Top 10 reasons to visit Phuket

A heady concoction of sunshine, fab food and merry people, Phuket is a jewel by the azure blue waters of the Andaman sea.
 
Clear blue skies and fabulous weather all year around was the first reason I decided to pack my suitcase to head to Phuket, Thailand. A land where there is 12 months of glorious sunshine, I made sure I packed the best of my swimsuits that would give me a golden Thai tan.

The Phuket FantaSea is a cultural programme that I wouldn’t miss for anything in the world. A show that is often compared to the Cirque de Soleil, it consisted of some gravity-defying movement and brought together the best of the ancient Siamese culture.

Sporting activities on the beaches of Phuket is one of the bests in the world. From parasailing to jet skiing, I tried all. A fabulous way to a great work-out.

You have to be a total braveheart to venture into the glitzy nightclubs in Phuket that have mindboggling cabaret shows. Though several of my Indian friends cautioned me it wouldn’t be safe, it is fine as long as you watch what you are drinking.

Transvestite cabaret shows are a plenty and it was actually a challenge to figure that the svelte dancers were actually transvestites and crossdressers.

Phuket is probably one of the best places in the world to lay your hands on a delectable coconut martini. I did and it was my best friend on the beach while I watched the sun go down in the evenings.

Shopping in Phuket is to die for. It has everything that money can buy and more. But you just have to be careful that you don’t carry a fake LV bag home after paying the full price.

I was more than willing to try some amazing street food in Phuket. The place has some awesome sea food that comes at dirt cheap prices. I was lucky to get a plate of steaming hot prawns dipped in garlic sauce with some sumptuous flavoured rice, all for under 30 bahts.

People watching can be your favourite past-time while you are in Phuket. It was mine too. Local natives are always dressed in colourful attires reminding you that you are in the middle of a never-ending carnival.

Breathtaking views of long winding roads cut across lush green hills, overlooking the sea can inspire a poem out of you. I scribbled a lot and did some more.

I gazed at the splendour of the Wat Chalong temple with infinite reflections from thousands of tiny glass pieces that made it a sight I will never forget.