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FAHTHAI
T H E P H U K E T
P H E N O M E N O N
Thailand
’
s Pearl of the Andaman
continues to boom
–
and is expanding
tomeet demand. As yet more resorts open,
and previously untouched parts of the island
undergo development, what
’
s on offer for
discerning visitors?
W O R D S
S I M O N O S T H E I M E R
P
huket is booming. 2013 saw the biggest year on
record for tourism, with Australians, Europeans,
Russians, Indians and Chinese among others
flocking here for its tropical beaches, diverse
attractions, and outstanding resorts and
restaurants. The result? A buoyant real-estate industry, surging
marina business, thriving retail sector and plenty of new
hotels. All this growth has stretched the island’s infrastructure,
but with a new airport under construction and major road
improvements in the pipeline, the island’s future is bright. We
celebrate the best that Phuket has to offer.
PARTY TOWN
Clubs like Xana
Beach Club attract
a hedonistic
crowd with
international DJs
