Phuket Island, now linked to the mainland by two bridges, is located in the Andaman Sea off the southern coast of Thailand. Its stunning beaches, which have established the well-deserved reputation of this island known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", are found on the west coast, where visitors can enjoy the myriad options on offer along this unique stretch of coastline. While the famous Patong beach, a popular tourist resort offering a heady mix of activities and nightlife, is synonymous with the island, Phuket is also blessed with lots of secluded and smaller corners of paradise where the crowds are quickly forgotten.