Phuket

© Joe Cummings Lonely Planet.

Beaches such as Nai Han near the southern tip and Kamala on the western coast are relatively quiet in spite of major development. Ao Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang and Hat Mai Khao, to the north, remain mostly untouched. In general the northern half of the island, along the shore and in the interior, has not been swept up in the development wave and offers quiet beach retreats and chances to explore rural inland areas. Although Phuket is connected to Phang-Nga Province by a causeway, most visitors arrive via the island's international or domestic airports, located near its northern tip.