Flights almost booked (Dubai to Phuket). End of March for 7 nights, during Easter break from school.

What kind of quick day trips can we take by boat or plane? Krebi, Phi Phi, anything else?

We are a small family of three, husband myself and 11 year old daughter, what are the must sees?

Thanks.

We just spent 7 nights at Marriott Phuket Beach Club over the new year holiday. We had a rental car which was a great idea because it allowed us to travel all over the island.

Phi Phi and Krabi are both doable day trips. There are several tour operators offering 3 or 4 island stops in a day, including Maya Bay and Monkey Island. Two members of our group took one of these tours and thought it was a good time. If you have the time though, most folks on fodors recommend spending a couple of nights on Phi Phi.

You could also go north to Khao Lak on a day trip.

We enjoyed seeing Big Buddha, plus just driving along the west coast beaches from Bang Tao to Kata Noi (although traffic was crazy over the new year). Phuket has changed a lot since my first visit in 2001. It has gotten so much more touristy! So glad we stayed at Mai Khao Beach where it was much quieter! Choose your beach carefully!

Thanks for the suggestions. We will do day trips as we have already booked our hotel, and hate the pack, unpack, repack stuff. I was trying to decide if a rental car was a good idea, or just taking cabs.

You can decide about a rental car after to get there and get settled.

Phuket is an international beach resort. The reason to go there is to relax and enjoy the beach. you don't even have to take any day trips.

We have lots of beach time here, we live in Dubai. We will not go at a high speed, but we want to see as much as we can in a week. Simpson, a lot of those sights are on my short list, but we will have a few hours per day just to relax for sure. We are staying at the Hilton in Karon Beach which I heard is a great beach.

I'm flying to Phuket in 2 weeks time.
But am heading straight away north to Khao Lak.
Spending a week or so there.
Then further north to have a look around Ranong, and a peek into the southern tip of Burma.
Then back to Khao Lak.
And finally finishing off with 3 nights on Nai Yang beach before flying back to UK.
So no need to be a lemming and follow the masses.

Like Lancaster Lad, we will be in Khao Lak in a couple of weeks and are planning on taking a side trip to Khao Sok National Park, staying in a treehouse, canoeing on the lake, jungle walks etc. - something that may appeal to your 11 year old! I imagine that it would possible as a day trip from Phuket.