Phuket, which is situated along the maritime trade route connecting India and China, is a mash-up of Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian cultures. The wealth of the locals used to come from rubber plantations and tin mines. It remains the richest region of Thailand because of the allure of its pleasantly relaxed beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Connected to the Thai mainland via a slender causeway, Thailand’s largest island is dotted with upscale wine bars, chic eateries, and hotels that range in style from opulent to more modest. There are mangrove tree groves and limestone cliffs dotted throughout the vast expanses of beach. Even though it can be very commercial, there are still hidden gems to discover.