Phuket is Thailand’s largest island...
... and has a local population of around 230,000 with tourism as the main source of income. The administrative center is Phuket Town and the premier tourist center is Patong Beach, and of course with the largest gay community on the island. The main concentration of gay bars and activities are found around the aptly named “Paradise Complex”, with more than 43 haunts for gays to frequent. There are also other smaller gay areas, bars, restaurants and hotels dotted around Patong Beach, all to be enjoyed, which makes Patong Beach one of the biggest gay venues in Thailand. Once a year the local gay community, and gay tourists, go extra wild and celebrate the “Phuket Gay Festival” in carnival style with parades and special shows, especially in the “Paradise Complex” area. The next one is scheduled for the 1st-3rd of February 2002.

Not only gay activities are special in Patong Beach and Phuket as they both have a lot more to offer, from beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, picturesque lagoons, pearl farms, butterfly garden, elephant jungle treks, grand temples and stunning old Portuguese architecture. In addition there are numerous sightseeing spots, one favored among them, by locals and tourist alike, is Cape Phrom Thep, the southern-most point on the island and a perfect place for watching Phuket's famous sunsets. Phuket is also bordered by the spectacular land and marine scenery of Phang Nga and Krabi, with there stunning beaches and giant limestone monoliths towering out of the sea. One of the most famous is Kho Ping Kai, better known as “James Bond Island”, plus there is Kho Phi Phi Island, snoozing peacefully some 20 km southeast of Phuket. In and around Phuket there are a myriad of places to enjoy activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing, water-skiing, golfing or simply sitting back and relaxing.

Phuket weather is warm to hot, and sometimes humid, but pleasant all year round as it benefits from cooling monsoon winds. There are only two seasons : The hot season from December - April and the rainy season from May - November, but even during the rainy - off season, Phuket offers ultimate holiday conditions, plus lower prices. The best time to visit Phuket Island is from November to April.

Getting around Patong and Phuket
Except between the main beaches and Phuket Town (10-20 Baht) there are no proper transport systems within Patong or Phuket Town and the only way to get around these places is by “Tuk Tuk” (a small, open mini truck) or by “Motorbike Taxi”. It’s easy to rent a motorcycle or a small car/jeep - BUT please be aware of the locals risky driving habits and drive very carefully as Thai’s seem to make up there own traffic rules as they drive along. Also remember that you drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road in Thailand although you’ll often query this, by the way some Thai’s drive. It might be wiser and safer, to catch a “Tuk Tuk” or a “Motorbike Taxi” to take you around Patong and the island --- remember always negotiate the price before setting off.

Eating out
Phukets Restaurants offer a fabulous variety of Thai and western cuisine, so eating out can be a culinary highlight. Thai food, with its endless varieties and regional nuances is one of the finest in the world, so if you’re prepared to take the plunge with Thai dishes then you’ll experience a host of wonderful, mouthwatering, culinary surprises.

Shopping
There’s hardly anything you can’t get here, but be prepared for ”copy” goods. Thailand is known to be one of the best countries in the world to buy cheap but good quality “copy” items. Casual wear is a real bargain and most of the goods are as good as the original, sport shoes for example. Some of the top brand names are manufactured in Southeast Asia and the production surplus turns up on Thai market stalls. You can actually end up buying the genuine article at a fraction of its normal cost. Check first what you buy as there can be good and bad “copies”. Never accept street vendors first price quote, you have to bargain. Cut a half - 2/3rds off the first price and start bargaining from there and “enjoy your bargaining skills”, same as the street vendors do, but remember never get angry or lose your temper. Make a sporting event out of the whole deal and if you don’t want the goods, smile, say “thank you” and go. Chances are the vendor will run after you offering a new ”lower price”. You don’t bargain in department stores.

Custom tailored clothing is always a good buy. Made-to-Measure silk shirts, trousers or suits can be ready in a day or so and for a fraction of their European price. It’s not only the experience of getting a garment made just for you, but also the thrill choosing from a huge selection of dazzling patterns and materials that’s overwhelming.