Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and, as a long-standing popular destination, it undoubtedly has its unique appeal. You won’t understand what it means to be an “international tourist island” until you visit. In Phuket, everyone can find their preferred way to enjoy their stay: some might enjoy relaxing on the beach, others might indulge in hotel stays and gourmet food, some may prefer island-hopping by boat, others might explore cultural and historical sites, and some might revel in the pristine forests. Just follow your own preferences and enjoy!
The capital of Phuket, modestly named Phuket Town, may be small in scale, but it is the birthplace of Phuket’s civilization. Originally, only a few indigenous people lived on the island. However, with the discovery of tin mines, people from China, Portugal, and other regions came to mine and build homes. As various ethnic groups settled and mixed, they gradually developed the diverse and harmonious culture that characterizes Phuket today.
The Old Town retains the cultural charm of centuries past and boasts a rich historical heritage. With its vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture, popular local restaurants, unique murals hidden in alleyways, and trendy, quaint coffee shops, Phuket Town offers a distinctive charm and atmosphere. Each visit brings new discoveries, ensuring that you will never feel bored.
Trendy Dessert Shop Torry’s Ice Cream
Hidden in this alley are several inconspicuous little shops, but they are all famous trendy spots. Among them, the dessert shop Torry’s Ice Cream is the most popular. Many visitors come here specifically and queue up outside. The shop’s pink exterior is particularly eye-catching and instantly appeals to one’s sense of youthful charm. The interior is both luxurious and cozy, decorated in a vintage Thai style, resembling an antique store.
Cold brew tea, ice cream, and macarons are the most popular items. We ordered almost all the trending products in the shop, filling the table. The copper bowls and spoons add a touch of quality. The sesame ice cream has a rich and smooth taste with a lingering aftertaste, making you want to eat more. The homemade cold brew tea is fresh and delicate, and the stylish bottle can even be taken home after finishing the tea.
Blue Elephant Restaurant, a Michelin Plate recommended restaurant
Blue Elephant is likely one of the most famous restaurants in Phuket. We’ve been there twice. It is hidden in a small, colonial-style building deep in the rainforest, which is said to be over a hundred years old and was once the residence of a governor, exuding an elegant and nostalgic atmosphere of seclusion.
The restaurant’s walls are adorned with traditional wooden carvings, and the vintage decor combines nobility with tradition. The large blue elephant in the center is particularly eye-catching. The blue is the main color of the Thai flag, and the elephant, being Thailand’s national treasure, symbolizes the essence of Thai cuisine.
It is said that the founder is the daughter of the Thai royal chef and inherited a rather mysterious royal recipe, adding to Blue Elephant’s legendary status as “Royal Chef.” We ordered an exquisite set menu that showcased the essence of traditional Thai dishes. Under the warm lighting, the unique Thai spices and traditional plant leaves combined to create a mesmerizing flavor with curry, coconut, and other tropical tastes enhancing the chicken and seafood.
Although some Chinese media mistakenly refer to it as a Michelin three-star restaurant, it is actually a Michelin Plate recommended restaurant. This may be due to its high standards in both food and environment.
The down-to-earth local restaurant Raya
Phuket’s incredibly dreamy underwater restaurant “Andasi”
With an average cost of $100 per person, it’s perfect for anniversaries and proposals. The restaurant is open from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
These restaurants vary in terms of prestige and style, and they only represent a small fraction of Phuket’s diverse food scene. From street food stalls to upscale Michelin-starred establishments, there’s something for every taste and budget. Most importantly, you’re unlikely to have a bad experience. Thai cuisine stands out in Southeast Asia, which may be one of the reasons why people love Thailand so much.
Andara Resort Villas
The villas at Andara Resort Villas combine modern and Thai styles. They range from 1 to 5 bedrooms. We stayed in a 2-bedroom pool villa with a spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The master bedroom faces the ocean, and of course, having a private pool is an added luxury. Both indoor and outdoor areas feature separate showers and bathtubs, blending seamlessly with nature. Many celebrities appreciate the privacy and stunning views here, and some even end up purchasing property after just a few days. Coco Lee is one of them.
The infinity pool and pool bar design are very Instagram-worthy, allowing you to effortlessly enjoy the stunning views of Kamala Bay. The rooftop pool villa has a pool on the second floor, which is especially great for photography.
Emperor Island, once a royal vacation destination
Having visited many islands around the world, some are breathtakingly beautiful, while others are overrated. The more you explore, the harder it is to be amazed. To be fair, Phuket’s beaches and sea views can satisfy most people’s dreams of the ocean. However, human nature is never satisfied and constantly seeks new paradises.
From Phuket, a 30-minute speedboat ride takes you to Emperor Island. Calling it a paradise is not an exaggeration; its beauty can only be truly appreciated in person. This was my third visit to Emperor Island. According to unreliable rumors, it was once an exclusive retreat for the Thai royal family and was closed to the public. A few years ago, most visitors were foreigners with blonde hair and blue eyes, but in recent years, more locals have come and fallen in love with the island.
Emperor Island offers stunning sea views rivaling those of the Maldives and lacks the hustle and bustle found within Phuket. All you need to do is bring a relaxed attitude and quietly enjoy the ocean. The typical trip involves taking a boat from Phuket’s pier in the morning, having lunch on the island, and returning around 3 PM, including one snorkeling session.
These days, Emperor Island’s day-trippers are numerous, and the island is crowded from 11 AM to 4 PM. It’s only in the evening, after visitors leave, that the island regains its tranquility and beauty. If possible, consider staying overnight. The crystal-clear waters rival those of the Maldives, with no visible impurities under direct sunlight. Schools of colorful fish are clearly visible, and with some luck, you might even encounter sea turtles and manta rays, offering an eye-opening experience. The marine life here is abundant, the sea is calm year-round, and the water temperature is ideal, making swimming and snorkeling very safe.
Emperor Island is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, as recommended by National Geographic. Among the island’s beaches, Kon Kare Bay is particularly suitable for snorkeling. The best time to snorkel is around noon when the sun is directly overhead, providing the highest visibility in the crystal-clear water. Under the sunlight, the water displays a mesmerizing array of blues, creating a magical and transparent effect. However, be cautious of the coral reefs underwater, which can be sharp and may cause cuts, so don’t forget to wear snorkeling shoes.
koh yao yai
Koh Yao Yai, also known as Big Long Island, is located between Phuket and Krabi, approximately a 20-minute boat ride from Phuket. The island is accessible only by boat, and booking a hotel with speedboat transfers is very convenient; they even have a hotel at the pier in Phuket. On the island, shuttle buses run every few minutes, which is much easier than hiking up the hills on your own.
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort occupies about a third of the island and offers an outstanding natural environment. From the sea, you can see the hotel villas hidden halfway up the hill, creating a somewhat magical scene. On a sunny day after rain, people either stroll along the beach or wait for sunset at the restaurant. The pier is lit with lamps, and couples cuddle up on the beach, waiting for the most beautiful twilight. The clouds, ablaze with sunlight, create a dreamy and enchanting scene.
The hotel offers both villas with private pools and sea-view rooms. We stayed in a sea-view room, which features wooden architecture throughout. The interior decor is predominantly traditional Thai wooden carvings, with many wooden items adding to the authentic feel. The balcony faces the Andaman Sea and includes a large bathtub.
We also visited a standalone villa. Although it has 2-3 rooms similar to the sea-view rooms, the private pool outside is exceptionally enjoyable.
