Phuket lifestyle

Although the range of handcrafts is not as plentiful as that of Bangkok, there are still lots of wonderful bargains to pick up, especially if you are looking for stunning silk and custom-made clothing. The shopping in Phuket is different in different areas - Phuket City offers hypermarkets and the delightful 'Old Phuket' area, where the antiques are as lovely as the architecture. Different vendors line the streets in Patong Beach selling souvenirs, clothing and accessories. For some more upmarket boutiques, visit Bang Tao and Surin beaches.

Thai cuisine is famed throughout the world and largely based on simple and fresh ingredients, each with their own distinct taste, from lemongrass and coriander to fish sauce and ginger. Dishes are generally shared by all diners and eaten with rice. Famous dishes include ‘tom yum’ - a coconut milk-based soup with prawns, ginger and lemongrass, ‘phad Thai’ - noodles with chicken topped with peanuts, green and red Thai curries, or for dessert, sticky rice and mangoes. To drink, sample a bottle of Singha, the local beer, coconut milk, or the delicious fresh tropical fruit juices on offer.

The main nightlife frequented by tourists is in Patong Beach, which offers bars, clubs and restaurants galore, and you will definitely find somewhere to party. Karon Beach is a bit quieter, and is more popular for a late dinner and drink watching the sunset. Phuket Town offers some great venues for live music.