Phuket

In general, during high season (November-April) you tender to Patong beach, the main tourist area, while Monsoon season (May-October) brings ships alongside at Phuket Deep Sea Port in Ao Makarm. Overnight calls sometimes use both arrangements, tendering first to Patong before repositioning to the dock. As the dock has only one berth, tenders are more likely to be used. The tender journey is about 1.5 km.

Cruise vessels berth at the Port of Phuket, a 20-minute drive from Phuket Town. Taxis or bemos, a typical form of local transport, are usually waiting at the pier. Prices are comparatively high and should be negotiated; writing down the agreed fare is advisable to prevent disputes. Apart from a temporary market created by local residents, little surrounds the port. A return taxi to Patong Bay, a 45-minute drive away, costs about $50. Expect a taxi to nearby beaches to cost around $10.

When tendering to Patong, you land at the jetty opposite The Bliss South Beach Patong Hotel. Waiting taxis offer tours and sightseeing. Sea conditions can occasionally require tenders to use another landing place. This matters if you have arranged a local tour, so carry a mobile phone.

Bring a printable map to use ashore.

Thailand's sole island province joins the mainland by the Thep Krasettree Causeway. Called the "Pearl of Thailand," Phuket blends unspoilt beaches, luxuriant vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of immense limestone columns rising from Phang Nga Bay's turquoise water. Covering 215 square miles, Phuket Island is Thailand's largest island and approximately the size of Singapore.

Arab and Indian navigators have called at Phuket since the end of the 9th century, and the first Europeans came in the 16th century. Alongside tourism, tin production has generated much of the province's prosperity since beginning in the 1500s. Its wealth enabled Phuket Town to introduce Thailand's first paved roads and cars. Phuket remains the country's centre of tin production today, while rubber, coconut and seafood contribute to island prosperity. Much of this income is reinvested in Phuket's continuing development. Possessing a culture of its own, Phuket combines Chinese and Portuguese influences…

Phuket Town, the island's capital, lies in the south-east. It was constructed in the mid-1800s to replace Thalang, the former capital destroyed by the Burmese in 1800. Attractive Sino-Portuguese architecture appears in the spacious homes built by prosperous Chinese tin barons to demonstrate their success. Most visitors are drawn by the superb beaches, particularly along the west coast. Around a 45-minute drive from the port, Patong Beach provides a broad range of water sports. Although annual visitor numbers far exceed the resident population, the island…

The Kata, Karon and Patong areas all have excellent beaches. Patong is best known for nightlife and souvenir shops, whereas Kata and Karon offer superior resorts and restaurants.

The Marine Research Center and Aquarium presents interesting examples of Phuket's marine life and environment. Displays at the small Thalang National Museum introduce the island's history and culture, with most exhibits addressing Phuket's tin industry. Around 16 miles from Phuket Town, Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park preserves a remnant of the island's natural forest ecosystem. A wide variety of animals, including wild boars and monkeys, inhabits this natural setting.

Many itineraries combine an elephant ride with Promthep Cape and the ‘big Buddha’ near Chalong.

For island-hopping, long-tail boats are an excellent option. Negotiate the price, which is approximately 500 baht per hour or no more than 1,800 baht for a full day. Avoid a large meal beforehand because the journey can be rough.

Do not use the mini-truck tuk-tuks, as they will either overcharge or scam passengers.

Many resorts stand near the cruise berth and offer a relaxing day for a few dollars.

Boutiques and markets are centred on Time Square Mall. Thai silk, cotton cloth and cultured pearls are worthwhile purchases. The Native Handicraft Center stocks a broad selection of local crafts, with more shopping at the new Wang Thalang complex. Bargaining is normal in markets, while better shops display fixed prices.

The local currency is the Thai Baht, divided into 100 satang. ATMs are everywhere.

Thai is the national language, although English is widely understood and some Chinese dialects are also spoken.