Phuket is an island state of Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea off the western coast of the mainland. Famed for its paradisical beaches and vibrant nightlife, a flight and hotel in Phuket has a little something for everybody regardless of your holiday preferences. Away from the lively beaches of Patong and its party street Bangla Road, travellers can discover untouched beauty in the hidden coves and verdant interiors of this naturally stunning island on a flight to Phuket.
International visitors arriving on package holidays in Phuket will land at the island's airport, located in the north of Phuket close to Nai Yang Beach. Despite Thai being the local language, the county is well equipped to deal with tourism and you won't have any issues communicating in English. The local currency is the Thai Baht and Thailand is 7 hours ahead of the United Kingdom (GMT+7).
A weekend in Phuket is a delight all year round. The weather is perennially hot and you can bask on the stunning beaches no matter what season you choose to visit on a flight from Dublin to Phuket. The peak period, which many consider the optimum time, is between November and February. Not only are the temperatures a little cooler at this time, especially in the evenings and early mornings, but there is also little to no rainfall.
The fabulous beaches are the main draw for city breaks in Phuket. The variety of beaches is extensive, offering everything from lively party destinations to isolated, serene enclaves of paradise. Head to Phang Nga Bay to observe the imposing limestone cliffs which soar out of the azure blue waters with an imposing presence – this area is also famed for being the location of the James Bond film 'The Man With The Golden Gun.' The Phi Phi Islands are another much-frequented island group off the shores of Phuket known for their stunning natural beauty.
Phuket is adorned with plenty of viewpoints on both the east and west of the island. Promthep Cape offers stunning vistas and makes for a spectacular place to watch either sunrise or sunset. Three Beaches Hilltop is another excellent spot to glimpse the beauty of the surroundings. Other amazing things to do in Phuket include:
Sino-Portuguese architecture adorns the streets of Phuket's sleepy Old Town. A flight and hotel in Phuket are perfect for exploring the beaches and the historical side of Thailand's largest island. While you're in the Old Town, stay on to experience the buzzing night market, serving up a vast array of Thai foods in a local and wonderfully energetic environment. Phuket has a lovely collection of cultural attractions too. Wat Chalong is one of the most important temples and is wonderfully decorated and surrounded by a collection of mini pagodas. The Big Buddha, which is visible from much of Southern Phuket, stands 35 metres tall and the journey to the top takes you on a journey through authentic Thai neighbourhoods. The views from the top are also magnificent and more than worth the journey on a flight from Cork to Phuket.
Part of the joy of a weekend in Phuket is exploring the culinary delights on offer. Tom yang goong, a spicy and sour prawn soup, is a highlight iof Thai cuisine and a must try – Ang Seafood Restaurant is known for its excellent, steaming bowls of tom yang goong. Massaman curry is a fusion of Thai and Indian food and is only eaten in the country's southern regions, which have a larger Muslim population. Perfect for those who prefer their food a little less on the spicy side, the mix of lime, tomato, peanut and basil is simply divine. Other menu favourites to try on package holidays in Phuket are egg fried rice, Thai green curry, papaya salad and nam tok.
Phuket is a mecca for those who love shopping with everything from upscale boutiques to local markets. T-shirts and singlets are a popular memento to bring home, along with charming wood carvings, luxurious silk products, soap flowers, watches, and other accessories.