As one of the most popular and cosmopolitan Thai destinations outside of Bangkok, Phuket pretty much has it all—except peace and quiet. The west-side beaches around Patong are perpetually overwhelmed with tourists, as is Bangla Road, Phuket’s infamous Red Light District. Overall, the scenery in Phuket runs the gamut from downright seedy beer-bars to űber-posh. For a more wholesome and authentic taste of Phuket, visit the weekend market. It’s set apart from the main tourist drag, so you’ll have to hire a tuk-tuk or rent a motorbike to get there. It’s a great place to haggle over knock-off Versace handbags and pirated DVDs, but the real jewel is the street food, presenting a sizzling culinary fusion of Thai, Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors.