Voyeur: Phuket

The appeal of a bar heaving with tourists and locals playing Connect Four is lost on me, however, there’s no denying that Patong is an intoxicating place. Revellers flock to this tourist hub on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand, to soak up the colourful crowds and chaos – think neon lights, sizzling street food and hollering market vendors. It’s hot, sticky and entirely addictive. Phuket’s reputation as a heady playground is bang-on, but beyond its pulsating bars and cheap eats is high-end luxury. From private villas to five-star restaurants, the island is brimming with world-class venues where the rich, famous and downright cool come to stay, eat and play. Here’s our guide to Phuket’s lavish side, one that may have a few surprises in store.