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I spent a lot of time planning for a 3-week trip to Phuket and Krabi, and it was an amazing trip — one of the best!
As a lone female traveller, I felt pretty safe in Phuket going around by myself aside from some men trying to start "friendly" conversations.
It's true that Phuket is quite a bit more expensive than Chiang Mai, but I like it so much better! There was more than enough to do every day... so many gorgeous beaches, stunning islands, and more!
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For
mid-range accommodation during high season (Decemeber/January), I was paying
700 baht (Phuket Town) to
2000 baht (private bungalow with a pool). Most
decent rooms near the beach cost
1200 to 1500 baht. All the beaches and attractions are listed from my favorite to the least favorite. Enjoy!
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Karon Beach ( ★
map ), located in the southwest of Phuket, is probably my favorite! This artsy area has just the right mix of touristy and quiet. I stayed at Casa Brazil ( ■
map ) and thought it was amazing!
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Rawai Beach ( ★
map ), in the southeast of Phuket, is a laid back place that's also the departure point for nearby islands. Not really for swimming, but there are some lovely beachside restaurants that aren't so crowded so you can enjoy lunch in peace looking over the ocean.
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Patong Beach ( ★
map ), located in the southwest of Phuket above Karon Beach, is an über touristy area near Soi Bangla ( ●
map ) where there are lots of bars and clubs in action all night. Many think Patong is the what all of Phuket is like and dislike it because it's too crowded and loud with tourists jet-skiing and parasailing, but I find it to be very convenient. Shop and watch movies at Jungceylon ( ●
map ), a big shopping mall. Hotel Swiss Garden ( ■
map ) is a decent place to stay.
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Kata Beach ( ★
map ), located in the southwest of Phuket south of Karon Beach, has white sands and is popular with surfers and families.
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Bang Tao Beach ( ★
map ), in the west of Phuket, is the home of many luxury resorts. It's a nice place to have a drink and read.
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Surin Beach ( ★
map ), in the west of Phuket just south of Bang Tao Beach, has turquoise water and luxury resorts — a good place to have a meal on the beach!
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Kamala Beach ( ★
map ), north of Patong Beach and south of Surin Beach, is a quieter beach popular amongst older people.
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Nai Harn Beach ( ★
map ) is a quiet beach with lots of boats in the southwest of Phuket.
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Nai Yang Beach ( ★ map )
is located in the northwest of Phuket, near the airport. I originally came here hoping to see sea turtles but was told there hasn't been any for ages. The beach and the sand are not as nice as other beaches in Phuket, but it's much quieter and a bit less touristy.
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Nai Thon Beach ( ★ map )
is another quieter beach in the northwest of Phuket, just south of Nai Yang Beach, with sand that's not as nice as other beaches in Phuket.
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Kalim Beach ( ★
map ), north of Patong Beach and south of Kamala Beach, is a rocky beach with street vendors.
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Chalong Bay ( ★
map ), in the southeast of Phuket, is the departure point for a lot of island-hopping day trips.
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