Phuket offers so much to see and experience. Some go for the pure white sand beaches. Others for the authentic Thai food. Still, others seek authentic Thai treasures like luxurious silks, brass sculptures, and pottery.

What to See

Indulge your inner 007 while you take in one of the most intriguing sights in all of Thailand. James Bond Island, featured in 1974 Bond film The Man With the Golden Gun, is a tall island that juts out of the bay, which also features a floating fishing village. Think about bringing along a Bug Bam Insect Repellant Bracelet, just to ward off mosquitoes.

Nestled in the center of Phuket City is the 120-year-old Chinese Jao Mae Kuan Im shrine. The shrine is devoted to the Taoist Goddess of Mercy and is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit, with many statues and paper lanterns.

Khao Rang is a great destination for travelers seeking great views and a good workout. Rang Hill can give your Omron Pedometer something impressive to report, especially if you stop at the fitness park that leads up to the highest point of the hill.

Where to Shop

Indulge your finer desires with a visit to Chan's Antique House Co., Ltd. Mr. Chan personally selects antiques from areas of Southeast Asia including stoneware Buddha objects, furniture, bronze and marble objects, and more. For your convenience, Mr. Chan will ship your new treasure anywhere in the world.

For a barrage of color and shopping chaos, visit Supercheap. Lauded as the cheapest place to shop in Phuket, Supercheap is a warehouse store (no membership needed) that sells everything. The presentation is humble, but the selection is impressive. Take along a Folding Shopping Bag for your goodies.

A visit to Thailand has to include a look at the beautiful clothing made from opulent silk and woven cotton. You can pick up something truly special at Ban Boran Textiles, where Wandee Deawtawee is happy to share an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Thai textiles with you.

Where to Eat

Award-winning restaurant Baan Rim Pa not only boasts excellent Royal Thai cuisine, but also classy décor, an excellent wine selection, and a courteous and professional staff. The restaurant's location - Patong Beach - ensures fantastic views while the music, piano by Tommy Doyle and the occasional special guest, makes the experience a step above.

If you aren?t in the mood for Thai food, you can walk a few yards to Da Murizio, a fine dining establishment that serves exceptional classic Italian food. With tables right above the beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, the scenery is almost as good as the food. Phuket Town's old quarter boasts beautiful restored Sino-Portuguese architecture and Phuket's "real" Thai Restaurant, Raya. Simply put, it's where the locals go for dishes like crabmeat curry, deep-fried sea bass, and other Thai delicacies.

What Do I Need to Travel to Phuket?