Finally, here I am, after a 2-week vacation on an island located 15 hours by plane, in Phuket, Thailand. Despite the fact that jet lag affected us more than we expected, we managed to enjoy the most wonderful views, try a multitude of exotic dishes, witness several sunrises… I would be pleased, therefore, to share my experiences with you and to offer you a mini-guide for those who plan or would like to visit the island.
Restaurants and food
I must confess that I have heard and seen a multitude of alarming testimonies about Thai food: perhaps the seafood is not fresh, perhaps the dishes are not cooked in a very hygienic place etc. With these in mind, we were careful about what and where we ate, and I am happy to announce that we had no food poisoning or any other problems. A hidden gem we found is a small restaurant with Thai food called Halal Savannah. We were amazed when we noticed a queue forming in front of the restaurant, considering how the interior and exterior of the place look. I can guarantee you, however, that the food was delicious, the prices extremely affordable, the menu (extremely varied overall) being pretty much the same at all the places with traditional dishes.
In the same vein, I propose a Food Tour in Old Town Phuket, which left us deeply impressed. We visited 5 restaurants and tasted around 25 Thai dishes. It is a surefire way to discover lesser-known places, hard to find for tourists.
Must-try dishes: Mango Sticky Rice, Pad Thai, Pineapple Rice, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Banana/Mango Roti, Smoothies, and many more.
Shopping
No matter which district of Phuket you are staying in, you should visit the Night Market, open every Sunday in Phuket Old Town. Here you can find handmade Thai souvenirs: from leather wallets to jade rings and cashmere scarves. Of course, it is also worth exploring the street food area, where you can taste freshly cooked local dishes, which perfectly complement the authentic market experience.
Continue your shopping experience with pearl jewelry. The waters around the island are ideal for cultivating pearls, which are recognized and appreciated for their quality and luster. You can find pearls set in jewelry, from simple earrings and necklaces to more elaborate, custom-designed pieces.
Views
Since being in Phuket and not exploring the surrounding islands should almost be considered a crime, we felt incredibly lucky to have chosen what turned out to be the best Phi Phi Island tour. We came to that conclusion for several reasons. Around 60 people had booked the tour, divided into smaller groups of 20, each with its own guide. Our guide, Sexy Goodies, was absolutely hilarious and made the entire experience even more enjoyable. Because the tour officially started at 5 a.m., we were able to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises imaginable. We even had breakfast (included in the tour) on a small “cat island,” where the view was simply phenomenal. By 7 a.m., we had already arrived at the famous Maya Bay, known from the 1999 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Thanks to our early start, we managed to avoid the overwhelming crowds that usually gather later in the day. We also visited the Viking Cave (often referred to as the pirate cave), stopped by Monkey Beach — although I suspect the monkeys were still asleep, as I didn’t see any — and enjoyed some snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The experience wrapped up around 2 p.m., after a decent lunch, and we were extremely satisfied with the entire day.
A lesser-known spot that is absolutely worth the effort is the sunrise at Black Rock. About an hour away from Patong by scooter, it requires a 15-minute hike up a small hill — but once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with one of the most spectacular and picturesque landscapes imaginable. I have a feeling this view will remain vividly imprinted in my mind for a long time.
Phuket is the kind of place where you can eat well, shop with a local flair, and start your day with a breathtaking sunrise. Whether you come to unwind or to explore, the island offers a little bit of everything — and it will almost certainly make you want to return.
-AE
