If you have been asking yourself that question, then we are delighted to be able to tell you that the answer is a resounding “yes.” We appreciate that there was extensive damage caused by the Tsunami, but we would like to present to you the facts as they stand today: Phuket is well and truly open for business!
Since the Tsunami arrived on Boxing Day 2004, the vast majority of the hotels and businesses affected have been completed restored or rebuilt at all the main destinations: Patong Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach.
Communications and infrastructure around the island are perfectly normal as the wave affected parts of the coastline and did not reach more than 500 meters inland in Phuket Island. In fact the local agencies have taken advantage of the need to improve infrastructure on the island: A new road has been completed into Phuket Town towards the airport, the beach front at Karon has been completely renewed with a new Boardwalk style footpath along its entire length and the majority of roads and pavements (sidewalks) have been resurfaced or relayed.
These improvements have made the major destinations far more attractive than they were before the tsunami, meaning tourists who have been before will notice the considerable differences.
It’s a great time to visit Phuket: the hotels and restaurants are newly renovated and plenty of new businesses have been attracted to the area to make your stay here that extra bit special. You can take trips to the islands, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, laze on pristine white sandy beaches, swim in the crystal blue water, take pleasure in a romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach and participate in some bartering with the local street vendors for those all important souvenirs to take home with you.
The legendary nightlife in Patong still pulsates through the night, the bars and nightclubs are busy with throngs of party goers from the four corners of the globe enjoying the local Singha and Tiger beers.
But on to the most important area…. how is the diving? The coral has suffered only minor damage and most of the offshore sites are more vibrant than ever. There are large schools of fish and the plenty of large pelageants such as Manta Rays to make for some thrilling dives.
Diving visibility around the islands to the south of Phuket: Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi is around 25metres with the water a beautiful 29 degrees Centigrade (84 Fahrenheit) , in fact its so warm its just like taking a bath!
Local government tests have shown that the sea is clearer than in the last 20 years which you will see when you take a snorkeling or diving trip. The streets are clean and there is no threat of disease.
Phuket’s five golf courses are open for business, so you can enjoy a round in the sunshine. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy while you are in Phuket: you can chartering a sailing boat for the day to the islands, take a speedboat to Koh Phi Phi to see where the movies “Goldfinger”, “The Beach” and “Bridget Jones” were filmed or go elephant trekking in the cool forested hills.
Phuket offers you a wonderful holiday experience and we look forward to welcoming you to The Land of Smiles very soon.