Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a tropical paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs. Set in the Andaman Sea, about an hour's flight from Bangkok, it offers incredible value, from beautiful resorts to affordable spa treatments and boat trips.

There's a beach for every mood, from lively Patong with its nightlife to quieter Kata, Karon and Kamala. Take a boat to the stunning Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay, where limestone towers rise from emerald water, including the famous James Bond Island. Explore the colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings of Phuket Old Town, visit the Big Buddha on its hilltop and Wat Chalong temple, and taste the island's delicious cuisine, bursting with lemongrass, lime leaves and chilies. Buddhism shapes much of the culture, and visiting temples is a highlight.

The island has fully rebuilt since the 2004 tsunami, and memorials and a warning system honor that history. Phuket is also a stop on Asian cruises. I'll match you with the right beach and resort and plan your island-hopping tours.