Joanna James
Thailand’s largest and most spellbinding island city, Phuket is an enticing medley of nature-kissed tropical bliss and atmospheric old-world allure with an exhilaratingly modern twist. Here’s what you can miss in Phuket this year.
Phuket offers a sensory carnival of experiences, whether you're captivated by its stunning beaches, unique rock formations, jungle adventures, or water sports. Alternatively, if you're drawn to vibrant night markets, Thai cooking classes, and tantalizing street food, Phuket promises a kaleidoscope of delights for all your senses. However, no matter what tribe of wanderlust-seeker you belong to, you won’t regret gliding through the bejewelled blue-green waters in a vibrant long-tail boat, past the majestic limestone cliffs and watery caverns of Phang Nga Bay. If you prefer beachcombing and splash-worthy antics, you can parasail across the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Freedom Beach or curl up with a fruity drink on its soft ivory sands, drink in the stunningly rugged and wild scenery of intimate Ya Nui Beach, and enjoy the exclusive retro-chic enclaves and care-free tropical sparkle of Surin Beach.
While Phuket’s velvety jungle-clad mountains, aquamarine plantation-bordered seascapes, secret rainforest waterfall pools, and panoramic windswept precipices leave nothing to be desired for even the most blasé island gipsy, its towering limestone cliffs open like gargantuan fantasy gateways to more idyllic islands! From the iridescent coral kingdoms of Koh Mai Thon and Koh He, the striking verdant cliffs and azure seascapes of Koh Phi Phi Leh, and the postcard-perfect trendy setting of Phi Phi Don to the laidback vibes and savoury delicacies that will welcome you at Koh Yao Yai, these multi-faceted gems of the Andaman Sea beckon irresistibly with their diverse enticements.
Even if your heart is set on discovering hidden coves, diving with manta rays under transparent swells, and circling wondrously shaped limestone castles, an evening out through artistically vintage and pulsating hip Old Phuket Town is a must. Here you can steep in the elegantly vibrant ambiance of gorgeous Sino-Portuguese mansions, binge on authentic Thai delicacies, detour down colourful colonial-style side streets perfect for souvenir shopping, and savour Soi Rommanee’s repurposed traditional buildings housing chic boutiques, eateries, and guesthouses.
Whether it’s feeding friendly tiger cubs, ATV racing between safari camps, getting acquainted with an endangered gibbon, or taking a mud bath with gently gigantic elephants, Phuket is known for its ethical wildlife sanctuaries and projects where travellers can make a difference while enjoying enriching animal interactions. If you’re looking for the best pool villa in Phuket offering exclusive access to its myriad of enticements, venture no further than Layan Residences by Anantara.
From charming artisan walking markets with their creative crafts, handmade jewellery, and sweet confections and vivacious night markets with their sizzling street food stalls and eye-catching local labels to high-end beach boutiques and avant-garde shopping malls like Jungceylon, hosting top-notch international brands and edutainment amenities, there are plenty of entertaining options for shopaholics!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
