Travel Guide: Phuket, Thailand

Sabai, sabai, a phrase in Thai meaning “take it easy” or to “feel alright,”
is a way of life in Phuket, Thailand. Dubbed the “pearl of the Andaman
Sea,” Phuket is the largest island off the southern coast. Though the
flight is a hefty sixteen hours on average from LA, just beyond the
airport gate are pristine beaches, cozy eateries, and soothing sceneries
occasionally punctuated by intricate golden temples.
You’ll trade gridlock traffic for winding roads along the lush green
coastline, with roadside carts fully decked with chilled coconuts and
sweet chopped pineapples. If you rent a motorbike, enjoy this exotic
privilege in Phuket: you can park almost anywhere, anytime, for free.
If there is one thing worth that long flight time, it’s the culinary
experiences of places with long histories and deep-rooted cultures.
Phuket’s rich diversity is well articulated in its East-meets-West
menus, though be warned—the menus in local restaurants can reach
twelve pages long in what feels like 14-point font, double-spaced.
But do not fret. From world-class restaurants that serve beautifully
garnished gourmet dishes by Michelin star chefs in luxe hotels,
to mom-and-pop shops that serve home-style tom yum goong, all
budgets and palates find their place.
When it comes to authentic Thai street food, look for the
fluorescent lights that illuminate numerous night markets around the
island. You’ll find food stalls selling everything from sweet mango
sticky rice, grilled satay on sticks, spicy som tam, stir-fried pad thai,
and for the adventurous foodies: fried arthropods (your choice of
crickets, bamboo worms, or water beetles), best washed down with a bottle of ice-cold Singha or Chang beer. It should also be noted that
Thailand is known for its produce, calling those who prefer a plantbased
diet to come and try their exotic fruits in bulk. Make sure to
stock up on the freshest dragonfruits and bananas after climbing to
the top of The Big Buddha Temple, where you’ll take in insane views
of the city’s lush landscape.
Where you stay will depend on your preference for luxury or
excitement—options range from four-star hotels and oceanfront
villas to hip mid-town hostels. Book a getaway to Kamala, on
the west coast where hidden hillside hotels are crowned with
spectacular sunset views. If your top priority is to party, stay in
Patong and make your way through Bangla Road’s mile-long
strip of go-go bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. For a lively but
less rambunctious experience, drive down to Kata and you’ll find
trendy beach clubs, rock ‘n’ roll pubs, and laid-back reggae spots.
Note to surfers: Kata is a great place to catch a wave from May
through October. Coming to Phuket in the off-peak season for surf ?
Mai-bpen-rai (meaning “no worries” in Thai)—Surf House in Kata
is the place to be for its wave-generating machine, making waves
year-round no matter the conditions. Discover Phuket Town’s
historic charm and see hotels and guesthouses in century-old Sino Portuguese
Architecture. Decided to add a few days to your trip?
Take a ride to the mainland coastal town of Krabi. On the road into
the province you will be greeted by turquoise sea views punctuated
with limestone formations.

More from Archive