Phuket, Thailand has firmly established itself as a popular holiday destination, with its breathtaking scenery and international feel.

On this island the size of Singapore, there is much to do and see. But if you want a more peaceful, getaway-from-it-all vacation, far removed from the excesses of the tourist trade, then consider some of the lesser known areas of the island, which remain largely unspoilt by tourism.

For a flavor of the real Phuket, stay away from the more commercial, touristy Patong hotels and resorts and the neighboring area of Karon. Whilst Patong is well known for its lively nightlife and girlie bars, it is a very busy resort and has lost much of its original charm.

Both Kata and Karon have excellent long sandy beaches and are very suitable for families but they are also the main destinations for package tour holidays, so the area is a popular tourist haunt during high season (December – March).

Nai Harn Beach – a Well Kept Secret

For a more sedate vacation, with unspoilt beaches and a good standard of accommodation with laid back nightlife, the area around Nai Harn beach, at the southern most part of the island is a quieter option.

Nai Harn Bay is a well kept secret, off the beaten track for many holidaymakers. Neighboring Rawai, where most of the foreign expats live, has an excellent choice of restaurants and a beautiful bay.

However, Rawai has no beach suitable for swimming, as this is where the local fishermen ply their trade. Consequently residents flock to Nai Harn at the weekends, but on weekdays the beach is pretty much empty, with only a handful of tourists. There are also smaller, deserted satellite bays, some of which can only be reached on foot.

As any local will tell you, Nai Harn owes much of its charm to what it lacks rather than what it offers. Aside from a beach to-die-for, there are just a few select Thai and International restaurants along the promenade, and several bars and eateries in the main village.

When the sun sets, local Thais, and foreigners in the know, flock to the local watering holes situated near the small lagoon for some all-night partying. The hotels and apartments dotted about the bay cater for those who want quality and tranquility. The French owned Le Royale Meridian Yacht Club, at the foot of Nai Harn Beach, proves an ideal retreat for honeymooners.

Peaceful Rawai and Chalong Bay

Adjacent Rawai offers a large variety of restaurants and a wider selection of bars for the well-heeled. Go a little further down the road and you have the mainly residential area of Chalong, with its huge harbor and spectacular views to nearby islands. This is where the tour boats start, for the many island trips and diving excursions.

Getting Around the Island

Getting around to other areas of the island is easy. During the day the local Thai buses (Songtaews) ply the route every 30 minutes. Take a Songtaew into Phuket Town, with its Sino-Portuguese architecture or visit the most revered Thai Temple on the island, Wat Chalong, a few kilometers down the road from Chalong Bay. Alternatively take a Tuk-Tuk into Patong or Kata and Karon to see what you are missing!

Sport and Leisure Facilities

Chalong itself has a twice weekly local market on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons. Here you can find clothing, shoes, accessories and Thai amulets at a fraction of the cost of the tourist markets. A browse through the food stalls is an education in itself, with so many exotic fruits that even after many years of living here, foreigners still can’t name them all.

Just 1 kilometer from Chalong Circle, is The Green Man, a mock tutor-style English pub with a great family atmosphere and regular live music.

Chalong Bay is also littered with dive schools and shops, given its proximity to the harbor. For other sports enthusiasts, day and night fishing trips are available and the local Muay Thai School (Thai boxing) is just a few kilometers away, as is Phuket’s Youth Hostel accommodation.

Unspoilt Phuket

Nai Harn, Rawai and Chalong are great places for those who want to getaway from it all, rub shoulders with the local expats and be able to frequent areas which are largely unspoilt by mass tourism. They are ideal destinations for couples and singles of all ages who are looking to sample a taste of the real Phuket.

For more information on this beautiful island visit the Tourist Authority of Thailand's website.