Experience the Pearl of Thailand. Known as the Pearl of Thailand, Phuket is a fully fledged international playground for those who like life's excesses. Swamped with many resorts, go-go bars and night time activities, Phuket can be seen as being nothing but a tourist trap but if you take the time to explore the island, you can find some beautiful spots. The main centres are the beaches, Patong, Karon and Kata. Although these areas are famed for their nightlife, the beaches themselves are fantastic during the day time and the surrounding waters contain a lot of colourful marine life, offering superb scuba diving. Phuket town is notable for its old European style architecture. The main occupation of the locals not in the tourist industry is rubber plant cultivation while a few are engaged in the cultivation of coconuts, rice, fruits and fishing. < Back to Islands