PHUKET: Phuket's Kata beach comes sixth in a TripAdvisor poll of the best beaches in Asia, and no Phuket beaches figure in the world's top 10 beaches list.
Given the state of Phuket's beaches, this will come as little surprise.
But it's a timely reminder that Phuket's beaches - once among the best in the world - need to be saved for the future of Phuket tourism.
The top beach in Asia, TripAdvisor readers decided, is Boracay in the Philippines, where commercial activities are carefully controlled and jet-skis operate from offshore pontoons.
Despite the crowds and claims that it too is suffering from trash and commercialisation, Ko Phi Phi Don comes second in the Best in Asia poll, with Koh Lanta third and Koh Phangan fourth.
Just ahead of Phuket's Kata beaches - Yai and Noi both included - was Koh Tao, Thailand. And just behind, Candolim, India, followed by Chaweng, Thailand, and Nusa Dua - the only Bali mention.
When it came to the top 10 best beaches in the world, Boracay managed sixth among a selection that largely reflects American travellers' tastes, with US, Caribbean and Central American beaches dominant.
The top beach in the world, according to TripAdvisor readers? The small island of Providenciales, in the Caribbean.
Of Phuket's Kata beach, the popular travel site - which comes under regular criticism for contrived resort reviews - reports:
''Just to the south of Karon lies Kata, a laid-back town with two stunning beaches. Kata Yai is the bigger beach, and if you're not the type to lounge on the sand all day, you can rent practically any type of water-sports equipment here. Kata Noi, on the other hand, is quieter and smaller - ideal for a lazy day.''
Given the state of Phuket's beaches, this will come as little surprise.
But it's a timely reminder that Phuket's beaches - once among the best in the world - need to be saved for the future of Phuket tourism.
The top beach in Asia, TripAdvisor readers decided, is Boracay in the Philippines, where commercial activities are carefully controlled and jet-skis operate from offshore pontoons.
Despite the crowds and claims that it too is suffering from trash and commercialisation, Ko Phi Phi Don comes second in the Best in Asia poll, with Koh Lanta third and Koh Phangan fourth.
Just ahead of Phuket's Kata beaches - Yai and Noi both included - was Koh Tao, Thailand. And just behind, Candolim, India, followed by Chaweng, Thailand, and Nusa Dua - the only Bali mention.
When it came to the top 10 best beaches in the world, Boracay managed sixth among a selection that largely reflects American travellers' tastes, with US, Caribbean and Central American beaches dominant.
The top beach in the world, according to TripAdvisor readers? The small island of Providenciales, in the Caribbean.
Of Phuket's Kata beach, the popular travel site - which comes under regular criticism for contrived resort reviews - reports:
''Just to the south of Karon lies Kata, a laid-back town with two stunning beaches. Kata Yai is the bigger beach, and if you're not the type to lounge on the sand all day, you can rent practically any type of water-sports equipment here. Kata Noi, on the other hand, is quieter and smaller - ideal for a lazy day.''
Trip Advisor is full of fabricated reports
Most people have never heard of it and never read it. Who cares what it says.
Posted by lord Jim on March 8, 2012 11:52
Editor Comment:
TripAdvisor ranks among the top 250 web sites in the world, lord jim (just a little ahead of phuketwan) so a few people must be reading it and following its guidance, fabricated or not.