Tropical sandy beach with coconut tree and swing on Phuket island in Thailand with no one. Patong beach, Thailand.
Like thousands of other twenty-somethings, I started my post-college, soul-searching gap year in Thailand.
Endlessly fascinating, gloriously chaotic, and filled with warm and friendly people, I immediately fell in love with the country, and it sparked my obsessive love of travel that still hasn’t disappeared.
However, I was worried whether my recent trip to Phuket – Thailand’s largest island and a destination known for its vibrant nightlife – would live up to my nostalgic memories.
It turns out I needn’t have worried as Phuket surprised me in all the best ways.
It offers the perfect balance of laid-back island vibes and natural beauty, mixed with city comforts like sensational shopping, beautiful 5-star hotels and great restaurants, offering something for every kind of traveler.
From the graceful old town to the world-class snorkeling and delicious cuisine, here are seven reasons why it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
1 Quiet beaches
Although it can sometimes be difficult to find a spot for your towel on some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, many of Phuket’s golden sands are quiet, peaceful and completely undeveloped. At around 48km long, most of the best beaches are found on the west side, with Rawai (think cute traditional fishing boats and chilled beach drinks) and the long and serene Bang Tao being some of my favourites.
2 Culture, history and Instagrammable streets
Street in the Portuguese Romani style in Phuket Town. Also called Chinatown or the old town.
Exploring the colorful, fairytale streets of the oldest part of Phuket’s capital was perhaps the most memorable part of the trip. Decorated with flowers, lanterns, garlands and scenic balconies, and home to all kinds of cool cafes, boutiques, organic food stalls, stylish bars, second-hand bookstores and more, the European-style art deco architecture reflects the city’s history as important trading point for travelers from Europe, India, China and beyond. The Sunday evening market in particular is not to be missed, as is sampling a slice of the TikTok-famous burnt butter toast from Phuketique – a Phuket-born brand that coincidentally has just opened a second branch in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.
3 Incredible cuisine
Photo by Harriet Shephard
With creamy green curries, slightly sweet yet salty pad Thai and fresh papaya salad, Thailand undoubtedly has some of the best food in the world. Given the influx of traders, settlers and Chinese tin miners in the past, Phuket’s local cuisine is also unique to the rest of Thailand, and it’s an experience no foodie can miss.
The Banyan Tree Phuket (my base for most of my trip) had an entire section of the breakfast buffet dedicated to the island’s diverse and eclectic local recipes, while taking a Thai cooking class at Benjarong in the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket was a was excellent experience, too. The restaurant has been listed twice in the Michelin Guide of Thailand, allowing you to thoroughly immerse yourself in the flavours, ingredients and stories behind Thailand’s most famous dishes, and the views of the lagoon are absolutely breathtaking.
4 Dreamy island hopping
Photo by Harriet Shephard
You don’t have to put on elephant pants and sleep in hostel dorms to experience Thailand’s legendary Phi Phi Islands. Known for their high limestone cliffs and idyllic beaches, the six small islands are just an hour’s boat ride from Phuket’s east coast. An easy day trip offered by multiple tour operators, the snorkeling is absolutely out of this world, while film buffs may recognize Maya Bay as the setting for Danny Boyle’s popular Hollywood hit The Beach.
5 iconic sunsets
Laempromthep coast in twilight
It’s one of the most photographed locations on the island and you haven’t properly experienced Phuket unless you’ve joined the crowds to admire the extraordinary sunset views at Promthep Cape. The dramatically high viewpoint, perched on the edge of the cliff, also features a fascinating sanctuary surrounded by elephant sculptures, and a golden-roofed lighthouse. A quiet place to pause and reflect; on a clear day you can even see as far as the Phi Phi Islands.
6 World-class golf
Home to nine excellent golf courses, Phuket’s status as a premium golf destination may surprise you. Ranked one of the best in the world, Laguna Phuket Golf Club treats you to towering mountain views as you play, while the Red Mountain course is known for its unique red rocks and exquisitely jagged landscape. To boost local employment, having a caddy is mandatory, and this only adds to the fun and excitement.
7 Dazzling nightlife
Photo by Harriet Shephard
While the Old Town is chic and stylish, Patong Beach’s Bangla Walking Street is the exact opposite. Offering a more stereotypical Thai nightlife experience, it’s a complete sensory overload and you won’t know where to look first. It’s surrounded by nightclubs and is something of a cultural experience in itself, and then taking it home in a disco light-covered Tuk Tuk is all part of the fun.
Stay: Laguna Phuket
Banyan tree
With six hotels, multiple residences, restaurants, jogging trails, a night market and even a dog park, Laguna Phuket has a homey community feel that will make you dream of moving to this enigmatic island.
The most exclusive hotel, located around several large lagoons, is Banyan Tree Phuket, a unique villa hotel with swimming pool that is the epitome of luxury in every respect. I loved the novelty of having my own hot tub in the garden, starting the day with a floating breakfast in my private pool and exploring the complex on the free bikes. Complete with a private beach, many brilliant restaurants, a picturesque floating tapas bar, beautiful swimming pools, a huge gym and a beautiful spa (the Thai massages are incredibly good), it is sure to impress even the most discerning travellers.
For a slightly more affordable option, the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is excellent. The rooms are just steps from the soft sands of postcard-perfect Bang Tao Beach, while the luxurious villas feature private rooftop pools with spectacular views of the blue ocean. The beachside yoga classes are another highlight, and the pool is so large that it never feels crowded. Or, if you can’t bear to go anywhere without your furry friend, the quirky and pet-friendly Cassia Phuket invites you to bring him along.
Just a 45-minute drive from the airport, you can easily explore the resort using the free boats and shuttle buses, or by paddling from lagoon to lagoon by kayak.
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