For the ultimate beach vacation in Thailand, make Phuket your destination. This island hotspot is home to countless beaches, numerous festivals, and sizzling temperatures. Choose from Phuket villas on the popular western or southeastern sides of the island, and plan an unforgettable beach getaway.

Like much of Thailand, Phuket has hot, humid weather all year round. February, March, and April tend to be the hottest months of the year, with average highs in the low 90s. Temperatures cool slightly from July to December, when the average high is in the upper 80s. While the temperature doesn't change much throughout the year, precipitation increases significantly for several months out of the year. May through September constitutes the rainy season in Phuket, and September tends to be the wettest month every year. If you'd rather avoid the rain, be sure to plan your trip during the winter.

Once you've landed at Phuket International Airport, you can easily take a taxi or an airport bus to most Phuket villas. Phuket is a relatively large island composed of three main regions and a few smaller islands. If you're just planning to sun yourself on the beach, you can walk or take an occasional motorbike taxi to get around. For more extensive explorations, hop on the local bus, hail a taxi, or catch a ride in a tuk-tuk. Since many taxis don't offer meters, have an idea of a fair price beforehand and be prepared to bargain before you depart.

For most Phuket visitors, the most important decision is which beach to check out first. Located on the south side of Phuket, Nai Harn is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its fine sand, mid-sized waves, and easy access to shopping and dining. On the island's west side, Patong Beach is a popular destination for sunning, nightlife, and cabarets. Also on Phuket's west side is another popular destination, the Big Buddha. This larger-than-life statue is a sight to behold, and the route to this shrine is equally stunning. For another popular religious site, make your way to Wat Chalong, a stunning temple complex on the southwestern side of the island. One of the most picturesque locations on Phuket Island, Phang Nga Bay is a must-see. Take a daylong boat tour of the emerald-colored water, and you'll see the legendary limestone formations and some of the most beautiful islands off the coast of Phuket.

You'll find religious festivals and cultural celebrations in Phuket just about every month of the year. In February, the Phuket Old Town Festival celebrates local culture with parades, light shows, dance performances, and boat rides. Every April, the Songkran Festival marks the Thai New Year with water throwing rituals and fun. In October, the nine-day Phuket Vegetarian Festival celebrates abstinence from meat at various Chinese shrines across Phuket.