How to Find Luxury Hotels in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the most popular holiday destination in Thailand, attracting everyone from backpackers to royalty. The island, located in the Andaman Sea, is often overrun with tourists, but there are luxury accommodations that can fool you into believing you have the solitude the white sandy beaches make you long for.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access to book reservations
• Passport

Reserve Your Luxury Accommodations in Phuket

1. Book ahead on the Asia Web Direct Web site (see Resources). You can also reach them by phone at 011 ([phone].

2. Book a private villa. With accommodations so cheap in Thailand, it is barely a splurge to stay in one of the luxury villas that many resorts offer.

3. Ask what is included in the nightly rate. Some hotels seem more expensive, but with added amenities like airport transfers, free mini bar and massages, they might actually be more affordable than you thought.

4. Book your hotel when you get to Thailand. When you arrive at the Phuket airport, you can arrange for accommodations at some of the best rates. Hotels will be eager to fill up any empty rooms for the night, and they will often accept bids below the stated price to make as much money as possible for the day.

5. Barter your hotel rate. While most accommodations list the peak season rate, most will charge you about 50 percent less, even during the busiest time of year.

Choose the Best Area of Phuket to Find Luxury Accommodations

6. Make reservations at the Impiana Phuket Cabana Resort by calling 011 ([phone] or by visiting the hotel Web site (see Resources).

7. Seek out privacy in Surin Beach. Steep slopes lead down to the beach, with small private coves that are dominated by 2 of the most luxurious hotels on the island.

8. Consider a stay at the Bang Thao Bay (the Laguna Resort Complex). This resort area is comprised of 5 high-end luxury resorts that share world-class spas, restaurants and golf course.

9. Head towards Karon Beach for a range of middle- and upper-class accommodations. While most of the area is a long stretch of beach and resorts, the northern edge of the beach has several restaurants and shops.

Find Your Way to Phuket

10. Catch a connecting flight in Bangkok or Singapore to arrive at the modern Phuket International Airport. It is located on the north side of the island, about 40 minutes from Patong Beach.

11. Arrange transportation to your hotel through the concierge. Most luxury accommodations will provide limousine service or a shuttle included in your rate. Others will charge a small fee.

12. Arrange taxi service from the airport at the limousine counter. The ride will cost about $10 to Phuket Town and $15 to Kata Beach.

Tips & Warnings

• The international departure tax is 700 baht and is payable in cash only.
• Phuket is an easy place to arrive to without reservations, but know that luxury accommodations are scarce and fill up quickly.
• Telephone country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

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on 10/7/2009 Visit http://www.thebestthailandhotel.com for more information
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