I was lucky enough to go on a retreat with the Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 top 20 to Phuket, Thailand. This gave me a taste test of what Phuket has to offer.

Prepare now with your pen and paper to jot down the things you like 🙂

Where to stay

Thavorn Beach Village Spa and Resort
http://www.thavornbeachvillage.com/

If you want to relax, away from all the hustle and bustle of the party life, this is the resort for you. They have some great facilities.

Up on the cliff that overlooks the ocean and a great view of Patong beach (many of these rooms have a bath on their deck).

My room was poolside. I could walk straight off my deck right into the pool. Plus, I had a gigantic marble spa bath… Now that is luxury.

If you are missing burgers and pizzas, they have an amazing pool bar. Relaxing with a pizza and coconut by the pool is my idea of relaxing!

Also all over the resort, you can get involved in cooking classes, painting, kickboxing, and we even got an opportunity to meditate… As in meditating with a real monk. What an experience!

Meditating with a Thai monk. Photo: Alan Raga

What to Eat

Phuket is the land of seafood and chilli. If you are a seafood lover and like a bit of kick to your taste buds check out these restaurants:

The Port Phuket
This place is 5-Star and served up a three-course seafood meal. It was so good that I scabbed some more off a friends plate https://www.facebook.com/ThePortPhuket/

Kalima
Buffet delight–you’ll get the full experience of Thai food at Kalima! I was extremely impressed with their fruit sculptures and of course the view. http://kalimaresort.com/malika_terrace.html

Photo: Alan Raga

Catch Beach Club
Best Tuna Steak EVER! I was bouncing up and down in my seat when I saw it coming. Not only that–there was a live DJ and the place was pumping. http://www.catchbeachclub.com/

Palm Seaside Restaurant
This restaurant will have you saying “wow” when you walk through the door. They have designed the dining area within a pool of water (see the photo). We had an amazing three-course Seafood and coconut ice cream dinner. They should really package that ice cream and send it to New Zealand because I have never tasted anything like it. http://www.palmseaside.com/

Photo: Alan Raga
The view at Palm Seaside Restaurant

What to Do

Flying Hanuman
Zipline through the Thai jungle with the coolest bunch of guides. These guys were entertaining and professional. This experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort-zone but worth the thrill  http://flyinghanuman.com/

LoveAndaman
If you are wanting to lay on an island and truly experience nature at its best, jet boat to Honeymoon island with LoveAndaman. Our instructor was so full of energy that she uplifted everyone. You will be fed and have as many drinks as you like. Great activities on the island such as snorkelling, glass boating and volley ball. https://www.loveandaman.com/

Who wouldn’t be this happy heading to a place so beautiful! Photo: Alan Raga

Andaman Trip Phuket
Twilight Boat Cruise took us sea canoeing though Phang Nga bay and to visit James Bond Island. They kept us well fed and watered with a delicious lunch and a twilight dinner. You can find them on  Facebook or Instagram @andamantripphuket.

Turtle feeding at Anantara Mai Khao
Anantara Mai Khao Resort preserves the nesting sites of turtles on their shores as well as rehabilitate Turtles with defects or disabilities. They also raise young Turtles and release them to preserve the population. Make sure to check them out and understand why it is so important to protect these amazing creatures. http://www.maikhaomarineturtlefoundation.org/the-turtles.html

Photo: Alan Raga

What to see

Siam Niramit Phuket
I am a drama teacher so theatre is a passion of mine so when I say that this is an extraordinary show I mean it. We received some education about Thailand’s myths and legends. The staging is extravagant and whoever designed it made every thought and idea come to life. There is a river on the stage that appeared out of nowhere. A river. You must see this show. http://www.siamniramit.com/index.php

Photo: Alan Raga

Patong-Bangla Road
This road is the centre of Patong beach and it is not for the light-hearted. If you are into nightlife and partying you will have a lot of fun here. Pre-warning: do not bring your children here at night as it turns R18 after dark! 😉

Photo: Alan Raga

Jungceylon Shopping mall
This is where you can get your high-end products and handily stock up on groceries.

Bazaan Markets
Opposite Jungceylon SM- Fresh produce, seafood, clothing goods and some sizzling food stalls. We had some fun trying the durian fruit which is banned from most hotels and resorts because of the smell.

Have you been to Phuket or Thailand? Any place you’d suggest checking out? Let me know in the comments!

9 Comments

Things to do in Phuket, Thailand

  1. Love reading your travel blogs, they inspire me to travel more, explore more and be more open minded. Keep up the amazing work. Love it! ?

  2. This makes me want to visit Phuket ? Love how you include so many info & activities in your blogs.

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