The beautiful beaches are without doubt one of the best things to do in Phuket. With over 2,000 miles of glorious palm fringed coastline to choose from, you can bet there's a stretch to suit you! From north to south here is my guide to some of the best beaches on the island.

Nai Yang beach is a sweep of white sand on the doorstep of Sirinat National Park. It has a short transfer time from the airport and a handful of local restaurants and shops. Being so close to the national park, development has been limited and sun loungers are not allowed to be on the beach, so it retains its natural beauty. 

Nai Thon is a lovely, quiet beach where you can explore the surrounding rocky coves by longtail boat.

Beautiful Bang Tao beach is one of the longest beaches in Phuket and close to the facilities of the Laguna area, home to a variety of hotels, shops and restaurants. This makes it particularly good for families.

Kamala and Surin are both idyllic beaches that offer a quieter pace of life.

Kata and Karon are gorgeous beaches with a lively atmosphere and plenty of bars and restaurants and even markets to entertain you. They are also close to Phuket Town and the even more lively neighbouring Patong Beach if you fancy a night on the tiles.

Kata Noi and Nai Harn are both stunning southern beaches that are much quieter than their neighbours but have easy access to the bars and restaurants of Kata.

Panwa Beach is tranquil and has beautiful sunsets.

If I had to choose my favourites, I would have to go for Nai Yang - the perfect balance between beauty and having a local atmosphere or Kata Noi, one of the best beaches I have seen in Thailand and only a few minutes from Kata for a few beers and a huge choice of places to eat.

Phuket is so much more than just a beach destination, and as it’s quite a large island, there is so much to see and do. There’s something here for everyone, from adrenalin junkies to small children, to those looking for a romantic stay.

If it’s romance that you're looking for, you have come to the right place! Once you have decided which fabulous hotel to stay at its time to plan some excursions and special touches to make your honeymoon, anniversary or romantic break perfect. Most hotels will offer various private dining experiences, my favourite is a private dinner for two on the beach with candlelight and lanterns once the sun goes down. A couples massage is always a treat and sometimes it is possible to have this in the privacy of your villa so that you don't even have to venture out to the spa.

Island hopping is both exciting and romantic, and one of the best things to do in Phuket. Explore the beautifully dramatic limestone outcrops of Phang Nha Bay and James Bond Island on a speedboat tour; a great way to spend a day in Phuket.

Families with children of all ages will find something that appeals, if you can tear the kids away from the pools and kids’ clubs! Dino Park in Kata offers a winning combination of dinosaurs and mini golf; the awe-inspiring Big Buddha near Chalong is well worth a visit; and Baan Teelanka, the ‘upside down house’, is one of the most unusual places I have visited! 

Phuket's old town is also well worth a visit. Its historic Sino-Portugese shop houses have been beautifully restored and the town is now home to a thriving cafe culture.  

For the active traveller there's ziplining, white water rafting, scenic viewpoints to hike to plus a whole host of watersports from diving and snorkelling to kayaking and surfing… you’re spoilt for things to do in Phuket!

Thailand is famous for its markets and its food and Phuket doesn't disappoint on either count. Night markets are perfect for exploring and experiencing new sights, sounds and smells. With the heat of the day gone you can wander through the stalls looking for souvenirs, gifts or a snack - deep fried scorpion anyone? If the scorpion doesn't appeal, I highly recommend a banana pancake topped with condensed milk as a much more palatable option!

If you'd rather hunt for your bargains in air-conditioned comfort, then Phuket has a great selection of shopping malls to choose from. They can often offer a calming respite, especially if you’re exploring with young children, and a great source of familiar food favourites if the exotic market fare is proving a little overwhelming for your little ones. Jungceylon and Centra Festival Malls are two of the most popular.

The busier beaches will all have their own night markets most evenings but perhaps the best one to visit is the Phuket Town or Walking Street Market. There’s a great variety of stalls to explore and the setting amongst the colourful colonial houses is wonderful; definitely one of the best things to do in Phuket.

Markets are also a great place to try street food and local dishes. As well as the usual Thai dishes of Pad Thai and green Thai curry, be sure to try some traditional Phuket Peranakan cuisine. Chinese, Malaysian and Indian influences are evident in stir fried hokkein noodles, creamy bowls of curry served with flaky roti and moo hong - pork belly simmered in a fragrant five-spice broth.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure with your beach holiday and want to experience Thailand's wildlife and beautiful scenery, then Khao Sok National Park is the place to go. The limestone backdrop to the rainforest makes for amazing views which you can appreciate from your balcony, from a canoe or from a Burmese junk boat! Along with this breathtaking scenery, what makes it extra special is meeting its residents: the majestic Asian elephants. 

A stay at Elephant Hills Tented Camp gives you the chance to have a close encounter with the elephants and learn about their daily lives from the mahouts who care for them. You will also visit the stunning Cheow Larn Lake and can even stay overnight at the floating camp there.

Khao Sok is a three hour road transfer from Phuket. After your stay you can return to Phuket or go on the beaches of Krabi (three hours), Koh Samui (five hours) or Khao Lak (one hour). This is definitely one of the best things to do in Phuket if time allows!