The case for spending a long weekend inPhuket(the most infamous party island inThailand) is easy.

Theres fresh seafood, great weather, friendly people, and tons of options for travelers on every budget.

Bangkok Drone

As a travel destination, Phuket is a breeze to navigate.

Phuket, Thailand

Credit: Getty Images

The whole island is accessible by road, and none of the beaches require an admission fee.

Heres how to plan the perfect vacation in Phuket.

Cruise around like a local.

Scooters, Phuket, Thailand

Polonskiy/Getty Images

If youre feeling adventurous, try hopping on aSongthaew, the blue buses that locals use.

Especially when time is not of importance, its nice to hop on and just cruise along.

Head straight for the jungle.

Sirinat National Park, Phuket, Thailand

Paul Kennedy/Getty Images

Instead, tryKhao Phra Taew National Park, on the other side of the island.

Pick a beach, any beach.

Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

Try a massage.

Kata Noi Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Kevin Miller/Getty Images

After some real R&R?

The options for a traditional Thai-style massage here are limitless though some are more thorough than others.

Skip the party in Patong.

Thai massage

Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

The biggest misconception about the island?

That Phuket equals Patong, laments Schmidt.

Charming Thalang Road reveals scrumptious Thai-Chinese fusion restaurants, as well as the beautifully intact Sino-Portuguese shophouse buildings.

Banyan Tree Phuket, Phuket, Thailand

Courtesy of Banyan Tree Phuket