Thailand's largest island, Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and one of the most popular travel destinations. On the one hand, because Phuket offers a lot of activities for really every taste and every budget and on the other hand, because it offers a perfect starting point for island hopping in the Andaman Sea. Even trips to the neighboring mainland Phang-Nga, Khao Lak and Krabi are very easy.

Like a small oasis in the midst of a beautiful tropical garden is the Coco Palace Resort. The small hotel complex has only 3 different sized bungalows, which are very clean and in Thai style: besides the large, soft bed is a flat screen TV with satellite connection, and a fridge, air conditioning and covered balcony in each room. The family suite also has a fully equipped kitchenette and a 2nd bathroom. Free WIFI is available. The atmosphere is very familiar and pleasant. The welcome was warm and there were welcome drinks for us. In the middle of the complex is a pool landscape with fountains and grotto. In the small restaurant, in addition to breakfast, a small selection of different dishes are prepared and served in the room. There is also a barbecue area and various covered seating.

The property is 2 km from Nai Harn Beach and 3.5 km from Rawai Beach. Chalong Pier is a 20-minute drive (8 km). This resort is 46 km from Phuket International Airport.

Address: Coco Palace Resort, 20/10 Soi Naya, Rawai, Phuket 83130, Thailand

Coco Palace Resort on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocopalacephuket/

Further hotel recommendations on Phuket can be found here: Hotelguide Phuket

Phuket is connected to the mainland by a bridge (Sarasin Bridge). So there are many ways to travel by land to Phuket. Also, Phuket has an international airport and is connected to Thai Airways' hourly flights as well as other local airlines, with the provincial capital of Bangkok.

Airport transfer to the hotel:
The airport transfer is regulated in Phuket. For about 550 Bath, you can get to Chalong from Phuket Airport in about 1.5 hours (depending on traffic). By taxi, the trip costs about 1,300 THB. There are no price negotiations with the taxi drivers, because the taxi tickets are still issued in the airport building, just before the exit, and the fixed price is charged depending on the destination. There you will receive a receipt and can then board the booked taxi or a (mini) bus / van.
Car rental:
You can also rent a car at the airport. Here are several lenders to choose from. In addition to the common lenders AVIS and Europcar, Thailand's largest lender is Thai Rent a Car. Depending on the season, the prices vary greatly and often smaller vehicles are fully booked in the main season. The best way to book the car already at home.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• Arriving from Bangkok by plane is possible with either Bangkok Airways or another local airline (PB Air, Thai AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways, etc.).
• The journey by land is e.g. Possible from Bangkok with the so-called "VIP Bus" or "Aircon Bus" and lasts between 13 and 16 hours depending on traffic. Due to the air conditioning, it gets really cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. There are 3 different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:

1.         Standard buses (orange) with approx. 75-80 seats (280 THB = approx. 7.- EUR) (the bus stops in            different locations)
2.         Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 40 seats (600 TBH = approx. 15.- EUR)
3.         VIP buses (inscription "VIP Bus 999") with approx. 24 seats (895 THB = approx. 25.- EUR)

• Phuket is not (yet) connected to Thailand's rail network. But you can take the train to Surat Thani and from there about 200 km with the mini bus continue towards Phuket drive. In Phuket we continue towards hotels and beaches.

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, take the minibus to the "Bus Station" in Phuket Town.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. With the mini bus it goes on to the bus station and from there with the VIP bus to the "bus station" in Phuket Town.

Also, the Khao Lak - Phuket and Krabi - Phuket routes are also served by public buses. Here the fare is much cheaper, but is stopps at many stops.

Arrival by boat:
Aida offers various tours through Bangkok / Leam Chabang, Koh Samui, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket.

Viewpoints:
A first impression of the island can be obtained from one of the many viewpoints:
Laem Promthep / Promthep Cape is Phuket's southernmost vantage point and one of the island's most popular photo and postcard motifs. From here you can see the bay of Nai Harn and a striking, rocky headland. Especially the sunsets are very popular here, which is why it is quite busy on public holidays and weekends.
Karon Viewpoint is also a very popular vantage point from which you can see the 3 bays Kata Noi, Kata and Karon Beach. The viewpoint is located between Nai Harn and Kata.
Kata Noi Viewpoint is located on the road between Kata and Kata Noi. Here are small reggae bars to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail.
Kao Khad Viewpoint / Panwa Viewpoint is located on the Panwa Peninsula on the Cape Panwa. On a clear day you can see here to Koh Phi Phi. The view goes from Phuket Town over the Panwa Cape and the Chalong Bay. The Panwa Cape also has the popular Kantary Kaffe. There are various homemade cakes, cookies and coffee specialties. The coffee garden overlooks Koh Lon, Koh Hae and Koh Racha.
Radar Hill is one of the lesser known viewpoints, but the highest.
Phuket Town also has a lookout point, Khao Rang Hill, with a beautiful view over Phuket Town with its old Sino-Portuguese buildings and temples. This viewpoint is located in northwest Phuket Town and is just outside the tourist centers. In addition to a banyan tree, there are also some restaurants and you can enjoy the view over the city, the Chalong Bay to the Big Buddha while eating. On the way to the lookout point is the Wat Khao Rang temple. Here, in addition to some temple guards and Indian-looking figures, there is also a large golden Buddha to see.
Monkey Hill is also located in Phuket Town and is on the one hand a lookout point and on the other live here a few hundred monkeys.
Big Buddha is one of Phuket's newer attractions and is Phuket's landmark. Next to the temple and the 45-meter-tall, white marble Buddha statue, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Chalong Bay. The magnificent view goes from Phuket Town over the Panwa Cape and in good visibility even to Koh Phi Phi.

Windmill Hill / Ya Nui Viewpoint is located in the south of Phuket. Here is a windmill that is well visible from several spots in Phuket and has a wonderful view of Ya Nui Beach.

Temple
Phuket offers a colorful cultural mix. In addition to many Buddhists, many Muslims and Christians also live here. Phuket Town is Portuguese influenced, so you can find here Christian churches. A large part of the population is made up of Chinese immigrants who built Chinese temples here. The Bang Nieaw Shrine and the Jui Tui Temple give a good insight into the Chinese form of Buddhism.
Wat Chalong is Phuket's largest, most famous and most important temple, which is not only on the program of most organized trips on Phuket: Also for Thais, who visit Phuket, the temple is a must. Wat Chalong is a sprawling temple complex with several buildings, a main temple with statues of maidens, a small, air-conditioned teak sala with waxworks of monks and a large chedi that can be climbed to the top. From here you have a great view of the entire temple complex.
Big Buddha is not only a landmark, but also a temple complex. The temple is very popular with tourists, because one can be blessed by a house. Here you can see how Buddhist wood reliefs are crafted, get to know the art of singing bowls, and there is a small exhibition that tells Buddha's story. The 45 m high white marble Buddha is the main attraction. The construction of the statue was financed by donations. Here you can buy small white marble tiles, on which small messages are written and later used to decorate the grounds.
Wat Phra Nang Sang is Phuket's oldest temple and is about 550 years old and has the most interesting history besides Wat Chalong. The temple was built by the wife of a governor on the way back to Sri Lanka on a pilgrimage. In a glass coffin you can see the mummified body of the abbot Luang Po Podd. On the site are various Buddha statues and the statue of Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy. The temple is located in Thalang in the north of the island.

Waterfalls & Nature Parks
Phuket's waterfalls only carry a lot of water at the end of the rainy season, but they are still worth seeing.
Bang Pae is located in Khao Phra Taew National Park and 17 meters high, Phuket's largest waterfall. The water descends in cascades, which then form into a river. Here is also the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project to find, which has the goal to settle here again Gibbons. In addition to the monkeys you can see different bird and plant species in the adjacent national park.
Ton Sai Waterfall is also located in Khao Phra Taew National Park near the headquarters. The streams end in a small basin. Here is also a small restaurant with a beautiful view of the scenery.
The Kathu Sai waterfall / Nam Tok Kathu is located in the rainforest and consists of several steps leading up to 130 m high. On the individual stair sections there are possibilities to rest with tables and benches. The waterfall ends in a basin.
Sea Turtle Stranding Rescue at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) Hatchery with several pools of injured turtles that are being treated for medical treatment and subsequently released.
Nearby is also the Phuket Aquarium, which shows the local freshwater and saltwater fish. The highlight of the aquarium is a large tube with sharks and rays, as well as larger predators.
Orchid Garden in Chalong offers more than 1500 different species of orchids on its grounds, and it is also possible to buy plants here.

Upstream islands:
Especially at Rawai Beach there are numerous opportunities to hire a longtail boat. Island tours around Phuket are offered here and you can visit some of the neighboring islands (Coral Island [Koh He], Koh Bon, Koh Lon, Raya Island etc). The fare is per boat.
Koh Siree at Phuket Town can be reached via a small bridge. Sea gypsies and numerous monkeys live on the island.
With larger boats or speed boats, the islands of Koh Yao and Koh Phi Phi are approached.

Tips for animal lovers:
Sea Turtle Stranding Rescue / Phuket Marine Biological Center with several pools of injured turtles treated medically and later released. (Address: Sakdidej Road, Wichit, Mueang Phuket Amphoe, Phuket 83000, Thailand)

Gibbon Rehabilitation Project: The Monkey Aid Project is located less than 20 km from the airport in Khao Pra Theaw National Park. White-handed gibbons are lovingly prepared for a reintroduction into their original habitat in the great outdoors. Volunteer work is possible (Address: 104/3 Moo 3, Paklock, Talang, Phuket 83100, Thailand) www.facebook.com/GibbonRehabilitationProject/

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Protection center for injured elephants. Tours to observe the elephants are offered. Volunteer work is possible. Address: 1 Soi Bhanbangphea, Pa khlok, Thalang 38110, Phuket 83110, Thailand)
www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org/

Soi Dog Foundation Phuket: Aid project for Thailand's stray dogs and cats. A visit to the shelter / shelter is possible. Volunteer work is possible. Address: 167/9 Moo 4, Soi Mai Khao 10, Tambon Mai Khao, Amphur Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand www.soidog.org/

Tours around Phuket
From Phuket many tours are offered. For trips to offshore islands you can choose between day and multi-day tours. James Bond Island is offered as a day tour only.

Here are some of the best tours:
Day Tour James Bond Island
Tour Koh Racha
Tour Coral Island
Tour Koh Yao Yai
Tour Koh Yao Noi
Tour Koh Phi Phi
Island tours on Phuket

Phuket Town Tour

Tour to Phang-NgaTour to Khao Lak

The most famous beaches are Patong, Kata, Surin, Kamala and Karon. Both in the main and off season, these beaches are very well visited. But Phuket has a lot of other smaller and quieter beaches in addition to its main beaches with many hotels. Especially the beaches near the airport are still relatively quiet and there are usually only smaller resorts.

Patong Beach
The City Beach of Patong is Phuket's best known beach. In addition to many hotels for all budgets, Patong offers a vibrant nightlife along Beach Road and Soi Bangla. But the powdery fine sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. Since some Longtails and larger cruise ships drive here and create the side of the beach, the water is usually a bit churned with sand and does not seem so clear. However, you can swim here anyway. In the meantime, there are virtually no umbrellas and beach chairs more at Phuket's beaches, but there are many shops along the beach road, where you can buy umbrellas and beach towels cheap. The visibility under water is limited, which is why the water is not suitable for snorkeling here.
 
Kata Beach
One of the most popular beaches is undoubtedly Kata Beach. It is one of the neighboring beaches of Patong Beach and Phuket's 2nd largest tourist center. It is a bit quieter here than in Patong - but there is always a lot going on. The fine sandy beach is relatively wide and invites families to relax. Near the beach there are many restaurants and shops, where you can buy his beach equipment cheap. In the town and along the beach are also many hotels in different price ranges. Also for the evening entertainment is provided here: In addition to some bars and restaurants with live music, there are also many shops and a large permanent market to stroll.
Due to the surf and waves in the beach area the visibility is limited under water, so the water is not suitable for snorkeling here. But the stand is suitable for surfing and you can see some people with bodyboards. You can also go jet skiing here in a separate area.

Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi Beach is right next to Kata Beach, but is much less crowded. Here you can always find a free section where the sun and the sea can be enjoyed. The Kata Noi Beach is framed on both sides by a beautiful rocky bay and at the northern end of it is even a small coral reef. In addition to surfing, you can also go snorkelling and diving here.

Karon Beach
Karon Beach is located in the south of Phuket, adjacent to Kata Beach. The beach is very spacious and you can always find a place. However, you are looking for shade in vain, since there are no trees or palm trees on the beach. That's why this stand is only suitable for real sun worshipers. North of the beach there is also a small lake (Karon Park) with a grassy area that you can visit.
The evening entertainment is also provided here: In addition to mini-golf in Dinopark, there are several bars and restaurants with live music and many shops as well as a large permanent market (Karon Market) that invite you to stroll.

Surin & Kamala Beach
On the north side of Patong Beach you will find Surin and Kamala Beach. These two beaches are still a bit off the beaten tourist track and are particularly suitable for family holidays, as it is much quieter here. Both beaches are very spacious. The sand is a bit coarser. The water is very clean and clear. In the villages and Along the beaches are some hotels and restaurants in different price ranges. At Kamala Beach, just off the beach is Phuket Fantasea. Here you can eat very well in the evening and there is a theme park with animals and traditional Thai dance.

Laem Singh Beach
Located between Kamala and Surin Beach, there is a smaller beach called Laem Singh. Actually (since 2017) the beach is closed! Before the access to the beach was a bit hidden in a curve of the road and signposted only with a small sign. Meanwhile, parking for mopeds costs 20 THB, for cars 40 THB and the visit to the beach about 100 THB per person. In the morning, the beach is still quite empty, but that changes in the midday, especially in the high season. On the beach there is also a small bar with drinks and umbrellas and sun loungers. The beach is perfect for enjoying the sun and swimming. Attention: the beach is now only open for high season. It is a private property! In the period from mid / end of April to about October, the beach remains closed.

Bangtao Beach
Bangtao Beach is located in the north, approximately in the middle of the island. The beach is one of the natural beaches and lies away from the tourist strongholds. As a result, the water is very clear and the beach is never really crowded. For those seeking peace, the Bangtao Beach is ideal. In the evening there is a manageable nightlife with some live music in bars and restaurants. In addition to relaxing on the beach you can also visit Phuket Adventure Mini Golf, a very nice mini golf course.
 

Layan Beach
The Layan Beach is adjacent to the Bang Tao Beach and is a real dream beach: fine sand, few swimmers, palm trees and sun tired. The beach is very idyllic and quiet. There are several restaurants and bars that rent beach chairs and umbrellas (100-150 THB per day per lounger). The restaurants offer cheap food & drinks. For music lovers, visit the Dream Beach Club. Changing DJs play here and the club has an attractive interior, great loungers and a pool area.

Naithon Beach
The Naithon Beach is still one of Phuket's quiet beaches, as it is located in the north off the tourist centers on a little-used road. Some hotels, restaurants and food stalls have settled here. The beach is very wide and beautiful and the water very clear. It is very suitable for families here.

Nai Yang Beach
The Nai Yang beach is not necessarily the most beautiful and peaceful due to its proximity to the airport. The beach has been restored to its natural state and those who do not like crowds, it will be here very much. Several restaurants and stands right on the beach invite you to eat and drink and swimming is very possible here. The large offshore coral reef is home to many different types of fish. The beach is also a place where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand. Unfortunately, the number of turtles has dropped sharply in recent years.

Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is located in the Sirinat National Marine Park. The northern part of the beach towards Phang Nga is almost deserted and just amazing! The southern part of the beach is not necessarily the quietest beach due to its proximity to the airport. But very special here is that the planes are almost landing on the beach: the runway of Phuket Airports starts right behind. Aircraft lovers can watch great takeoffs and landings here and you can also wait here on the beach for your own departure. The beach is only rarely visited and over 10 km long. There are only a few hotels here. However, the sea and the current here are relatively strong, so you should definitely pay attention to the flagging. In May Khao there is also a Wakeboard Park (International Wake Park Phuket). During the breeding season from November to February, Mai Khao is also the place where the endangered giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs in the sand, returning each year to the beach where they hatched themselves. The JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa and the Minor Hotel Group have generously donated the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, which monitors the ecosystem and seeks to increase the turtle population.

Hua Beach

Hua Beach is located west of Kamala Beach. It is an idyllic, small beach, which is very little frequented. Usually you only meet a few Thais here. The clear water is very good for snorkeling.

Freedom Beach
The Freedom Beach is between the Patong and Karon Beach, but a bit hidden. A steep gravel road and a staircase leads to the beach. The beach is very nice and despite the arduous way it is well visited. The entrance fee is 200 THB. From Patong or Karon you can also go with the long tail boat. Compared to Patong or Karon this beach is much quieter.

Nai Harn
Nai Harn Beach is located almost entirely in the south of Phuket. This beach is quite large and has a fine white sandy beach. For swimming and relaxing, it is perfect here, for snorkeling, the Nai Harn is only partially attractive. In the main season it is very crowded. In the off-season you have to pay attention to the waves and the flagging, as the waves here literally carry along.

Ao Sane Beach
The Ao Sane Beach is still one of the secrets among Phuket's beaches. Only a few meters behind the Nai Harn Beach, the visitor expects a fine, small dream beach here. Ao Sane Beach is the perfect place to spend the whole day. The water is crystal clear and the beach is lined with rocks, which makes this beach attractive for snorkelers. Access to the beach by car or scooter is through the underground car park of the Royal Phuket Yachts Club, then follow a narrow road for about 3 km and then come to a parking lot. From here it is a few meters down to the Ao Sane. There is also a small dive shop here and Ao Sane has its own house reef. A small restaurant invites you for lunch and dinner to eat and drink.

Ya Nui Beach
The small Ya Nui Beach is located right next to Rawai Beach. It is a small picturesque beach, not overcrowded, and visible from the Windmill Viewpoint. There are some rocks in the water, but the water is clear and suitable for swimming and snorkeling. There are two restaurants across the street that invite to eat and drink.

Rawai Beach
The Rawai Beach is located in the immediate vicinity of Ya Nui Beach and is located in the district Chalong. The beach is particularly used by boat operators, as the boats to many neighboring islands. For swimming and relaxing the beach is not suitable. On the beach promenade, however, are a number of fish restaurants and you have a beautiful view of the sea to the neighboring islands (Bon Island, Koh Lone etc).

Laem Ka Beach
The Laem Ka Beach is still one of the secrets among Phuket's beaches. It starts shortly after the place Chalong, a bit hidden and is one of the most beautiful beaches of Phuket. The beach is not signposted. Here you can really relax and unwind. The beach is really clean and the water is crystal clear. Thus, it is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In a small area (the so-called Green Zone) parasols and towel may be placed.