Nestled on the balmy waters of the Andaman Sea on the Indian Ocean, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, with roughly the size of Singapore. Located about 850 km south of Bangkok, Phuket is truly an exceptional tourist destination, blessed with lush tropical landscape, palm fringed powdery white sandy beaches, splendid coves and bays, dazzling island-dotted sea, and delightful turn of the century edifices. The focal point of Phuket is undoubtedly its magnificent beaches, of which many are secluded and were till recently some of the best kept secrets of the island. Even some of them had no names in any of the world map. Every beach found here has its own uniqueness and charm. Stretching more than 3000 meters, Patong Beach is perhaps the most popular among the Phuket beaches, providing a range of entertainment facilities amid natural settings. Likewise, Nai Harn Beach is an excellent vantage spot for enjoying breathtaking views of tropical sunsets. Nearby is spectacular Rawai beach, whose surroundings are inhabited by sea gypsies, which is thought to have been the descendants of some of the earliest inhabitants in the island. Also, popular are Karon and Kata beaches, both of them with a fine mix of natural and man made attractions. Other worth mentioning beaches in the area are Kamala Beach, Nakalay Beach, Kalim Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Yanoi Beach, Nui Beach, and Ao Sehn beach. With these scores of incredible beaches, Phuket is truly a haven for water sport activities such as sailing, sea canoeing, water skiing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, para sailing, boating, swimming, fishing, and jet skiing. However, the activities that can be enjoyed in Phuket are not just confined to water sports. For instance, for those who want to discover the traditionalism of the island, one of the best choices would be to head any of the centers offering classes in Thai kickboxing, otherwise known as Muay Thai, one of the ancient martial arts of the country used by warriors to safeguard the kingdom from Burmese as well as other powerful invaders. Nowadays, people from across the globe come here to master this amazing art. This martial art is not only a great way to understand the traditional values of the region but also to enhance your strength, stamina, and endurance. If you are a golf freak, then excellent 18-hole golf courses designed by world-famous architects are available, including Banyan Tree Club at Bangthao Beach, Phuket Country Club, Blue Canyon Country Club, and Loch Pam Golf Club, all of them enabling you to play golf while enjoying the scenic vistas of lush mountains and crystal Andaman. Also, interesting are activities such as elephant trekking and horse riding. In addition, Phuket boasts of a continuum of options for children in the form of centers conducting kids Yoga, nature parks, and establishments imparting classes to procure knowledge in some interesting crafts. When comes to sightseeing, options available are truly endless. One of the most popular options for sightseeing in Phuket is its temples and shrines. Of which, most popular is probably the Wat Chalong, a Buddhist shrine that is much famed for its healing powers. The prime draw of the temple is its prayer hall, sanctified with three statues of most revered monks: Luang Por Chaem, Luang Por Gluam, and Luang Por Chuang. Dedicated to two heroines who defeated Burmese attackers during the Thalang Battle, Wat Phranangsang is another popular shrine in the region. Also, a great temple in the region is Wat Phra Thong, with a huge half buried image of the Lord Buddha. Besides, Buddhist temples, many Chinese shrines can also be seen here. Take a tour to old Phuket town, believed to have been founded in the 1st century BC. The area is packed with an array of incredible cultural spots such as Heroine's Monument - two statues of Kunying Jan and Thao Sri Suntorn, and several Sino-Portuguese colonial mansions. Also, visit the elegant museums in the region such as Phuket Sea Shell Museum and Thalang National Museum, each of which provides a deep insight into the historical past of the region. Other sightseeing options in Phuket are Khao Phra Thaeo National Park with unique flora and fauna, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, with thousands of butterflies, Marine Biological Research Centre, an aquarium with unique fish species, and Promthep Cape. Above all, the island has accommodation to cater to every type of visitor, from budget conscious travelers to the well-heeled. Equally fabulous is the scrumptious Thai cuisines available in the region. Further, the nightlife in Phuket is intoxicating with a plethora of nightclubs, restaurants, and go go bars, of which most popular are Phuket FantaSea and Simon Cabaret. So, this time, choose the incomparable destination of Phuket as your vacation spot, and set in a thrilling journey to explore the little known secrets of the island!
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