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While Thailand has long been a long-haul favourite for seasoned travellers and prime destination for Mr Worldwides (read: jet-set travellers), Phuket is officially having its moment. The past couple of years have seen the Thai island surge back into the spotlight, helped along by the internet’s collective obsession with our girl, Moo Deng, and the glossy escapism of The White Lotus season three, set against Phuket’s sun-drenched backdrop. The result? A destination that feels freshly cool, culturally rich and firmly back on everyone’s bucket list.
As Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said ahead of the TV series’ release: “The kingdom’s exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, top-notch wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly our people and Thai hospitality.”
A sentiment we can whole heartedly confirm after visiting Phuket for ourselves. We went in November during the country’s cool season, when the weather transitions from rainy to dry, though ideal holiday conditions are considered December-March promising the winning combination of more sun, less humidity.
With bookings continuing to climb, Phuket is shaping up to be the must-go holiday spot right now — and we’ve got the best recommendations for exactly where to stay, eat and explore while you’re there.
Where to stay
If holiday heaven had an address, it would be Sri Panwa. Dramatically perched on a cliff at the tip of a peninsula in the south of the island, the resort serves up swoon-worthy 360-degree views across the Andaman Sea – sunrise, sunset and everything in between. Staying in your room for the extent of your stay, be it an en-suite room, bungalow or villa, is seriously tempting given the beautifully considered interiors, spa-esque bathrooms and private pool that is a mainstay feature for every accommodation type of the property. However, the resort has plenty to offer and take advantage of.
Water lovers are spoiled for choice, with endless pools dotted throughout the resort. The spa is an absolute non-negotiable for a range of relaxing treatments in rooms nestled under waterfalls that provide a soothing soundtrack and backdrop. When you’re not unwinding, there’s a fully equipped gym, tennis courts, and even a medical facility for more advanced treatments, from hydration IV drips to Botox.
Dining is equally impressive, with multiple on-site restaurants covering everything from classic Thai dishes to Chinese cuisine, plus teppanyaki and deliciously fresh sushi. Getting around the vast resort by tuk tuk only adds to the charm, while the genuinely warm, attentive staff really do make the entire experience, as they simply cannot do enough for you. Sri Panwa delivers on every level to be the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Just a short drive from the airport yet blissfully removed from the noise, Baba Beach Club sits right on the water’s edge with its own private beach, delivering that postcard-perfect Thai escape. Stay in the effortlessly chic ocean-view rooms with private plunge pools, or upgrade to a one-bedroom villa, complete with private kitchens and lounge areas, all centred around a communal pool with a swim-up bar that quickly becomes the social heart of the resort.
Days roll seamlessly into nights here, fuelled by delicious, authentically Thai dining and soundtracked by the beach parties Baba Beach Club is famous for. Equal parts laid-back and lively, it’s the ideal base for anyone who wants their holiday to feel indulgent, sociable and unforgettable.
What to do
An afternoon cruise
What says holidaying more than a yacht trip? Spoiler: Nothing! There are plenty of boat trips organised in the local area, or make the most of your luxury accommodation with Sri Panwa’s own private powerboat for a day exploring the islands scattered throughout the Andaman Sea. Sailing around in the afternoon sun, we were lucky enough to spot monkeys enjoying the shade of the rocky caves at one outcrop as well as checking out Khao Phing Kan – AKA James Bond Island – up close. 007 fans will no doubt know the limestone islet in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay featured in a memorable scene in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun.
If you’re a groovy music fiend looking for a day of fun on the beach, Café del Mar is the place to be. Located along Kamala Beach (a rumoured The White Lotus filming location and white-sanded haven), the beach club encompasses the Ibiza vibe with DJ mixes and residencies like no other (aka, Solomun plays here in high season!). Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the bustling nightlife of Patong, meaning the fun knows no bounds…
There are several ethical elephant excursions in Phuket, including sanctuaries that allow elephants to roam free and others that offer tours where you can learn about the elephants’ behaviour. Head to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to enjoy an up-close encounter with the animals; walk with them and observe as they wander, bathe, play, and socialise naturally – free from human touch!
Lard Yai Sunday Night Market, Phuket Old Town
Prepare to do your daily 10,000 steps in just a few hours because the island’s famous Walking Street (locally called Lard Yai) hosts 100+ stalls selling local fare, handcrafted products and delicious street food every Sunday night. Sidenote: expect big, busy crowds, and remember to take cash!
Friday night Boat Avenue Night Market
Local to the Bangtao Beach is Friday night Boat Avenue Night Market. Like the Lard Yai Market, the street comes alive from 4pm until late, with vendors selling local foods, souvenirs, jewellery and more. It’s the perfect after-dinner shopping experience as it’s a far smaller market than the one in Phuket Town.
Take a day trip to Phi Phi Islands
If you didn’t know, the Phi Phi Islands are around an hour and a half from Phuket via public ferry, making for a great day trip. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat cruise from Phuket to discover Phi Phi which includes a trip to Maya Bay and the Viking Cave, and snorkelling on the heart-shaped Bamboo Island. Its white sand, stunning limestone cliffs and natural beauty rank it a top destination in Asia, so, don’t miss the opportunity to visit when in Phuket.
Where to eat
Transport to Australia with this Melbourne-style café that serves breakfast, lunch and yep, you guessed it, freshly roasted coffee. It’s conveniently located at Boat Avenue in Cherngtalay, meaning you can dine before or after checking out the local shopping on offer.
This Thai chain coffee shop has five locations dotted around the island, two of which are situated in Phuket (around the Bang Tao Beach area.) So, if you’re looking to bring a sandwich to the beach, you know where to head. The in-dining experience, however, is one to note – its modern aesthetics and laid-back vibes are unmatched.
Embark on a culinary adventure at Little Bukit Farm where an authentic farm-to-table service is provided. Farm owner Melinda Briend-Marchal heads up a guided tour of the gardens where you can learn about the usage of locally grown, sustainable produce before heading to the café for refreshments.
Catch Beach Club is the ultimate food venue embracing contemporary Thai fusion and Western flavours. Pop in for an indulgent lunch, Sunday brunch or Friday night BBQ, all of which offer both fine dining and relaxed culinary experiences. On the menu (which does change depending on season), you can expect vibrant salads, seafood platters, classic Thai dishes and more – though, IMO, the seafood soup is a winner all year round! Enjoy each dish with a glass of wine, champagne, cocktail, mocktail or soft drink of choice. The options are endless.
Perhaps ignorant but I would have never pinned Thailand as a country with a tasty cheese offering. Sweden, France, Germany, yes. But Thailand? I wouldn’t have thought. That said, Thailand’s cheese production is, in fact, growing and Phuket is now producing a variety of flavours which you can explore at the recently opened Say Cheese restaurant. FYI, the desserts here are *chef’s kiss*!
The most luxurious food offering in this lineup comes from Wagyu Steakhouse, a Michelin Guide 2023 awardee blending fine dining with elegant design. At the entree bar, I recommend opting for a delicious tomatini (a savoury martini cocktail with a base of tomatoes and vodka) before heading downstairs to your table. As its namesake would suggest, Wagyu serves fresh meat from the steak counter, but for the veggies and pescis among us, fear not: seasonal vegetable delicacies and seafood options are available.
I know, I know; you’re more than likely travelling to Thailand for their authentic food offering, however, if you are looking to switch things up, Kalido’s Mediterranean flavours are the perfect excuse. The dinner menu has been curated by one of Thailand’s most renowned gastronomic artists, Chef Tammasak, and spotlights the best of fresh seafood. Oh, and did I mention that the restaurant is surrounded by panoramic sea views? Gorg.
Acai bowls, river prawns, and Aperol spritzes are just some of the delicious food and drink options that make up The Lazy Coconut, a family-friendly beach club situated on the west side of the island. I recommend going here for a slow brekkie or lunch as the venue encourages easy-going dining; it’s all about a barefoot, beach-bum lifestyle!
