Phucket Beaches The dream of an idyllic escape into a tropical island world becomes a reality on Phuket, Thailands southern paradise isle. Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring about 21 kilometres wide by 48 kilometres long, Phuket is Thailands largest island, a province in its own right. Sparsely populated outside Phuket town, the landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen spectacular beaches. Unspoilt stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbors by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea. GETTING THERE Located off the southwest coast, just an hours flight from Bangkok, Phuket is linked to the mainland by a causeway and is thus accessible by road as well as by air. Thai International operates many daily flights from Bangkok, while Phuket has also an international airport and has direct air links with Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Europe. Alternatively there are overnight bus services from Bangkok