Post-tsunami, Phuket has been on the up and up. With the beery middle market having de-camped (mostly) to Koh Samui, a property boom has ensued and stylish resorts such as Aleenta, Indigo Pearl, Sri Panwa and the soon-to-open Cape Yamu (designed by Philippe Starck and Jean-Michelle Gathy) are crammed with tycoons, celebrities and Asian movers and shakers. Amanpuri and Trisara remain the twin jewels of the resort community and a multi-billion-euro island is in the works for the docking of superyachts. Bali may win on culture, but Phuket is hands-down the winner for beach beauty and luscious food - not to mention accessibility.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
It takes at least 25 minutes to get anywhere. |
| 02 |
Stock up on essentials before you arrrive at your hotel; there's a convenient shop in the airport perfect for this. |
| 03 |
Go local at least once for food. The simple tables and limestone mountain views of Chalong Bay at Kan Eang are a good standby. |
| 04 |
Good news for massage obsessives: there are five Banyan Tree-run spas at the Laguna Phuket complex. Our pick is the Angsana at the Laguna Beach Resort. |
| 05 |
Everyone should see the Simon Cabaret ladyboy show at least once: it's cheeky and absolutely fabulous. |
| 06 |
Book ahead for Thai food, dancing on tables and outrageous fun at legendary nightclub Ka Jok See in Phuket Town. |
| 07 |
Brunch at Oriental Spoon in Twin Palms resort is fast becoming an island event. |
| 08 |
Phuket is not Phuket without a day on a yacht. Tawan Cruises is a good bet. |
| 09 |
Try and have dinner in a private Amanpuri villa. Invitations are best wangled abroad. |
| 10 |
Thai-ness means leisurely waits, smiles and, above all, grace. Play along with patience. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
Aleenta
33 Moo 5, Tambol Khok Kloy, Phang-nga
+ 66 76 580333
aleenta.com
Dependable chain
JW Marriott Resort & Spa
231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang
+ 66 76 338000
marriot.com
Premium
Trisara
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay
+ 66 76 310000
trisara.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Siam Deli
JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Talang
+ 66 76 338000
marriot.com
Leisurely breakfast
The Bakery
The Boat Lagoon, 20/17 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road
+ 66 76 238941
Lunch with friends
Watermark
The Boat Lagoon, 22/1 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road
+ 66 76 239730
watermarkphuket.com
Picnic spot
Kru Wit's
Boat from Laem Hin
+ 66 89 8737398
+ 66 81 088 0533
Lunch on your own
Silk
50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay
+ 66 76 271702
silkphuket.com
Afternoon tea/drink
Laem Singh Lounge
Laem Singh Beach, Second Beach
+ 66 76 217 903
(October to June)
Dinner on your own
Trisara
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay
+ 66 76 310 100
(October to June)
trisara.com
Dinner with colleagues
Beach Restaurant
The Chedi, Pansea Beach, Cherng Talay
+ 66 76 324017
(October to May)
Best barbeque/al fresco dining
Amanpuri
Pansea Beach
+ 66 76 324333
amanpuri.com
Big dinner with partner clients
Rockfish 33/6
Kamala Beach Road
+ 66 76 279732
rockfishrestaurant.com
Late drinks
Joe's Downstairs
223/3 Prabaramee Road, Patong
+ 66 76 34425
joesphuket.com
Late bite
Lim's
28 Phrabaramee Road, Soi 7, Kalim Beach
+ 66 76 344834
lim-thailand.com
On the tiles
Ka Jok See
26 Takua Pa Road
+ 66 76 217903
04
Reading
Bookstore
Bookazine
18 Banglaroad, Patong
+ 66 77345 833-4
05
Thank yous
Flowers
Phuket Orchid Farm
67/1 Soi Suksan, Viset Road, Chalong
+ 66 76 280 226
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Arts & crafts from That's Siam
Jungceylon, 181 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong
+ 66 76 600111
Lost luggage – where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
Central Festival
74-75 Vichitsongkran Road
+ 66 76 291111
Something for the kids
Clothes from Central Festival
74-75 Vichitsongkran Road
+ 66 76 291111
Something for someone you love
Fashion from Ginger
Unit B5 Surin Plaza, 5/50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay
+ 66 76 271616
Something for yourself
Modern furniture from ArtOne
7/1-2 Suthat Road
+ 66 76 217709
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Phuket Town's Old City
Sino-Portuguese buildings, and Thai and Chinese temples. |
02 |
Freedom Beach
Can only be reached by boat. |
03 |
Cape Panwa Look-Out
Stunning views. |
08
Limousine/car
Limousine Express Group
Sheraton Grande Laguna
+ 66 76 324101
limousinethailand.com
09
Transport
Rent a bike
Bike Tours Thailand
10/195, Jomthong Thani, 5/4 Kwang Road
+ 66 76 263575
biketoursthailand.com
10
Fitness
Good gym
JW Marriott Resort & Spa
231 Moo 3, Mai Khao Beach
+ 66 76 338000
marriot.com
Good running route
Mai Khao Beach
Alternative diversion
Kite Surfing
Saltwater Dreaming, Surin Beach
+66 76 270 549
saltwater-dreaming.com