Phuket

First, let's get the pronunciation right. The ‘h’ in Phuket (ภูเก็ต) is silent. And then remember that this is the largest Thai island, so you rarely feel surrounded by water. But that means there is space for everyone. Phuket offers such a rich variety of experiences – beach-bumming, culture, diving, fabulous food, hedonistic or holistic pleasures – that visitors are spoilt for choice.

Of course, the white-sand beaches that ring the southern and western coasts are the principal draw, along with some of the finest hotels and spas in Thailand. Each beach is different, from the upmarket resorts of Surin and Ao Bang Thao, to family-oriented Rawai, or the sin city of Patong, home of hangovers and go-go girls. But there's also the culturally rich east-coast capital Phuket Town, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the north. With so many options, you may just forget to leave.