Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's most visited destination and — when you understand how to navigate it — one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding. The island is large (576 km², bigger than Singapore) and diverse enough that a week here barely scratches the surface. The west coast stretches from the busy international resort strip of Patong in the centre to the boutique calm of Kamala and Bang Tao in the north, the family-friendly sands of Kata and Karon in the south, and the genuinely secluded beauty of Nai Harn at the island's southern tip. Each beach has its own personality and price point, which is why 'Phuket' resists a single verdict.

Patong is the full-throttle version: Bangla Road's neon-lit bar strip, beach chairs extending the length of the beach, Thai boxing stadiums, international clubs, jet skis, and parasailing. It's the place you either love for its energy or avoid for its excess. But 20 minutes north or south, the island shifts dramatically — Surin Beach has upscale beach clubs favoured by expat families, Kata Noi is a surfer's crescent of golden sand rarely visited by package tourists, and Rawai is a local fishing village with excellent Thai restaurants where the guesthouses are half the Patong price.

Phuket Town, the island's capital, has emerged as one of Thailand's most exciting urban destinations. The Sino-Portuguese Old Town — colourful shophouses, art galleries, weekend markets, and an exceptional café scene — rewards a full day of wandering. It hosts the remarkable Phuket Vegetarian Festival each October (firewalking, piercing ceremonies, and devout processions). The town is also the base for Phuket's growing fine-dining scene, which includes some of Thailand's best restaurants at any price point.