When to go: November to May (high season is November to February).

Getting there: Phuket is served from Europe, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan by almost a dozen airlines, including Thai Airways, Malaysian, China and others. There are 10 direct flights a day from Bangkok, just one hour away.

Where to stay:

Amanpuri Hotel, 118/1 Pansea Beach, Tambon Choeng Thale, Phuket; telephone (800) 447-7462 or (076) 324-333, fax (076) 324-100. Expensive.

Phuket Yacht Club Hotel and Beach Resort, 23/3 Wiset Rd., Nai Han Beach, Phuket 83130; telephone (076) 381-156 or (800) 526-6566, fax (076) 381-164. Expensive.

Bougainvillea Terrace House, 117/7 Patak Rd., Kata Beach, Phuket; telephone (076) 330-087, fax (076) 330-463. Moderate.

Cape Panwa Hotel, 27 Mu 8, Sakdidet Rd., Phuket 83000; telephone (076) 391-123, fax (076) 391-177. Moderate. This is a small complex in a more remote area.

Other information:

Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village, north of Phuket Town, off Thepkrasatri Road. Two shows: 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Adults: US $6, children US $3. Telephone (076) 214-860.

For full listing of hotels and other information: Tourism Authority of Thailand, 611 N. Larchmont Blvd., 1st floor, Los Angeles, California 90004; telephone (323) 461-9814, fax (323) 461-9834.