The best way to get an introduction to the island and check out the downtown scene is by taking a morning tour with an English-speaking guide who can tell you all you need to know about your new surroundings. In the evening, be dazzled by the Las Vegas-style Simon Cabaret Show, or combine dinner and a Thai cultural show at FantaSea, where the whirling, swirling, vivid display of Thailand's exotic heritage delight viewers.

After your introductory day out on the island, it’s time to get out there and get moving. A vacation in Phuket definitely means dipping your toes in the gorgeous blue water, but you can also opt to take the plunge on a rafting adventure. Go for a rain forest canoe ride down the Sok River in the island's interior, or explore the mysterious tidal caves of Phang Nga Bay by canoe.

If yesterday's activities didn't include enough water-fueled action for you, you're in luck. Phuket is surrounded by exquisite groups of islands, all easily seen on a day trip. Ride a speedboat to Krabi, famous for its snorkeler's wonderland of limestone caves and white-sand beaches, or see Koh Phi Phi for yourself—some say its the region's most beautiful island group. If you'd rather sail more leisurely, ride a ferry to the nearby islands for some free time to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sunshine.