As far as excitement is concerned, Patong Beach is hard to beat and although prices have risen considerably in the last few years, Patong is certainly a lot cheaper and more fun than equivalent beaches in Europe. Lying midway down the west coast of the island, Patong is also the most accessible and closest beach to Phuket town. The beach area has been totally cleared since the 2004 tsunami and the beach life, nightlife, shopping and dining is as hectic as ever.

Phuket’s second most popular beach is Karon, just to the south of Patong. This beach has really taken off in recent years and now sports many upmarket resort-type hives and a superb long stretch of sand. As with Patong, though, the beach is in front of a busy road and can be a pain to cross. Karon has a fair number of bars and restaurants, yet not as ‘in your face’ as Patong.

In the other direction from Patong, Kamala Beach is also an up and coming alternative. Families with children looking for a quieter holiday would do well to head here; you’d no doubt appreciate the peace.

Kata Beach lies south of Karon and can be described as a midrange beach in terms of noise and amenities. It is fast becoming more popular and built up and is certainly a lot prettier and laid back than the likes of Patong and Karon. The beach here is set in a sweeping bay and is very attractive with a tree-lined promenade and a small road. The main part of the town is set back 100m from the sands and comes with loads of restaurants, a fair amount of bars and many cute shops. Kata has a few well-positioned upmarket hotels on the southern end of the beach and also has Phuket’s best surf.

Kata Noi, arguably the most relaxing, picturesque and tidy looking beach on Phuket, is just south of Kata and is fortunate in having a no-through road and a distinct lack of a ‘built-up’ feel. The wide beach here is simply a delight and those staying at the Kata Thani hotel have the advantage of cooling off via a series of refreshing pools and wonderful, lush landscaped grounds which overlook the beach. Unfortunately, though, Kata Noi has not escaped the interest of the jet-ski, paragliding crowd.

If this irks you, head farther south to Nai Harn Beach where water sports aren’t as popular and the locals easily outnumber tourists. Weekends on Nai Harn do get very busy; however, with tribes of fun-loving locals letting their hair down, yet the atmosphere is always one of calm.

Rawai Beach lies at the bottom of the island and although not an attractive beach when compared with many others in Phuket, it is nonetheless picturesque and has some great seafood restaurants. Rawai is particularly favoured by locals and expats.

Although you may have the urge to go right around the island, if beaches are your thing, stick to the west coast. There’s not much to see in the way of beaches and sea views past Rawai. Chalong Bay is the next significant stop, but the beach here is non-existent and there’s not much in the way of tourist facilities. If you have a car or bike however, you could carry on round from Rawai to Chalong and then take the road directly back over to Kata from Chalong Circle making sure you stop off at the much vaunted Green Man pub.

If you have extra time, it may be worth visiting some of the northern beaches, of which Laem Sing, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang are the main ones. Laem Sing is next to Kamala Beach which is itself just north of Patong. A steep climb down to the beach from the cliff road is all that separates you from one of Phuket’s prettiest beaches.

Surin and Bang Tao are farther north; the former a popular residential beach for the millionaire club where views from the exclusive villas on the hill behind are probably worth the hefty price tag for a home or hotel room. Bang Tao is the longest beach on the island and is dotted with many exclusive hotels and resorts. The beach is great for strolling and there are several picturesque lagoons in the area.

Nai Yang is the northernmost of Phuket’s major beaches and within earshot of Phuket International Airport. Prices here are very reasonable and if its peace and quiet you seek, take the first stop on you way south.