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Phuket, a tropical island of the coast of Thailand, is an extremely popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy a beach vacation. Home to many nightclubs, bars, restaurants, markets, spas and beautiful beaches Phuket is the perfect place to go to on a vacation with friends. Get a group together and check out some of the beautiful Phuket villa rentals and get your vacation started!

Renting accommodation

Many people automatically think of hotels when they plan a trip, but luckily Phuket has many luxury vacation homes for rent, and choosing to rent a home over a hotel is the best choice you can make! If you rent a home, you and your friends will have the entire location to yourself! This is great because it means you can hang by the pool throughout the day playing your own music, eating the snacks that you prefer, and basically not having to deal with other tourists!

Who’s in?

Start planning by reaching out to all your friends; make sure everyone has the dates free to travel. You’ll have to reach a rough agreement on a budget too.

Plan for Service

Many of the luxury villas available for rent have staff and service available. Some are often included, such as a private chef, daily housekeeping and security, but the options are endless if you’re willing to pay a little extra. A bartender, masseuse, even a personal DJ is often available if you call ahead. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean, and then spend the evening drinking beers while your personal chef mans the barbeque!

Plan in a visit to Patong

Partiers, get ready! Patong is the party capital of Phuket, and Phuket is the party capital of Thailand! Some of my favorite nightclubs are Famous, Seduction, and The Factory. Thai boxing is another great experience that you’re not likely to forget! Hit up either Soi Sai Namyen or Bangla Boxing Stadium to be thrilled and amused.

More Resources: CNN – Insider Travel Guide to Phuket

Charter a Speedboat

Many smaller islands and beaches surround the island of Phuket. A great way to spend a day is on a speedboat jumping from island to island. Visit the famous ‘James Bond Island’, a rock formation made famous by the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.

Then, continue on your way to the twin islands of Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok to see some breathtaking beaches (Ao Man Sai and Pha Samed Daeng are two great ones). Be sure to venture inland to check out its powerful waterfall.

The Phi-Phi Islands are also only speedboat ride away from Phuket and they are home to some great sites. Most famously, the site where the movie The Beach was filmed. Visitors can also head down to Monkey Beach to walk along the cutest little monkeys!

A Day on the Town

Plan a day to discover Old Phuket Town. This older, and personality rich part of bustling Phuket was built on the riches from a time when the metal sourced from here was extremely valuable. As a result, you’ll be able to spot the old mansions of barons from the Sino-Colonial time. You’ll also have the opportunity to see old Buddhist and Chinese shrines and temples such as the Wat Khao Rang sitting Buddha.

Also take some time to hang out in quaint cafes, and tiny printing shops. A favorite is the ‘Since 1892’ café. This café hasn’t actually been around since the 1800’s, but the name somehow still fits the location surprisingly well. Here you can enjoy delicious chocolate cake and house made ice cream while surrounded by artisanal soaps, unique clothing items and various other delightfully kitsch items such as vintage type writers.

Plan a Bike Tour

Most see Phuket as mostly a party location, but when you’re all partied out, a bike tour is surprisingly invigorating! Not to mention it’s a great way to get to know the island too. Rubber plantations, pineapple farms, and small villages are just some of the things you’ll get to see while peddling your feet. Go through one of the many established bike rental companies to secure an English speaking tour guide who can show you all the island has to offer. Be sure to wear sunscreen and pack a camera for this great excursion.

Phuket has truly got it all! Its spacious, well maintained vacation rentals are great for groups of friends visiting the area. The party hotspot is a great place to let off some steam, and between its fabulous massages and the clear beaches, it’s also a fantastic place to relax. For groups of friends looking for an unforgettable vacation, there is no need to look any further! Enjoy your trip!

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