Long palm tree-lined white sandy beaches, along with picture-postcard emerald waters, make Phuket a tropical paradise. It really does look as stunning as the pictures you see in the brochures and magazines.

I’ve come here seeking a relaxing break, but I’m keen to see as much of the local wildlife as possible. Fortunately, animal encounters are a recurring theme during our stay on the island. We don’t even have to step foot outside the hotel to come face-to-face with jungle inhabitants.

The manager of the upmarket Paresa resort, our first stop, tells us that guests have found monkeys taking an early morning dip in the infinity pools at one of the hotel’s private villas.

Secluded and with spectacular views over the Andaman Sea, I can see why the mischievous creatures might want to make this their home. Designed in an understated style and built around several Banyan trees, the resort blends gently into its surroundings.

Keen to experience more of the local flora and fauna, I book a tour on a John Gray Sea Canoe Experience out to the islands of Phang Nga Bay, arranged through the hotel.

A short cruise on a traditional longtail boat takes us out to the bay, giving us a chance to catch a few sun rays up on deck. The next thing we know, kayaks are being thrown over the side.

The guides show us how to paddle and steer the canoes before gently leading us around the remote islands. We paddle slowly, in absolute silence, over-awed by the impressive limestone cliffs.

Before heading back to the boat for a Thai lunch, we take an opportunity to dive into the warm emerald green water. It’s difficult to drag myself back on board, but the smell of spicy curries kicks my appetite into action.

That afternoon, we climb back into our canoes and head for one of the many hidden caves in the area.

Led by torchlight, we follow our guide’s canoe into one of the caves. It’s a thrilling experience as the temperature drops and we are plunged into darkness, with the magical bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water like electric sparks.

Any preconceptions I’d had about Thailand being “nothing but a beach holiday” are quickly dismissed. Yes, there is plenty of opportunity to work on a suntan, but anyone seeking action-packed adventure can find it quite easily here, too.

Phuket is becoming an increasingly family friendly destination, with many hotels now actively catering to younger guests.

One such property is Centara Grand, where we spend the remainder of our stay on the island. Situated on a secluded patch of Karon Beach, the five-star resort has a good choice of pools and restaurants, along with tennis courts, a fitness centre and spa offering a number of luxurious treatments.

An active kids’ club hosts children aged four to nine, keeping them entertained with a daily activity programme. For guests above ten years old, there is a separate games area and playground.

After watching a classic pink Thai sunset, we spend most evenings exploring the nearby night markets. When we have enough energy, we make the journey to Patong, where most of Phuket’s infamous beach parties take place.

From pulse-racing activities to extraordinary sights, Phuket exceeds my expectations in so many ways.

TRAVEL FACTS:

  • Emma Sword travelled to Bangkok with Travelbag.
     
  • Travelbag has six nights at the 5-star Centara Grand Beach Resort in Phuket (staying on a B&B basis) and four nights at the 5-star Paresa Resort (staying on a B&B basis) from £1,529 per person including flights with Vietnam Airlines from London Gatwick to Bangkok and Air Asia to Phuket.
     
  • To book, call 0871 7034240 or visit travelbag.co.uk.