Phuket

Thailand's largest island lures visitors for basking on unspoiled beaches, diving and snorkelling in the Andaman Sea and personalized pampering at ravishing resorts. The cruise port is about a 20-minute drive from Phuket town, a buzzy mecca for shopping (bargain hard, except in malls or brand-name stores), restaurants and clubs. Save time for exotic shore excursions, like visiting elephant and gibbon sanctuaries, and gasping at the more than 147-foot-tall Big Buddha, adorned with white Burmese jade marble, towering over Nakkerd Hills. Lunch at a resort for exquisite Thai cuisine that's easy on Western stomachs and for sensational ocean views.