Phuket

2018 Aug. Phuket. Thailand.

Phuket is a nearby popular beach destination that I have never visited until this trip. Very touristy and crowded, and not my favourite beach holiday compared to other similar Thai options like Krabi or Koh Samui. I did not encounter any must-see or must-eat places to recommend strongly, so just chill, relax, and go with the flow…

My favourite activity with friends… EAT! Happily enjoying the local food at Doo Dee Thai Food. Portions are very small though.

Wanted to go for No. 6 Restaurant for dinner, a popular recommendation found online, but the casual place serving local food was small and way too crowded. Saw Naughty Nuri empty and went in instead. This is an overseas franchise, so cannot compare with the Bali original, food was still decent. However the bucket of mojito instantly made us happy, yes it was a bucket, not a cup or glass.

Patong Beach near our hotel Holiday Inn was not at all impressive nor inviting to swim in, so we decided to book a day trip to Koh Hey island, in search of a nicer beach and some water activities. The trip included lunch, canoeing and snorkelling. The beach was nicer, but the shallow waters only had dead broken white coral pieces that would give you abrasion cuts, so lower your expectations about snorkelling.

Different groups were allocated areas to lounge on the beach chairs, but the place was crowded.

Night time street food along the street. Hit and miss, so no need to hunt for it.

My friends did a Muay Thai session at Sumalee. I was too lazy and sat out drinking coffee. It looked like a super demanding and exhausting workout, sweat till you can sweat no more.

Old Phuket Town is quite an interesting place to walk around. We had lunch at Tu Kab Khao Restaurant, housed in a century old building. Food is good, and nice ambience too, recommended.