Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and its most visited beach destination — a diverse province ranging from the raucous nightlife of Patong Beach to the peaceful fishing villages of the interior. The Andaman Sea delivers some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery: limestone karst islands in Phang Nga Bay (the James Bond Island), world-class diving at Similan Islands, and beautiful beaches from Kata to Surin. Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese heritage architecture and vibrant food scene provide a welcome contrast to the beachfront scene. The Vegetarian Festival (October) is one of Thailand's most intense and extraordinary cultural events, featuring firewalking and ritual body piercing.