Patong Beach - Over 2km of golden sand awaits you at one of the most famous beaches in all of Phuket. For those who like the feeling of bustling activity, this would probably be the beach for you. Almost infamous for its wide variety of activities such as motorised water sports, wakeboarding, kayaking, volleyball and its party side when the sun goes down, Patong is also one of the most interesting places to be at. When you get hungry, fret not for the road along side the beach is full of restaurants, cafes and bars. If you're in the mood for surfing head for the north end bit of the beach as the waves there are more open to the wind and tend to provide a real rush!

Karon Beach - For those who still want all the facilities that Patong provides but paced in a less hectic environment, Karon beach is an ideal choice. This is one of Phukets' longer beaches (5km) and rarely feels crowded. There aren't any restrooms on the beach unlike Patong, but the hotels across the road usually are more than happy to let you use their facilities (payable). Fine white sand and beautiful waters, if you want sun beds head up south of the beach and if you just want the beach pretty much to yourself, a little corner down the north facing the lake makes a perfect spot.

Kata Beach - Just a few minutes away from Karon, this beach is palm lined and said to be the ideal family beach with its calm and shallow waters making it ideal for swimming. The waters here are excellent for snorkelling during the north-east monsoon season (between November to April). The most common sport would probably be the Banana Boat, whereby you get towed through the water, attached to a speedboat and clinging on making sure you don't fall off!

Paradise beach - As the name suggests, this beach is a picture of paradise with its stunning beauty and safe swimming all year round. Palm trees abundant provide shade from the sun and unlike the other beaches; motor sports are discouraged to up keep the serenity in the area.

Laem Ka Beach - One of the most tranquil and unique beaches in Phuket, this is the only eastern-facing beach in the south of Phuket and its safe waters make it excellent for swimming and a great family fun spot. The whole beach is practically sheltered by the trees and the middle of the beach sits some large beautiful granite boulders and its northern end, with fewer rocks is a great splashing pool.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Phuket Villas & Vacation Rentals http://www.holiday-velvet.com/