3 Reasons to Visit Exotic Phuket, Thailand

Are you ready for an exotic beach vacation? Phuket, Thailand, might be just what you’re looking for. The definition of “exotic” is: different in a way that is striking or fascinating; strangely beautiful and enticing. Phuket fits the bill, and here are 3 reasons why you should go…

1. Tropical Vacation

Phuket is an island situated off the west coast of southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea, and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Phuket enjoyed a rich and colorful history as one of the major trading routes between India and China, and now since the 1980s the gorgeous white sand beaches of Phuket have been developed into tourist centers. It’s a great place for a winter vacation, with average daily temperatures in the 80s (F). Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma’s Cape), a popular sunset viewing point.

White sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, swaying palms – what more could you ask for? Well, how about rainforest trekking, white water rafting, coral reef snorkeling, jungle expeditions, and even elephant riding.

2. Thai Cooking Schools

When you’re ready to do something indoors, Phuket is renowned  for it’s many Thai cooking schools, developed with the foreign visitor in mind. You can learn to prepare such exotic Thai favorites as Som Tum (spicy green papaya salad), Tom Ka Gai (chicken coconut milk soup) and Nhue Phad Prik Thai On (stir-fried beef tenderloin in oyster sauce).
From Pat’s Home Thai Kitchen to JW Marriott’s Ginja Cook, you’ll find a cooking school that perfectly suits you. And, of course, the food’s the thing. As a Ginja Cook spokesperson said, “A Thai meal is a feast for the senses, a medley of flavors, textures and aromas, it is a mastery of herbs and spices borrowed from many cultures and blended especially for a distinctly Thai taste.”

3. Wildlife Preserves

Don’t overlook the rainforest reserves and parks, with their exotic wildlife and vegetation. For example, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, located in the north of Phuket, contains the only remaining virgin rainforest on the island. The park conserves a number of species of wild animals, including langurs, barking deer, mouse deer, bears, wild boar, monkeys and gibbons. About one hundred species of bird also inhabit the forest vegetation here.

Also in the north of the island, Sirinat Marine National Park is 76% in the water and encompasses coral reefs and mangroves. The land portion is rich with exotic bird species, including Asian Fairy Bluebird.

If you’re dreaming of an exotic vacation to Phuket, Thailand, you might be surprised at how affordable it can be by renting a timeshare.