Holiday Apartments & Vacation Villas to Rent in Phuket, Thailand

Located approximately 862 kilometres south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province. Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometres (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometres if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometres and approximately 21.3 kilometres wide. Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea the place where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). Visitors are not recommended to travel to Phuket between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, however, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23C and 33C. Phukets topology is exceptional with 70 percent of its area covered with mountains which stretch from north to south and the remaining 30 percent being plains located in the central and eastern parts of the island. The island does not have any major rivers except for a total of 9 brooks and creeks. Phuket is divided into 3 administrative counties namely Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Thalang and Amphoe Kathu. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. In addition, accommodations ranging from world-class resorts to tropical-style bungalows have warmly catered to the different needs of travellers. For seafood lovers, there is a lot more to sample than just Phukets famous lobster. Altogether, these characteristics have made Phuket a truly unique destination.

Sai Kaeo Beach Located to the north, next to Mai Khao Beach, Hat Sai Kaeo is a long white powdery beach naturally decorated with groves of pines along the shore. Ideal for relaxation, it is Phukets northern most beach. Mai Khao Beach Also known as the Airport Beach, the beach is located at the northern end of Phuket Island. As Phuket's longest beach, Mai Khao Beach is famous for its tranquillity and relaxing ambience. The beach is not recommended for swimming as it slopes steeply. Mai Khao Beach is home to wonderful creatures such as sea cicadas and turtles. In addition, it is an egg-lying ground for sea turtles. Nai Yang Beach Located to the south of Mai Khao Beach, Nai Yang Beach is a serene and isolated bay ideal for swimming and family picnics. The beach itself is impressive, as it is fringed by shady pine trees. Nearby coral reefs make explorations into the underwater world worthwhile. In addition, sea turtles are inhabitants in the area. The park headquarters is located here. Nai Thon Beach Nestled on the rim of a secluded bay south of the Sirinat National Park is another popular tourist attraction, especially for day trippers. Nai Thon Beach has a unique natural setting with both ends of the beach being protected by granite outcrops that serve as a natural shield making the bay a perfect nursery for both marine life and corals. The beach is suitable for swimming. For those seeking utmost solitude, its not that far. Just walk a few hundred metres to Hin Kruai Bay to savour the moment. Bang Tao A large open bay that is the location of one of Phuket's longest beaches, Ao Bang Thao has a long history related to the economy of the island. Previously a tin mining area, the location has been transformed into an area where Phuket's luxurious resorts and golf courses, especially Laguna complex, are located. Additional accommodations outside Laguna at the bays south end are also available. Surin Beach Located approximately 24 kilometres from town and only a short distance north of Laem Sing is an enchanting beach lined with casuarinas trees. Isolated and secluded, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it has a steep sloping beach and the weather fluctuates during the southwest monsoon. In addition, there is a golf course which was established in the reign of King Rama VII. Several Muslim fishing communities are located nearby and Mosques are situated to the west of the beach. The local Mosque, Matsayit Mukaram, is worth visiting as it is an elegant whitewashed structure with lacquered wooden doors. Laem Singh Beach Located just one kilometre from Surin Beach, Laem Sing is a relatively small quiet beach perfect for a break from the crowd. Laem Sing has a white sandy beach that glitters in the sun and is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks. Kamala Beach Located approximately 26 kilometres from Phuket City, Kamala Beach is a relatively secluded 2-kilometer beach that is suitable for total relaxation Kalim Beach Located north of Patong Beach is a secluded beach dotted with rocks and coral reefs. Another interesting stopover is Freedom Beach which is located around the head of Laem Ka Sai Rot and is accessible by a chartered long-tailed boat. 

Patong Beach This Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometres from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkelling, sailing, and parasailing. Karon Beach Located south of Patong Beach, Karon Beah is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beaches signature, drawing travellers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay opens. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. Kata Beach Located approximately 17 kilometres from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkelling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the seas eco-system. Also worth visiting is Ko Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkelling along the islands rich coral reef enjoyable. Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches. Accommodations on Kata Beach are set amidst tropical and cliff settings. Nai Harn Beach Located a few kilometres from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometres from town is Nai Han Beach, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag! Rawai Beach Located approximately 17 kilometres from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phuket's Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Laem Kha Beach, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Ko Lon, and Ko He. Laem Phromthep, Phuket's landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkelling. Ao Chalong This bay, which has the islands largest and most visited pier, is located 11 kilometres south of town. From this pier, visitors can charter boats to nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with dive shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants. Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience, swimming is not recommended here. Laem Ka This Cape is located approximately 16 kilometres from the town centre at the extreme southwest end of Chalong Bay. Ideal for swimming, the beach is clean, quite and dotted with rocks.