Earlier this year, I travelled to Phuket for the first time to celebrate a significant birthday of mine with my best friend. The island lived up to its reputation of being an idyllic getaway destination with its pristine white sand and turquoise oceans. We stayed a week which I think is a perfect amount of time to unwind and recharge your batteries.
Where to stay: We chose to stay at The Nai Harn due to it being further away from the more touristy areas such as Patong. The Nai Harn is situated on the south-eastern tip of the island and is approximately 1.5 hours from Phuket International Airport by car.
I stayed in the Grand Ocean View room which was absolutely magnificent. The room was enormous, with a gorgeous bathroom and best of all – an enormous balcony with stunning views over Nai Harn beach. The staff went above and beyond to provide excellent, super friendly service.
The Nai Harn has 3 restaurants (serving both Thai and Western food) and 2 bars. It serves an incredible breakfast with so many choices – a great way to start each day. It also offers a swimming pool, gym, and spa. The best part of the hotel though is its proximity to Nai Harn beach, literally on its doorstep. There are also some shops and restaurants within short walking distance from the hotel.
My tip: Taxis are a good way to get around the island. They are reliable, safe and inexpensive. However, keep in mind that the high levels of traffic in Phuket can mean that getting places (e.g. to and from airport) requires a bit of extra time.
What to do:
If you want to do a few activities whilst staying in Phuket, here are my top recommendations:
1) Go on a day trip to the Phi Phi islands. The Phi Phi Islands, which can be reached from Phuket Marina in just over an hour by speedboat, is where you will witness some of the most spectacular and unspoilt natural landscapes you’ll ever see. This day tour is an island-hopping experience you won’t ever forget. I was blown away by the beauty of Maya Bay, known for being the shooting location for the movie “The Beach”. Throughout the tour, you’ll find crystal clear waters, pristine white sand, and some fantastic areas for snorkelling.
2) Visit Chalong Temple, the Big Buddha and Phuket Town. This half-day tour is a great way to explore the island’s culture. On this tour you’ll learn about the Buddhist traditions at Chalong Temple, the largest temple in Phuket. The Big Buddha statue, at 45 metres tall, is an impressive and revered landmark which is also a great spot to admire fabulous views of the island. Phuket Town has a great atmosphere, with lots of cute cafés and restaurants housed in beautiful Sino-Portugese buildings. Even if you skip the temple and Big Buddha, I’d recommend going into the town just to have a look around.
3) Do a cooking class at The Blue Elephant. The Blue Elephant is world famous cooking school and restaurant is situated in a beautiful colonial mansion. This cooking class and market tour is a great way to learn more about Thai cooking and a must-do experience for the foodies amongst you!