THAILAND
Destination | Phuket
Country Code: +66
Currency: Thai baht
FROM THE AIRPORT
 Bus: A coach service runs between the airport and Phuket City, leaving the airport exit gate at regular intervals from 6.30am to 8.30pm. The hour-long trip costs 52 baht.
Taxi: Pick up a yellow taxi outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are charged on a meter and guarantee a direct route.
Limo:Limousine operators are available outside the arrivals terminal. Fares range from 500 to 600 baht. Share mini-buses are cheaper, but it will take you twice as long to get to your destination.
Car hire: There are car rental stands at the arrivals terminal and outside the exit gate. Book in advance.
TABLE TALK
Cheap chic: Los Amigos Cantina A popular garden restaurant in the south of the island, the casual ambience and tasty Tex-Mex food is a winner for lunch or dinner. You must try the chicken tacos and homemade salsa with a side of guacamole. Frozen fruit margaritas are a treat here too. Nai Harn Lake Road, Rawai, tel (0)89 4729128
Mid-range magic: Baba Located on the hillside with sunrise and sunset views, Baba Dining Lounge is a relaxed lifestyle restaurant on Phuket's east coast. A fabulous spot for twilight cocktails, the shitake mushroom salad and drunken spaghetti are great for dinner. Sri Panwa Hotel, Sakdidej Road, Cape Panwa, tel (0)76 371006
Gourmet: Rockfish A stylish open-plan eatery overlooking the gorgeous Kamala beach and mountains, the Australians who run Rockfish attract a global crowd with an excellent fusion menu and extensive wine list. Innovative salads, great steaks and amazing seafood creations make for magic dining. Enjoy the Sunday afternoon barbecue from 1 to 5pm. Kamala Beach Road, Kamala, tel (0)76 279732
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour: 360 A groovy bar for enjoying sunset drinks and slow, chill-out sounds at the chic Phuket Pavilions resort, the open-air deck has fantastic sea and mountain views, plus the island's most wicked passion fruit cocktails. Phuket Pavilions, 31/1 Moo 6, Cherngthalay, tel (0)76 317600
Late night: Sphinx In the shiny new stage show at Sphinx Theatre Restaurant, the talented Pharaohs take fans on a glamorous journey back to the greatest moments in Hollywood history. The performances run every night at 9pm and 10.30pm, except on Tuesdays. 120/19-23 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, tel (0)76 341500
HOT SPOTS
Patong: In the quieter months of May and June, Patong still bustles day and night. Take a dip at the beach and indulge in aft ernoon shopping along the esplanade, busy street markets and the new giant Jungceylon shopping centre just a block away from the Andaman Sea. Enjoy cocktails over superb sunsets, then dine and dance the night away.
INSIDER TIPS
Island escape: Keen to find that perfect escape from the crowds? OmniMarine, a boutique cruise company, o?ers a unique range of bespoke itineraries – from exciting gourmet day trips to idyllic island beaches on a powerboat to secluded Similan marine parks on a luxury yacht. Tel (0)81 825-9243, www.omnitrips.com
Himalayan Arts and Crafts: Th is gallery carries an exquisite range of contemporary and old arts from India, Nepal, Tibet and China – including carpets, Buddhist banners, silver jewellery, mountain crystals, and a range of Buddhist and Hindu statues. 48 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City, tel (0)76 222-2078
BODY & SOUL
Roseberry Haven: A great combination of heavenly alchemy, traditional thai and other natural health products, Roseberry is a unique spa centre o?ering global healing therapies and products lovingly handmade by a dedicated Phuket team of professionals. For a rejuvenating experience, it is definitely worth making the trip to Kamala. 64/85 Moo 5, Kamala. tel (0)76 279293, www.roseberrythailand.com
BOUTIQUE BEDS
Twin Palms: Billed as one of Phuket's most stylish contemporary resorts, Twin Palms is a modern, tropical beachside haven with an excellent day spa and wellness centre as well as fabulous restaurants and bars. Th ese include Catch, the new beach club which features international guest performers. 106 /46 Surin Beach Road, Moo 3, Cherngtalay, tel (0)76 316500, www.twinpalms-phuket.com
DAY TRIPPING
Cruise control: A great way to see old Phuket and nature at its finest, the River Rovers cruise takes in the fishing villages of Sirey on a journey among southeast islands, with a fantastic fresh seafood lunch at a floating restaurant and the chance to explore the area by kayak. Tel (0)76 280420, www.riverrovers.com
IN THE KNOW
A favourite Thai saying – particularly on Koh Samui – is mai pen rai . Usually said with a wide smile and a shrug of the shoulders, it literally translates into “never mind” or “no worries” – an answer to life's little problems.
Updated by Kerrie Hall
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