Phuket Tips

It isn't necessary to learn Thai for a short stay - Thai people speak proficient English. But though the writing looks completely alien, it's pretty easy to learn a handful of basic greetings, questions and numbers. And the Thais will love you for it, even if you don't get the tone right.

Wear bikini tops and surfer shorts only on the beach. Lose those flip flops and don long pants before entering temples.

October sees the arrival of one of the most memorable events on the island. For nine days, the Vegetarian Festival sees Chinese devotees turning herbivorous and praying to the Nine Emperor Gods, who ensure purification of body and soul. The parades through Phuket Town are an exciting (and often gruesome) affair – participants perform firewalking, body piercing with huge sabers, and other acts of self-mortification.

Southern Thai food tends toward the rich and the creamy, thanks to Malay and Chinese influences. Classic favorites are Gaeng Massaman, a beef or chicken curry with peanuts, pineapple, and potatoes; Roti, savory and sweet Muslim pancakes; and Mee Pad Hokkien, typical hokkien stir-fried noodles. The best place to go for reasonably priced authentic cuisine is Phuket Town.

If you don't plan to spend your entire holiday on one single beach, consider renting a car. Motorcycles are another possibility, but the steep, winding island roads and the harrowing traffic should discourage anybody with a grain of common sense. Prices are reasonable, and you enjoy the freedom of going wherever and whenever you want.

Once the summer sun starts flaring up, thousands of gays and lesbians arrive from all over Asia to participate in festivities surrounding the Gay Parade. Come fall, Asia's premier online LGBT community throws a fancy bash called Nation; each year they decide whether to hold it in Singapore or in Phuket.