Phuket is the largest Thai island and is located off the west coast of the mainland in the Andaman Sea. It's a great destination for sun worshippers as it has year-round sunshine. It's particularly famous for its west-shore beach resorts, such as Patong, Karon Bay and Beach, Bang Tao, Siray Bay, Hat Surin and Kata Noi.

Entertainment options are plentiful in Phuket. There are restaurants of all types and you will find delicious barbeque seafood on Surin Beach and gourmet Thai specialities in southern Kata beach restaurants, which are well known for fine dining. You can go for an eco-tour at one of the island's national parks - Khao Lak-Lan Ru or Khao Phrathaenu. Here you can take a trek through the forests on an elephant or on foot or ride a bamboo raft along tree-lined rivers. You could also visit the Wat Phra Thong Temple, Thalang National Museum or Chalong Temple.

The island's capital has many things to see and do. The Phuket Aquarium and Phuket Butterfly Farm are both fun experiences. Why not try your luck at AC's Fishing Park, where you can catch all kinds of fish? Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in Phuket Town then head out to the cliffs at Prom Thep Cape to watch the sunset and visit the shrine.

A holiday in Phuket is not complete without a boat trip. Take in the beautiful island of Phi Phi and then visit the 'James Bond island' at Phang Nga Bay. If you arrive in the right season then you can take a trip to turtle-nesting sites. Snorkelling and diving are very popular and the sea life is spectacular wherever you go.

Phuket is an island with much to offer every type of holiday maker. It's great for water sports and has nightlife of all kinds, from the quiet and peaceful to full-on parties. Spas, golf, scuba diving and snorkelling combine with shopping and sunbathing to create a perfect holiday experience.

The majority of visitors to the island arrive in Phuket International Airport (HKT), usually on connecting flights from the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Expect to be in the air for an average of 14 hours at least.

Direct Phuket flights are available from some international destinations. Some tourists drive on to the island over the two road bridges that join it to the mainland.

While Phuket International Airport (HKT) is a busy airport, it is still quite modest by world-wide standards. However, transfer provisions are good and prices competitive.

As soon as you hit arrivals and get your luggage, expect to be approached by private hire drivers offering to drive you into town.

If you are confident and know Phuket, this may be an option for those who enjoy haggling, but it is recommended that if you have a lot of luggage, you take an official taxi. These are available to the right of the terminal and are well signed.

Expect the following journey times: approximately 30 minutes to Phuket central, 40 minutes to Patong Beach and around one hour to Kata Beach and Karon Beach.

If you want to really save money and any hassle over fares, take the airport bus. However, this only runs hourly from 06:30 to 21:30 into Phuket central. You can buy a ticket in advance. It does take longer, however, as you have to wait to drop off other passengers along your journey.

Many travellers who arrive in groups opt to take a mini-bus which is very handy but costs a little more.

There is a huge range of accommodation available, from basic backpacker hotels through to a wide choice of luxury and high-end facilities which are known for their excellent standards of service.

Recommended resorts include: Kata and Patong for stunning beaches and good nightlife. Surin and Kamala beaches attract a more laidback traveller and these are great for those who do not wish to party, but who want to enjoy a great beach holiday with water sports and superb facilities.