Phuket

This island offers incredible contrasts. You'll find wild parties in one corner and serene, spiritual escapes in another. The overall vibe blends high-energy tourism with laid-back beach life, all wrapped up in the incredible beauty of the Andaman Sea. It truly has something for everyone.

Phuket offers three irresistible reasons to visit. First, its natural beauty is simply breathtaking. Beyond the world-famous beaches, dramatic limestone karsts jut out of emerald-green water in places like Phang Nga Bay. Second, the food is an adventure in itself. From fiery southern Thai curries at a local market to fresh seafood grilled right on the beach, it's a constant delight for the senses. Lastly, the sheer variety of experiences is amazing; visitors can spend a day meditating at the Big Buddha, learning to scuba dive in crystal-clear waters, and then watch a world-class cabaret show all in one trip.

The people of Phuket are a mix of native islanders and Thais from all over the country, drawn by tourism. They are generally warm, welcoming, and have a gentle nature, though the constant buzz of tourism can sometimes make interactions feel a bit transactional in the main hubs. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Thai phrases like 'Sawasdee' (Hello) and 'Khop Khun' (Thank you) goes a long way and is always met with a smile. The southern part of the island has a significant Muslim population, adding another layer to the island's rich cultural fabric.

Phuket's food is a huge part of the experience. The cuisine is a mix of southern Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences. You absolutely must try Goong Pad Sator (stinky beans stir-fried with shrimp and chili paste) for a true taste of the south. Mee Hokkien, a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish with Hakka Chinese roots, is another essential. You can get incredible meals at street stalls and local eateries for as little as 50-150 THB, with many delicious options in the 80-120 THB range. For an amazing local experience, check out one of the night markets, like the Chillva Market, for a huge variety of delicious and affordable food.

The infrastructure in Phuket can be a mixed bag. On one hand, incredibly fast and reliable internet is available in most hotels, cafes, and coworking spaces, making it a hotspot for digital nomads. Power is stable, and modern amenities are widespread. On the other hand, the road infrastructure struggles to keep up with development. Traffic can be intense, especially in and around Phuket Town and Patong, and some roads are quite old. While public transport is improving with services like the Smart Bus, getting around still heavily relies on taxis or renting a vehicle.

You'll fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), a large and modern airport on the northern end of the island. From there, you have a few options to get to your hotel. Using a ride-hailing app like Grab is often the most convenient. You can also take a metered taxi from the official counter (expect a a 100 baht airport surcharge). For a more budget-friendly option, the Phuket Smart Bus runs from the airport down the west coast to Rawai, stopping at all the major beaches for a fixed fare of 100 THB. Shared minivans are also available, but be warned, they often stop at a travel agency to try and sell you tours before dropping you at your hotel.

Getting around Phuket requires a bit of planning. The island is larger than you might think. Renting a motorbike offers the most freedom, but only do this if you're an experienced and licensed rider, as traffic can be chaotic. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are excellent for convenience and fair pricing. Traditional tuk-tuks are everywhere, but you MUST agree on the price before you get in; they are notorious for overcharging. For longer distances between beaches, the Phuket Smart Bus is a great, affordable option that runs along the west coast for 100 THB, and also has a route connecting Phuket Town to Patong for 50 THB.

Phuket is generally a safe place for tourists, but you need to be smart. The biggest risk here is road safety, especially on motorbikes. Accidents are very common. Another thing to be extremely cautious about is the jet ski scam, particularly on Patong beach. Operators are notorious for claiming you damaged the jet ski (sometimes even citing 'submerged damage' not visible at first) and demanding huge sums of money. If you rent one, be well aware of this risk and document the vehicle's condition thoroughly before and after. It's also wise to be careful with your drinks in nightlife areas like Bangla Road to avoid being overcharged or, in rare cases, having your drink spiked. The tourist police are a helpful resource if you run into trouble; their number is 1155.