Phuket, which sits in the Andaman Sea just off the tip of Phang Nga Province in south-west Thailand, is the country’s biggest island, about 50 kilometers from north to south by about 20 kilometers west-to-east, and covering an area of about 570 square kilometers. The centre of the island consists of a chain of small mountains, the highest being 529 meters (1,700 feet) above sea level.

Most of the tourist action is on the west coast, with its fine white sand beaches. This is where much of the shopping and most of the night life can be found. Recently, however, attention has been shifting to the quieter east coast, with its spectacular views across Phang Nga Bay, and some of the most beautiful villas are to be found along this coast

Mai Khao
At 11 kilometres, this is easily the longest beach on the island and, until recently, one of the least visited, partly because much of the shoreline falls within the Sirinart Marine National Park. With the arrival of some very sleek resorts, it is now increasingly popular, not least because of its convenient proximity to the airport and the delights of Phang Nga, just to the north of the island.