[QUOTE=PLTHOO]Mrs. PLTHOO and I are planning a trip to Phuket in March for some beach time and diving. which one is recommended for a short stay, unique sightseeing, etc?



Hello PLTHOO

The other posters have offered some very good ideas and advice but seem to have not noticed that you origionaly mentioned in your post that you were interested in some great beach time and diving.

I have been living and working in the diving and adventure tourism business in Phuket for 9 years now and I am very familiar with the diving, beaches, activities and attractions availiable on the Island.

There is no diving of any interest in Singapore as we do a thriving business of the residents down there comming to Phuket if they do not go to Tioman or on of the other Islands on the East Coast. There is no diving in the Bangkok area and the local divers have to go down to Pataya and farther South durring the "Monsoon" on the West Coast. However you are planning to visit the beaches and dive at the best time of the year on the West Coast and we have many world class divesites in the Phuket & Phi Phi area.

You can find some of these world class dive site descriptions, daily departure scheduals and up to date costs at http://www.phuket-scuba-diving.com .
A liveaboard trip to the world class Similan Islands may also be an option to consider as there are many luxury boats availiable with 4 dives per day, meals and superiour accommidation availiable with departure dates that may work with your schedual. For unique sightseeing Phuket has a lot to offer as many visitors do not realise that the island is almost the same size as SIN ( 560 square kilometers) and most never leave the main towns and have no idea of what the island is realy like away from the crowded touristy areas .

I hope this info will help and feel free to contact me via e-mail if we can be of any help with your advance travel plans.

Regards From Phuket

Richard & Megumi