I spent a few days on Phuket on the way south from Chiang Mai to Penang. Phuket probably wasn't the wisest choice, as it was sort of a wasted opportunity. I ended up spending all day, every day, on Kata Beach, jumping up and down in the waves, reading, and taking pictures. There is a lot to do there, such as day trips to the 'James Bond Beach'. My plan is to hit a different beach every time I pass through the region, I should have saved Phuket for a trip when I could stay longer, and have time to rest and to do things.
I liked Kata Beach, even though I don't generally go for the long lines of sun beds and umbrellas. (Not that I paid $3 for the privilege. A sarong on the sand was just fine.) It had waves, which were fun, and wasn't nearly as expensive as I thought it would be. The water was a great color, a deep blue-green, and clear. There was always a breeze, so the heat wasn't oppressive and mosquitos couldn't land on me. Also, there is a life guard, and safety flage. Rips are a big problem there, and some beaches are only safe for swimming two months a year, and some of these aren't posted.
If I went back, I'd stay in town for a few days and take the buses to a couple of different beaches, and do a couple of tours, as well as camp at Kata for a while.
I spent a few days on Phuket on the way south from Chiang Mai to Penang. Phuket probably wasn't the wisest choice, as it was sort of a wasted opportunity. I ended up spending all day, every day, on Kata Beach, jumping up and down in the waves, reading, and taking pictures. There is a lot to do there, such as day trips to the 'James Bond Beach'. My plan is to hit a different beach every time I pass through the region, I should have saved Phuket for a trip when I could stay longer, and have time to rest and to do things.
I liked Kata Beach, even though I don't generally go for the long lines of sun beds and umbrellas. (Not that I paid $3 for the privilege. A sarong on the sand was just fine.) It had waves, which were fun, and wasn't nearly as expensive as I thought it would be. The water was a great color, a deep blue-green, and clear. There was always a breeze, so the heat wasn't oppressive and mosquitos couldn't land on me. Also, there is a life guard, and safety flage. Rips are a big problem there, and some beaches are only safe for swimming two months a year, and some of these aren't posted.
If I went back, I'd stay in town for a few days and take the buses to a couple of different beaches, and do a couple of tours, as well as camp at Kata for a while.