Phuket - Thailand

Phuket Island, the largest of Thailand, is so extensive that you rarely feel surrounded by water. That may be why the "ko" ("island" in Thai) prefix was dropped. Dubbed the "Pearl of the Andaman" by tour operators, Phuket is Thailand's destination for a holiday in the sun.

Patong, "Sin City" is the main town of Phuket, and its beach is the most popular. The go-go bars are part of the night scene and after a drunken night, vacationers bask pills all day on the beach.

But Phuket is more than just a luxury destination very fashionable: the jet-set, more present than ever, come here for Thai massage sessions upscale before drinking cocktails in broad strokes at posh parties. However, no need to be born with a silver spoon in his mouth to come to Phuket's deep sea diving, quality restaurants and sandy beaches are likely to satisfy everyone.

A stay at a resort and spa luxury in Phuket

Massage parlors are everywhere in Phuket. Most are small family businesses unpretentious. A Thai massage costs just 250 B of the hour and a manicure and pedicure costs about 150 B. The quality of service varies with addresses and constantly changing with the turnover. Follow your instincts, or ask other guests or the hotel reception. Whatever the chosen institution massage will certainly be very relaxing and enjoyable - especially if there is a wood-fired sauna and herbs.

Nights of unbridled Patong

Some see the nightlife of Patong is rather tasteless, but if you like beer, neon and miniskirts, soak in the bath. Th Bangla concentrates a large number of bars striptease. Techno is strong, minimalist clothing and decor and grotesque phallic. That said, the atmosphere was more carnival than creepy, and Western women customers is considerable in these bars. Patong behalf of other places to go that the go-go bars. Cabarets and Thai boxing matches are a little specialty. 

The monkeys in the jungle of Khao Sok 

If after a few days of beach you feel the need to stretch your legs in the inland national park of Khao Sok is for you. This jungle lowland wettest in Thailand, dating back more than 160 million years and is one of the world's oldest rainforests. You will see impressive limestone formations and waterfalls flowing through wet thickets. A network of trails crisscrosses the park allows visitors to observe a myriadvvv of endemic species. 

KAYAK IN BAY AO PHANG-NGA

Created in 1981 and covering 400 km2, maritime Ao Phang-Nga National Park is noted for its karst landscapes. South of Ao Phang-Nga, these blocks are over 40 islands with high cliffs, some of which hide caves accessible at low tide, called Horng. The bay itself is composed of channels of varying width, related to the origin continental river system. The main channels - Khlong Ko Phanyi, Khlong Phang-Nga, Khlong Bang You and Khlong Saen Bo - through the north-south main primary forest mangrove country. During high season, the parade of tourists in the bay is incessant. However, if you explore the early morning, the beach, the sea and the limestone formations are your own. Kayaking is the best way to experience the park. 

KO PHAYAM

Integrated in the Laem Son National Park, Ko Phayam is a pretty small island fringed beaches, which succeeded - so far - to keep its soul while welcoming tourists. almost everyone is attracted by two long strips of sand paradise: Ao Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay) and Ao Yai Wide, long and quiet. 

PHUKET TOWN

Long before the arrival of tourists, Phuket was an island rubber and tin mines, populated by merchants. Entrepreneurs from the Arabian Peninsula, China, India and Portugal and lived together harmoniously cooperating in Phuket city. Today, this city reflects the multicultural past of the island. Strolling through the streets lined with buildings of Sino-Portuguese style, you will see trendy cafes and art galleries, restaurants cheap and small design hotels galleries. If you venture into the streets, you will discover Chinese Taoist shrines fragrant incense. But beyond its historical attractions, Old Town attracts a crowd of foreigners and Thais connected, attracted by its art scene, cultural life and cuisine. 

Snorkeling in the Similan and Surin Islands 

At 60 km from the coast of Thailand, and 5 km from the maritime border with Myanmar, the National Marine Park Surin Islands consists of five beautiful islands. The crystal clear waters, where visibility often leads to 35 m, are home to a unique marine wildlife. As for the National Marine Park Similan islands, it extends 60 km offshore. Covered with tropical forests, lined with white sand beaches and surrounded by coral reefs, these islands are also impressive granite above and below the water. 

The beach without the crowds in Ko Yao Noi 

The smallest of Ko Yao is also the most populated (about 4000 inhabitants). All year round, fishing, cultivation of coconut, as well as tourism, are living community. On the east coast, berries give way to mud flats at low tide, and, even at high tide, do not expect pristine white sand beaches. That said, Hat Sai Pa Hat and Paradise are magnificent.