Mighty mountains, white sands, clear blue water, cheap massages, stunning sunsets – and less than 2 hours from Singapore. Get your kaftan out, we’re off to Phuket.
Stay
The Pavilions is a romantic spot (read: no kids), with a great vantage point. Perched on the hillside with infinite edge pools, 3 fabbo restaurants, and access to a stunning private beach, this place ticks lots of boxes. Read our full review here.
Trisara. Luxury with a new level. Private pools, one of the best restaurants on Phuket, a bar that serves cracking cocktails, and an a-grade position overlooking a private bay on the North West coast, expect to find international celebrities opting for this one.
Amanpuri. An Aman resort property, this is another great honeymooners locale. With a secluded coconut plantation, perfect private beach, and chic teak Thai pavilions, this is an A-grade choice.
The Pavilions
Indigo Pearl. A cool hip option on Nai Yang beach (aka close to the action). With a minimalist industrial chic style and an interior that incorporates the island’s tin mining history, this place comes with a kids’ club, babysitters, and a family pool (plus a kid-free pool). Great choice for parents who don’t want the full-on family resort experience. See our full report here.
Sri Panwa. Stunning views from glass-box bedrooms. Private beach, wide spanning ocean views, private gym, tennis courts, this place even has its own yacht fleet. Thank goodness for that.
Jivana Villa. Located on the white sandy Natai Beach, this is a large 6-bedroom villa, perfect for a large family (or group of families).
Catch Beach Club
Eat
Catch Beach Club. If you only have one night, come here. Beach club at Twin Palms cranks out sweet tunes paired with funky lighting and an all-around great vibe. Sure it’s a little bit of a scene, but we’ll forgive this. Try the whole snapper and the grilled lobster, wash down with their dangerously strong mojitos, and your party has already started.
Lim’s. Funky interiors and fantastic modern-Thai food tucked into a setting of lush vegetation on the hillside above Kalim Bay.
Acqua. This refined black and white Italian resto serves delectable mod fare in cool space. Yellow fin tuna and swordfish carpaccio are to die for.
For a stand-out night head to one of the top-tier hotel restaurants – Trisara & Amanpuri. The effortlessly chic poolside glam-o-meter revs high here.
Ka Jok See. The one and only. Housed in a Sino-Portguese house, evenings start as a restaurant-experience and transform into a nightclub, where the room gets louder and the entertainment wilder. There’s just one rule here – you can’t say no.
Oriental Spoon. The Twin Palms Sunday brunch is the best island-wide. Book ahead. Many local expats work their way through the stations here each week.
Vanilla Sky
Drink
Joe’s Downstairs. Hit the terrace at this stunning white bar. Book ahead.
Vanilla Sky. Sunset calls at this Cape Sienna beauty.
Indochine Surin Beach Club & Stereolab. With seats in the sand, pass the beautiful people to make your way to the d-floor.
Siam Supper Club. Resto cum bar, this swinging joint oozes tropical sophistication.
Shop
We like The Plaza Surin for its standout stores. Ginger is chocked with neon homewares, accessories and resort wear jewels. Next door Lola has fab kaftans in pretty patterns and bold colours. Soul of Asia is good for old world charm interior accessories. Cross the road for Melisana for discounted designer frocks and Paul Ropp for hippy swimwear. This is all a short taxi ride from Surin beach.
A stroll around the elegant Sino-Portuguese quarter of Phuket’s Old Town is a must-do; we love the old shophouse architecture on the streets. It’s also good for serious shoppers (don’t go on a Sunday). We like Radsada Handmade (29 Rasada Rd) for textiles and next door Oriental Pleasure is great for spa products. Hit up Island Paradise for kaftans, shoes, and more.
Siam Safari
Do
Beach it. Follow the hand-painted signs along the trail to Laem Singh beach on the west coast. Go early, seems the word is out on this one.
We also love Nai Tong beach on the west coast which is often deserted, apart from a solo massage hut. If you have a car and driver, cruise to one of Phuket’s secret beaches which are dotted around the island.
Kayak around Phang Nga Bay’s sea caves with Sea Canoe or hop on a horse with the Phuket Riding Club.
Hop on a boat over to Phang Nga Bay, the legendary James Bond location, or check out Krabi for stunning limestone cliffs jutting out from the turquoise water.
Jungle time? Take a safari through the national park with Siam Safari. Whether you want to ride elephants or take an overland adventure trip – these guys lead the way.
Tips
Dry season is Nov-Apr, wet season and surf season is May-Oct. Aug-Oct is wet and windy, but most days you will get a pretty good chunk of sunshine.
Taxis are a rip-off. Hire a car and driver, or rent a car.
Respect. Cover your shoulders; no hot pants or midriffs when visiting temples and shrines.
Bring cash. Only restaurants and hotels accept cards.
Phone ahead. Lots of bars and restaurants don’t open in the low season (May-Oct).
Why limit yourself to just Phuket? Explore more destinations with AirAsia’s handy downloadable guide to Thailand. It’s free!
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