The Sassy Explorer : Sun-kissed Phuket

Swaadeeka fellow Wanderlusters!

Although I have been to many parts of Thailand – Bangkok, Pattaya, Chian Mai, Chiang Rai – my first and last love of the country will always be the island of Phuket. Dubbed as “Pearl of the Andaman Sea” it is your answer to your customized fun in the sun.

The island’s biggest sin city is Patong, where you get everything from the crazy nightlife to relaxing f&B shacks with games galore, to adventurous water sports.

Places to Stay;

Now this really depends on what you are looking for in a holiday. For me, since I have been there more times than can count now, it’s been a mixed bag of wanting to relax, be right in the middle of the party scene or try as many tours and excursions possible.

If you’re looking to tap into Phuket’s affinity for luxury –try places like the Banyan Tree, Angsana Resort & Spa.

For those of you wanting to be right in the middle of the bustling nightlife try sticking close to Patong Beach in resorts such as Holiday Inn Express or Deevana Patong where I was…they’re both within 5 to 10 minutes of all the action where beachaholics sizzle off their hangovers and go-go girls play ping pong…without paddles that is.

Don’t think you’re compromising in luxury or a holiday feel here as the hotels are all top-notch with big clean rooms and a decent breakfast spread.

However, if you want to put your feet up in the sun, take swanky spa sessions, visit a less crowded beach with the kids and still be close enough to sneak out for a few drinks and catch the pub vibes – stay at Karon or Kamala Beach. Movenpick, Karon and Novotel, Karon are great and have good spas too, while in Kamala I suggest trying out the Blue Marine Resort & Spa or the Swissotel Resort.

How to Travel;

Well, after struggling and bargaining with Tuk-Tuk or rickshaw drivers during my first few trips to Phuket – I would suggest renting a motorbike if you can ride it. It will hardly cost you anything, around 300Baht per day, and is easily available all across Phuket, especially on the entire long stretch of Patong Beach.

If you are going with family, renting a car is no biggies either although it may cost you a bit more, around 1000-1500Baht per day. But it is totally worth it if you want to have a couple of days to explore the entire island. Make sure you take the name and number of the person you are renting either one of the two from as well as picture of them – just in case. This is only for your satisfaction as although it is completely safe to handover your passport to them as guarantee, you may experience a bit of hesitation while doing so. Don’t worry, no one there wants to risk having a bad reputation and ruin their business for a passport and the owners are always available exactly where you last met them.

Tours & Excursions;

Bear in mind – everywhere you walk you will have a shop selling trips and tours and be trying to rope you in their kiosk area to make a sale. Don’t be over enthusiastic and book one right away. There are several and all competing fiercely for customers, so you always have the upper hand. One place I narrowed down to had a brochure which said the Phi Phi Island tour was 3200Baht per adult. I bargained and took it for 1400Baht per person! Yes, that is how much they’re out to loot you there. Phi Phi Island tour is a MUST. From the amazing boat ride, to fish feeding, stopping at different islands for snorkeling including the one where Leonardo Di Caprio’s “The Beach” was filmed. It is a small breathtakingly beautiful island with the clearest water ever like a large swimming pool!

Other than that, try the “Underwater Sea-Walk” – so much fun.

Food Paradise;

Whether you’re a vegetarian or meat lover there’s something for everyone in Phuket.

My best bet for trying out different cuisines is to let go of all inhibitions and try the most popular dish the country has to offer; having several reservations limit your avenue to new experiences. So, almost anywhere and everywhere the Pappaya Salad, Thai Green Curry, Thai Red Curry and Pad Thai will rock your world. You can also get vegetarian versions of these everywhere. Apart from this you have your usual McDonalds, some Arabic restaurants that also serve sheesha, and places like Hooters and Hard Rock Café.

One of the best places to go for Indian food outside of India is definitely the “Madras Café” right at the heart of Patong beach. Every single thing we ordered here was brilliant and you had a wide variety to choose from, the Idly (steamed rice cakes), Dosa (Crispy flat bread stuffed with potatoes), Fish curries and even Poppadums were dee-lish!

When it comes to dessert, I just could not stop having the “Mango Sticky Rice”. It will be the most refreshing bite you will ever have – especially if you’re travelling in the summer months when the mangoes are ripe and juicy. Please have this when you’re there – and sneak one for me in your suitcase if you can :p