Thailand is known throughout the world as being in the top destinations to visit. Absolutely beautiful, with some of the friendliest and engaging people you will ever meet, Thailand continues to be a place where tourists come to have singularly unique experiences unlike anywhere else on the globe. I honestly cannot say enough about Thailand; it is my one of my favorite places on Earth. And during this time of the year, the weather’s perfect; Phuket’s average temperature, from November to early April, is a nice, warm 82 degrees. Oh yeah.

But the weather isn’t the best part of Phuket. Many travelers are aware that the city of Phuket is undoubtedly the best place to visit while in Thailand. Phuket is definitely a must-see as it offers a bustling nightlife, 36 surrounding beaches, tons of activities, and some of the best scenery you’ll find in the world.

The island is defined by its utopian qualities and offers peace, tranquility, an abundance of fresh air, gorgeous beaches, and a seemingly endless expanse of lush tropical trees.

I recommend staying at one of the many 4-star hotels in Phuket. They are all of immense quality and yet, extremely affordable, as is most everything else in Phuket. Although Phuket is one of the most exciting and beautiful places in the world, it remains almost unbelievably affordable. The best way I can describe it is saying that it’s much like living in a western country, but at a fraction of the cost.

I stayed at the Amari Phuket. It was truly an amazing experience. My room was plush and offered all the usual accoutrements that would be expected of a 4-star establishment. The beds were luxurious, sumptuous, and extremely inviting. The decorations were very elegant and lent an overall feeling of elegance and serenity in conjunction with the views. The views were amazing! Looking out my window, I could see panoramic expanses of ocean that stretched for what seemed like infinity and beyond. The endless stretches of blue ocean were breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and cathartic all at once. I would recommend staying at the Amari if you are having a hard time choosing a hotel, just for the superior ocean views that the rooms provide.

If you’re looking for food that is equally amazing to the ocean views I just described, then make sure you visit Thong Dee The Kathu Brasserie. This restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants in Phuket and is well-deserved of the widespread acclaim that it receives. Their cuisine is internationally-themed, but with a distinct Thai flavor and presence. I had the Thai spring rolls and duck breast with spicy sauce. The spring rolls were excellent; a crisp and light exterior encased perfectly julienned vegetables that were expertly cooked. It was the duck breast that was an almost ethereal experience though. The duck was superb in every way; moist, succulent and providing just enough texture to hold the spicy Thai-flavor infused sauce. Every bite was just orgasmic. I highly recommend the Spicy duck as an entrée and the spring rolls as a light appetizer.
After enjoying your meal, you can enjoy any of the modern amenities that Phuket offers, such as contemporary movie theaters, high-end malls, top-quality beauty and spa services and so much more, for a fraction of the price that you would pay in the west.

When traveling around the island, I recommend renting a scooter. Riding on a scooter enables you to fully enjoy the beautiful weather while taking in the sights and sounds the island has to offer. Additionally, because gas is so cheap on the island, you will end up paying very little for your transportation and exploration endeavors.

I personally recommend that travelers to Phuket visit the neighboring city of Wat Chalong, where they can visit some of the most venerable and historically important temples in Thailand.

For a bit of a wild experience, make sure to check out the Muay Thai kickboxing classes that are widely available; it will be one of the most invigorating and exciting experiences you will ever have!

The bottom line is that you'll never be bored... or cold in Phuket; with a beautiful landscape, lively culture, and plethora of awesome activities, it's the perfect place to hunker down for the winter.