How to experience Phuket like a Local – Live Phuket, Don’t just visit it

From November to April is the dry season in Phuket. The weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoor markets, temple visits, strolls or scooter rides. During this time, you will see locals working, enjoying life and carrying out their day-to-day activities. There will be a few closed establishments due to rain or flooding. If you visit from May to October, the off-peak months, you will see a more quiet and calm Phuket. Locals will have more time to chat and tell you their stories. Sometimes, you may even get better deals during the off-peak months.

Choosing the right place to stay will help you see Phuket through a local lens. Rather than booking a typical high-end resort, you can find places that allow you to immerse yourself in the community. You can stay at a Phuket luxury hotel, which blends a luxury lifestyle with the island life. These hotels such as M Social Hotel Phuket are located in the city, where you can access the local shops and street food stalls and witness the everyday lives of locals while giving you the comfort needed for your stay. 

When it comes to food, avoid places that say Western-friendly menus if you want to enjoy Phuket like a local. Instead, go to places where the locals eat from. It is very easy to spot, especially during lunch hours. You can try unique food like thin rice noodles served with spicy curry, pickled vegetables and boiled eggs, Moo Hong, a slow-cooked pork dish that is very famous among the locals in Phuket and is a speciality of Phuket. Markets like Lock Tien or the Sunday Night market on Thalang Road are perfect for trying dishes from different regions. You can try out local cafes as they serve better coffee and desserts than most tourist spots. Always be on the lookout for small Thai-style bakeries and cool coffee bars to enjoy some fresh pastries. Follow the locals and look for places the locals are lining up; usually, they will spend less and find food that tastes amazing. You can always ask them for recommendations as well.

To truly feel like you are a local, use public transport like Songthaews or bicycles and scooters. Songthaews are modified pickup trucks that are used by locals to get around the city easily and are a great way to explore the city. They are cheap, fun and a great way to start conversations with locals or just observe daily lives. Another good way to explore is by renting bicycles or scooters for the day. You will be able to travel at your own pace and stop at locations you need to explore without any time restrictions and at an affordable price.

Phuket is home to many quiet neighbourhood temples where locals go to pray, meditate and make offerings. These places offer an insight into the island’s spiritual life. You can visit the Jui Tui or Bang Neow in Phuket town, especially during festivals. You will see a mix of Thai and Chinese religious traditions. Make sure to dress respectfully.

Markets like Banzaan Fresh Market in Patong or Kathu Market on Monday and Thursday are famous among the locals. Here, you can see the locals buying ingredients for their families and listen to them bargaining in Thai. If you want to experience local life, don’t be shy to bargain at these markets. You can see the fresh fruit stands, grilled meats, herbal remedies and herbal cosmetic items, and handicrafts being sold here. Some of them will make perfect souvenirs. Every stall and person here tells a story about their way of life. You can capture these spontaneous moments, but don’t forget to ask for consent.