Thailand: Best Beaches in Phuket

Phuket. The mere whisper of the word evokes hair-trigger impressions from those who have been and, indeed, from those who have yet to go. Whether pro Phuket or con, the province is a dynamo and, Bangkok aside, the most popular tourist target in Thailand.

Deride the crass over-development and haphazard chaos of Patong, Phuket lures millions of package holiday partisans, moneyed globetrotters, backpacker beach bums, tireless wanderlusters and, indeed, all manner of traveller in between year in and year out. All for good reason too.

Phuket simply has it all. Affordable and a considerable 543 square km, the island has enough heft to herald both the promise of a Full Moon Party-like vibe if you so desire, or, for those in the serenity-now camp, the possibility of a pristine beach and chichi resort.

So whether you want to revel or relax, cavort or catnap, Phuket has a beach for you. With that in mind, discover our top picks in the peerless island province for Andaman Sea bliss.

 Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Although Patong loosely translates as “forest festooned with banana leaves”, Phuket’s linchpin hive of activity hardly resonates with that kind of idyll anymore. It is what it is. Outside of the nightlife node our favourite beaches in Phuket include:

Kamala Beach

North of Patong, Kamala is a Muslim village in a pocket of Phuket free from major tourist developments. Some hotels, some remarkable seafood and other than the incessant hum of tuk-tuks, relatively quiet.

Kata Beach

Kata is a welcome departure from the island’s other seaside tourist spots. You can get in a good swim and the coral reef delivers a decent snorkel, with regular bus service to and from Phuket Town from dawn to dusk.

Mai Khao Beach

Discernible stretches of deserted sand make Mai Khao a go-to beach for privacy-seekers.

Nai Han Beach

Anchor the yacht and take a paradisal dip in warm, aquamarine waters: this is Nai Han in the dry season. Come in the wet season, however, and the waves chop like a hasty night market cook. The beach is just north of Promthep Cape.

Rawai Beach

Commune with Chao Ley sea gypsy culture and book a charter past the reefs. Rawai Beach is a rare gem.

Racha Yai Island

Racha Yai Island proves that some of the best beaches in Phuket are still in the province but not necessarily on the main island. This wee island 24 km southeast of Chalong pier on the east coast of Phuket is pure paradise, with a photogenic postcard beach to boot.

Top 10 Rooftop Bars

So many rooftops, so little time to enjoy the thousands around the world that have been converted into trendy nightspots with comfy sectional seating, pools and restaurants. It seems that every major city has a rooftop bar scene, and they’re a must for any hotel claiming to be an arbiter of cool.

 
To narrow it all down, we've chosen the 10 best. Some are coveted A-list hangouts demanding key-card access or a VIP pass. Some are thoughtfully designed. Or they’re on the rooftops of the world’s highest buildings. Still other bars were chosen for their killer views -- and we don’t just mean of the waitresses.

Vue Bar at the Shanghai Hyatt

This two-floor bar-lounge has a wooden and brick ground floor lounge with a circular cocktail bar, DJ and reversible daybeds. Further up a spiral case on its terrace, you get unsurpassed views of the Bund (the hotel is a five-minute walk from this waterfront area in central Shanghai) and Pudong. A marble Jacuzzi is surrounded by daybeds and armchairs, and these all fill up early in the evening (including the Jacuzzi). The result is a go-to chic drinking establishment for the expat community and visiting Westerners.

Three Sixty at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, St. Louis, Missouri

Cardinals diehards are given a bird’s-eye view of Busch Stadium from this bar 25 stories up, so it’s no wonder there are lineups to get into Three Sixty during baseball season. But it’s so well-designed and cozy, we predict it’ll become a year-round hangout. Fire pits are positioned strategically throughout an outdoor patio, enabling comfortable alfresco lounging in cold weather. And there’s plenty of indoor seating and flat screens for you to watch hockey on while nibbling on upscale sports-bar fare this winter.

Sky Blue at Sky Lodge, Park City, Utah 

A pool table in your hotel suite? Sky Lodge, in Park City’s historic Old Town, offers many wow moments like these, including a rooftop with views of the Wasatch Mountains. Try a Pommard, Park City’s official winter cocktail for this year, with Calvados, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom, as you slip into the bar’s oversize hot tub. Or tiptoe over radiant-heated floors to grab a spot by the fireplace. You’re very close to being able to shake off a hangover on the slopes. The resort has ski-in/ski-out access to Park City Mountain Resort, one of the U.S.A.'s best.

Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Munch on Mexican and Spanish tapas on the roof of this urban resort in a UNESCO World Heritage Site city. Luna Bar is a cozy place to observe the goings-on below on cobblestone lanes of San Miguel, north of Mexico City. And the new hotel fits right into its character-filled surroundings, featuring colonial-inspired wide stone staircases leading to airy courtyards or high-ceilinged guest suites.

Sky Yard at the Drake Hotel, Toronto

We’ll tip our hat to the Thompson Toronto’s super-trendy rooftop bar and pool, where Bay Street bankers and traders are known to book rooms for the night just to secure access to the guest-only schmooze-fest upstairs. But we like to give credit for originality, too, and the Drake Hotel, west of downtown, has an edgier, arty scene complemented by its “pop-up” rooftop bar. The theme of Sky Yard changes every few months, as do the drinks menu, décor, art installations, and music. Last fall, the bar was set up as a beer garden, featuring vintage Oktoberfest picnic seating imported from bygone German bier-fests local microbrews served by dirndl-clad hostesses.

Mikla at the Marmara Pera, Istanbul

This combination bar and fine-dining restaurant also has an outdoor pool and DJ, and it’s done in minimalist white-on-white that looks positively South Beach-y. Mikla’s vibe is mellow, with a soothing Bosphorus view and -- here’s the best part -- a sophisticated and original menu by Turkish-Finnish chef-owner Mehmet Gürs (try the monkfish, dill, lemon, and fennel risotto). This is the most exclusive rooftop in the city, but if you prefer a nightclub-y, electric atmosphere, finish your meal and head to 360° Istanbul, a famous alfresco disco-bar with live stage atop the historic Misir Apartments, where jet-setting celebrities -- from Formula 1 drivers to Paris Hilton -- keep the party going into the wee hours.

Sky Bar at Hotel Lebua, Bangkok

Sky Bar is on the 63rd floor, attached to Sirocco, one of the Thai capital’s best restaurants. And if The Ritz claims to have the world’s tallest rooftop bar, Sky Bar, 650 feet above Bangkok and its Chao Phraya River, is billed as the tallest alfresco watering hole. Order a signature Hangovertini of green tea liqueur, apple juice, sweet vermouth, and rosemary-infused honey, commemorating scenes from last summer’s The Hangover II, which were shot from the circular neon bar.

OZONE at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Banker and broker heaven since it opened along with The Ritz earlier this year, OZONE is the highest bar atop the world’s tallest hotel. Its lounge and outdoor terrace are on the 118th floor of the International Commerce Centre, an office-shopping complex in West Kowloon that’s packed with power brokers from Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, whose Asian head offices are on lower floors. Shimmying on a neon dance floor, you’ll take in unrivaled views of the skyscraper-filled downtown.

 

Above 6 at The Thompson Hotel, New York City

 

Above 6 at 6 Columbus opened in May as the latest of Thompson Hotels’ signature rooftop bars. It has a Columbus Circle address in Midtown Manhattan, a cozy contemporary outdoor fireplace and features Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, with a retractable roof for all-weather dining. Above 6 is open to the public by reservation, unlike Thompson's other rooftop bars, where you need to be a guest of the hotel to get in or be one of a few celebs handpicked each year to receive a “membership card.”

 Aer at the Four Seasons Mumbai

The city’s highest bar-lounge, Aer, covers the entire 34th floor rooftop of this new hotel situated in an emerging commercial district in south Mumbai. Order a champagne cocktail and chicken tikka pizza during daily half-price “sunset happy hour.” Or stay for the evening, gazing out to the Arabian Sea, while a DJ spins house and funk.

10 most beautiful places in the world to wake up in

Even if you’re not a morning person, opening your eyes in a fresh destination is guaranteed to give an extra kick to your spirits. And when you’re surrounded by lotus ponds, mountain-filled horizons, a symphony of fountains, or views of minarets, the sound of the alarm clock is the sweetest thing you’ll ever hear. Here are some of the world’s loveliest wake-up calls.

Maui, USA

 

As if the murmuring waves, frolicking whales, waterfalls and jungles outside your door weren’t enough to get you throwing back the covers, Maui also serves up some of Hawaii’s best vistas. Try out sunrise over the volcanic crater at Haleakalā National Park or from the spectacular road to Hana.
 

İstanbul, Turkey

There are few things more magical than getting up on a rooftop before dawn to listen to this city wake. As the mournful cries of the muezzins issuing the call to prayer weave over one another and the sky lightens behind the minarets, you’ll be working up an appetite for a sumptuous Turkish breakfast to fuel your perfect İstanbul day.
 

Queensland, Australia

The top corner of Australia basks in 300 days of sunshine a year, so there’s a fine chance of being greeted by a stunning blue sky when you open your eyes. Continue the theme with a trip into the forest to look for glowingly blue butterflies or a snorkel in brilliant blue seas.
 

Paris, France

Waking with your beloved in this grand romantic film set of a city still just can’t be beat. And whatever time you drag yourself from those tangled sheets, Paris will be looking its best (hell, even the streetlamps are picture-perfect). What will you share for breakfast? A baguette or a brulée?
 

Big Sur, USA

You’ll sleep so well in these laidback parts that it’s easy to wake up smiling – and if you’re here in fog season, dawn can be one golden glow. Keep yourself smirking with a pastry from the Big Sur bakery (with hummingbird floor show!) or a saunter through the redwood forest.
 

Mendoza, Argentina

You might be waking up slow here after an evening sampling the famous wines of this sophisticated desert city. But with fountains in just about every plaza, chances are you’ll be surfacing to the soothing sound of burbling water. (Make sure to have a glass by your bed!)
 

Mumbai, India

This brash, breakneck city shows another face at dawn. With the sun rising in a rosy, hazy bubble over the sea, it’s time to head to Sassoon Docks to see a fishing scene virtually unchanged for centuries (just don’t get in the way of the fisherfolk!). Cap off your morning with a stroll through Colaba to see the pastel Art Deco buildings take the light, and a spicy chai on Arthur Bunder Road.
 

Hong Kong, China

Waking up in Hong Kong can be any kind of beautiful you want it to be. Like it pacy? Kick yourself out of bed to join the buzzing streets and track down something fishy and spicy for breakfast. Like it lyrical? Start slow with dawn tai chi and a tram to the top of Victoria Peak to take in the early morning views.
 

Rocky Mountains, USA

Heady alpine air, adventure sports, majestic peaks looming on the skyline – a week or two here and you’ll be so fizzing with health you’ll fairly spring from the pillow. Ever hear of a Rocky Mountain high? You’re about to wake up to one.
 

Bali, Indonesia

It’s a crowded little paradise, but it’s still possible to find your own special corner to watch the rising sun paint the rice paddies pink and lavender. And there’s nothing quite so sweet as spending the morning lushing around with a lover amongst the lotus flowers of the island’s upmarket spas and resorts.

World's top 10 beach destinations

Beaches, bays and impressive coastlines beckon almost all Australian travellers. However, not everyone is wowed by the same waves, and everyone has their own idea of what their perfect beach might be. We have selected their top 10 best beaches in the world, taking into account the off-the-beaten-track beauties and the best-value beach hotel hotspots.


Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia

Located 7km from Broome, Cable Beach is one of Australia's best beach destinations. Bordering the Indian Ocean, and surrounded by the vast inland wildernesses of Western Australia, Cable Beach has an atmospheric 'last outpost' feel, not to mention 22.5km of pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Cable Beach is renowned for its sunsets, which can be enjoyed while riding a camel along the beach, or from the comfort of one of the many beachside restaurants. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Ao Nang is known as Thailand's best all-round beach destination, due to its central location in the Andaman Sea and magnificent scenery. Ao Nang beach is relatively untouched, and days can be spent relaxing by the shore or taking part in one of the many activities on offer, such as snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. The equally spectacular Railey Beach is only a 15-minute ferry ride away and is approximately two hours from Phuket. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Nha Trang Beach, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is known as Vietnam's ultimate 'traditional' seaside resort - a lively coastal town where travellers relax by day and party by night. Nha Trang Bay is considered among the world's most beautiful bays, and its signature beach is long and flat with golden sands and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It is also the gateway to a cluster of quieter islands which offer outstanding snorkelling and scuba diving trips. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Paradise Beach and others, Yasawa Island, Fiji

Yasawa Island is famous for its fine sand and exquisite beaches, including Paradise Beach and Champagne Beach. Its limestone caves also put the Island on the map when Brooke Shields gallivanted there in the 1980s blockbuster movie, The Blue Lagoon. Yasawa Island, the largest of about 20 volcanic islands in Fiji's Yasawa island archipelago, is renowned for its spectacular rugged scenery and palm-fringed white sandy beaches. Yasawa Island is the only island in this outlying archipelago with an airstrip. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Azeda Beach, Buzios, Brazil

Armacao dos Buzios (better known as Buzios) is a peninsula surrounded by 8km of islands and beaches, and made famous in the 1960s when film star Brigette Bardot passed through, drawing the attention of adventurous tourists around the world. The beach is now dotted with hip restaurants, bars and boutiques. Buzios' premier beach, Azeda Beach, is considered one of the prettiest in Brazil. The beach boasts a 300m stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear water. With waves virtually non-existent, it is perfect for snorkelling. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Located about 30 minutes' drive from Honolulu - in the town of Kailua - Lanikai Beach is a 500m stretch of powdered sugar sand, and a perfect spot for travellers seeking a quiet, remote location to relax. It is sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef and has a clear view of the spectacular Na Mokulua islands, certainly living up to its translated name, 'heavenly sea'. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Isola Bella Beach, Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Located on the east coast of Sicily, with views of Mt Etna, and protected by the bay and mountains, Isola Bella Beach is without a doubt one of Sicily's most prized natural assets. Located close to Taormina, a quintessential Italian beach town that's popular with artists and celebrities, this pebbly beach offers extremely inviting crystal clear water to take a dip or snorkel in. Depending on the tide, beachgoers can walk to Isola Bella, the nature reserve on the tiny islet adjoining the beach. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

 
Actually four adjacent beaches separated by giant granite boulders, and set against the most spectacular backdrop of the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range, Clifton Beach is considered one of Cape Town's 'glamour' spots - where the rich and famous live and beach-loving locals and tourists go to relax. Although sheltered from the prevailing Southeaster in the summer, the chilly Atlantic Ocean means a quick dip is all that is required to cool down from the baking sun. The best time of the day is just before sunset, as you can kick back to watch the sun set over the sea. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica

Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Jamaica has long been the playground of sun worshippers the world over. On its western shores - at Negril - is Seven Mile Beach. Close to scores of hotels that hug the shoreline, it is the longest continuous stretch of beach in Jamaica. At the end of the beach is a lighthouse with majestic views of the surrounding cliffs and spectacular rock formations. Check out Expedia's flight deals and recommended hotels.

Mughsayl Beach, Salahah, Oman

Salalah, in southern Oman, has a unique charm with its coconut groves and banana plantations growing right to the water's edge. It is also blessed with great beaches, popular for swimming and beach football. Mughsayl Beach is one of the most popular of Oman's 2700km of untouched sandy beaches. During rainy season the huge waves cause dramatic explosions of water through blowholes at one end of the beach - it's a sight to behold.