Thalang and Soi Romanee), admire the colonial-Chinese architecture, browse the shops, and soak up the culture and history that most beach-goers miss. A delightful, atmospheric contrast to the beaches; lovely by day and lantern-lit by night. A charming, unmissable cultural highlight.

Perched on a hilltop and visible across much of the island — the Big Buddha, a serene 45-metre white-marble statue seated in meditation, one of Phuket's most revered landmarks, reached by a winding road through the jungle. Beyond the statue itself, the hilltop offers sweeping 360° views over the beaches, bays and interior of the island. A peaceful, spiritual and scenic highlight (dress modestly), well worth the trip up for the Buddha and the panorama. A serene, worthwhile visit; go for the views as much as the statue. Calm and impressive.

The island's most famous and lively beach — Patong, a long crescent of sand backed by the buzzing resort town, with warm water, sun loungers, water sports galore (jet-skis, parasailing) and endless beach bars, restaurants and shops behind. Busy and commercial, it's the hub of Phuket's beach action and nightlife; swim, sunbathe, try a water sport, and watch the sunset before the neon of Bangla Road fires up. Not the prettiest beach on the island, but the most happening. A quintessential, energetic Phuket beach day. Lively and central to the action.

Phuket's west coast is strung with spectacular viewpoints, and the best is the Karon Viewpoint (Kata Viewpoint) on the coastal road south of Kata — a stunning overlook of three beautiful bays (Kata Noi, Kata and Karon) curving one after another along the coast, with the islands offshore. Pull over for the classic Phuket postcard panorama, especially glorious at sunset. Nearby is the dramatic Windmill and Promthep Cape viewpoints at the island's southern tip. A free, breathtaking highlight and a must-stop on any island drive. Simply gorgeous; go at sunset.

Phuket has a rich, fiery food culture all its own — southern Thai cuisine at its spiciest, plus the island's unique Peranakan (Chinese-Malay) 'Phuket-style' dishes like Hokkien noodles and moo hong pork, superb fresh seafood, and legendary street food and markets, especially in the old town. Graze the night markets and street stalls, try the local specialities, and cool the heat with fresh coconut; the flavours are bold, complex and delicious, and often absurdly cheap. A tasty, essential highlight beyond the resort restaurants. Come hungry and spice-tolerant.

Phuket Old Town is dotted with wonderful street art — vivid, often playful murals tucked down its lanes and on the walls of the Sino-Portuguese shophouses, many telling stories of the island's Peranakan heritage, tin-mining history and local life. Wander the old town with a camera to hunt them out (there's even a mural trail), discovering a new painting around each corner; it's a fun, free and creative way to explore the historic quarter. A delightful, photogenic highlight that pairs perfectly with the old-town cafés and shops. Colourful and charming.

Two of Phuket's loveliest and most relaxed beaches — Kata and Karon, long, clean crescents of golden-white sand with clear water good for swimming and (in the green season) surfing, backed by resorts, restaurants and low-key bars, with a friendlier, calmer vibe than Patong. Spend a lazy beach day swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a beachside meal, or catch a surf lesson; the little Kata Noi bay next door is especially pretty. Classic, family-friendly Phuket beach bliss. A wonderful, laid-back beach day. Lovely and welcoming.

The quieter, more upscale beaches of the north-west — Surin, Bang Tao, Kamala and Nai Harn, offering long stretches of beautiful sand, calmer crowds, trendy beach clubs and luxury resorts, and some of the island's prettiest, most relaxed swimming. Escape the bustle of Patong for a serene beach day on the softer sands of the north, with stylish beach-club lunches and sunsets. These are Phuket's beaches at their most tranquil and chic. A lovely, laid-back highlight for those seeking calm. Beautiful and unhurried.

Nowhere does relaxation like Thailand, and Phuket is spa heaven — from cheap, blissful hour-long Thai massages at simple beachfront shops to lavish, world-class spa treatments at luxury resorts, all using traditional techniques, herbal compresses and aromatic oils. Surrender to a proper Thai massage after a day at the beach (it's absurdly good value), or indulge in a full spa day; it's the perfect, quintessentially Thai way to unwind. A blissful, affordable highlight and an essential part of the island experience. Utterly relaxing; treat yourself.

Phuket's west-coast sunsets are spectacular, and there's no better way to enjoy them than at a stylish beach club — sip cocktails by an infinity pool or on the sand at chic spots along Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao, with DJs, loungers and the sun sinking into the Andaman Sea. From glamorous pool clubs to laid-back beach bars, it's the perfect sophisticated sundowner scene. Watch the sky turn gold with a drink in hand; it's a lovely, relaxed alternative to the raucous nightlife. A gorgeous, chilled-out evening highlight. Magical at sunset.

Phuket's nightlife is legendary and centred on Patong's Bangla Road — a neon-lit strip of bars, clubs, cabarets and street performers that erupts into a raucous party every night, from cheap beer bars to big clubs and famous ladyboy cabaret shows. Loud, wild and unapologetically full-on, it's a spectacle in itself; dive in for a big night out, catch a show, or just stroll the chaos. Not to everyone's taste, but an iconic part of the Phuket experience. A boisterous, only-in-Patong night out. Wild and unforgettable; keep your wits about you.

For the freshest seafood on the island, head to Rawai in the south — where you pick your catch (lobster, prawns, crab, fish, squid) live from the market stalls by the pier and have it cooked to order at the restaurants alongside, Thai-style with garlic, chilli and lime. It's about as fresh and delicious as seafood gets, in a relaxed, local, beachside setting. Feast on a seafood platter with your toes near the sand; it's a wonderful, authentic and great-value island meal. A delicious, only-in-the-south highlight. Superb and fresh.

A quintessential Phuket night out — a dazzling ladyboy cabaret show (the famous Simon Cabaret is the biggest), a glittering, feather-and-sequin spectacle of lip-synced musical numbers, elaborate costumes and high-energy dance, performed by Thailand's celebrated transgender performers. Colourful, camp, family-friendly and enormous fun, it's a beloved and uniquely Thai form of entertainment, and a great, glitzy evening. Book tickets for the show, then wander Patong; it's a fun, dazzling highlight. A joyful, only-in-Thailand spectacle. Great fun and full of sparkle.