Planning your trip to Thailand

THE BEST WAY TO PHUKET

From LAX, connecting service (change of planes) to Phuket is offered on Asiana, Thai, Malaysia, Korean and Virgin Australia. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $637.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 66 (country code for Thailand) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Indigo Pearl, Nai Yang Beach. 76-32-7006, www.indigo-pearl.com. Wide choice of accommodations, including pavilions with private pools. Meandering gardens with three pools. Witty industrial decor recalls Phuket’s tin-mining past. Beach club, spa, six restaurants. Doubles from $238.

Twinpalms Phuket, 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road; 76-31-6500. www.twinpalms-phuket.com. Stunning contemporary hotel with sleek rooms overlooking two pools. Across park from beach. Spa, Oriental Spoon restaurant and Catch Beach Club. Doubles from $333.

Burasari, 18/110 Ruamjai Road, Patong; 76-29-2929, www.burasari.com. Quiet boutique garden hotel close to the action. Range of rooms, with contemporary or Thai design, some with terraces with direct pool access. Two pools, spa. Doubles from $177.

WHERE TO EAT

Baan Rim Pa, 223 Kalim Beach Road, 76-340-789, www.baanrimpa.com. Gourmet Thai cuisine in pretty open-air restaurant in Thai-style house overlooking Patong Bay. Piano bar with live music. Big dinner menu, with entrees from $9 (curries) to $97 (lobster).

Rockfish, 33/6 Kamala Beach Road, 76-279-732, www.rockfishrestaurant.com. Inviting contemporary open-air clifftop restaurant overlooking the sea. Thai and East-West fusion dishes. Dinner entrees, $15-$30.

Tung-ka Café, Korsimbee Road, Rang Hill, Phuket, 76-211-500. A longtime favorite that offers casual dining on shaded deck with great views. Good choice for lunch. Curries, soups from $3, reasonably priced seafood.

The Tin Mine, Indigo Pearl Hotel (see above). Go for breakfast ($18, daily), and you won’t need lunch. Lavish buffet with cooking stations serving Thai and Western dishes. Open-air setting overlooking garden.

TO LEARN MORE

Tourism Authority of Thailand, (323) 461-9814, www.tourismthailand.org.

In Phuket, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, 191 Thlang Road.