Phuket

About

One of the oldest settlements in Thailand, Phuket was a relatively small port until the early 1900s. Attracting businessmen and merchants from China, Portugal, and even the Arabian Peninsula, Phuket flourished as a vibrant trade center in the 20th century. Today, the old town is lined with distinctive Sino-Portuguese buildings, giving a glimpse into the city’s proud past, while hip coffee shops, conceptual galleries, and boutique hotels are popping up to cater to the recent influx of artists and musicians. From this increasingly cosmopolitan city, it’s easy to head out to the island’s beautiful beaches, lush jungle, or go island hopping in Thailand’s most picturesque coastal landscape.