Palm-fringed white sand beaches lapped by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, towering limestone cliffs, tranquil bays, tropical forests and stunning sunsets draw over one million tourists each year to Phuket, also Thailand’s largest island. In the past its visitors were a motley parade of Malay pirates, Tamil settlers, Burmese warriors and Chinese tin miners, and European traders. Today, they come for the sun, sand, and scenery, as well as the luxurious resorts, diverse nightlife, diving and relaxed tropical lifestyle.

It’s the beaches that are the attraction here and there are numerous options to feel the sand between your toes. The main action is at Patong Beach, which is frenetic market by day, and entertainment paradise by night. Surin, Karon, Kamala and Kata are quieter alternatives. A great place to get a feel of the island’s history is Phuket town with its Sino-Portuguese architecture. Phuket is also the jumping off point for the many islands that dot its coast, with Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and the Similans the top choices.