Thailand’s biggest island and ‘the Pearl of the Andaman’, Phuket has all the makings of an exotic holiday resort with its golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush palms, fancy hotels, swanky spas, lively bars, bustling flea markets and charming boutiques. With Patong as its heart and the sands of Kata, Kamala and Surin as its split souls, Phuket fits into every stereotype that is accorded to beach destinations. It is a blessing for seasoned holidaymakers and in some ways a bane for those looking to go far away from the madding crowd.

One of the most striking features of Phuket is the abundance of high-end shopping malls and boutiques. With half a dozen arcades and many excellent antiques and textile stores, you will be compelled to grab something for yourself starting from clothes, shoes, cosmetics and accessories to heritage paintings and quality furnishings. This list will direct you towards the best luxury retail addresses on the island. Make sure you have a lot of cash on you.