by guest author Isabella Rose
A trip to Phuket (Thailand) had always been on my travelling list but this faraway place (thirteen hours to be precise), had always seemed just a little out of my clutches, not to mention my budget. The little knowledge that I had gleamed of Southeast Asia had come from the rather dubious source of The Beach, that infamous film that gripped the nation with its gritty drama (and of course the rather divine, Leonardo Dicaprio). Portraying a remote island of paradisiacal beaches where unwashed 20-somethings could ‘live off the land’ and backpack beyond their wildest dreams, most of my views of Thailand hinged upon this film. Tragic I know, but having never had the luxury to pack up my life into a pint-sized bag to embark on a soul-searching trail, I had no choice but to believe this portrayal.
Following years of scraping the pennies together and denying my true nomadic nature, I decided to take the plunge and book a trip to Phuket (Thailand) to be more specific. After looking for adventure travel tips on sites like MyPhuketInfo.com, I thought Thailand’s largest island situated on the southern Thai coastline would be the perfect place to unfurl whether this remote tropical paradise really did exist.
Already feeling like the Farang (westerner) that I was, arriving in Phuket with expectations of a remote and secluded island left me feeling even more embarrassed by my obvious naivety. An island connected to the mainland by three main bridges, Phuket is far from secluded. Instead I was greeted with a vibrant hub of activity as locals and expats went about their daily duties. Market stalls, street vendors and hawker stalls lined the roads and the odd person carrying an overflowing rattan basket of Thai food meandered between the tuk-tuk’s rushing by. Not what I was expecting but needless to say I delved in head-first to fully exploit the bounty before me. Just a few highlights include the straight-from-the-wok noodles in Phuket Town, the vegetarian buffet on Bangkok road and the fruit market on Ranong Road, (yes, I do like my food!)
Knowing that guesthouses were among the cheapest places to stay in a trip to Phuket (thanks to oh mighty google), I had booked to stay at Shanti Lodge, a small guesthouse run by a friendly African/Australian family, nestled between Phuket city and Chalong bay (costing me 750 baht a night). Pleased for a little shade from Phuket’s hot and humid weather, I jumped on a local beach bus known as a Songthaew (the cheapest way to travel around Thailand) to reach my lodgings. Mentally preparing myself for a modest stay of the thatched-roof variety, I was surprised to find a lovely double room with a shared bathroom, (once again The Beach had led me astray).
To find out once and for all I joined an organised boat tour to Koh Phi Phi Leh, the uninhabited island on the southernmost tip of Phi Phi Don and the glorious backdrop to the main culprit of my views-The Beach. Did I find glorious remoteness? Well, yes and no. Remoteness, no; ferries and long-tails carried eager snorkelers and scuba divers by the boat-load to the various beaches of the bay. Gloriousness, yes; the view of verdant vertical cliffs enclosing a tropical reef, resplendent with white sandy beaches was truly spectacular.
Opening my eyes to the real heart and soul of Thailand, my trip to Phuket was a journey of discovery, just not the one I was expecting. Rather than finding remote seclusion, I experienced a vibrant hub of thriving culture amongst stunning tropical scenery. While nowhere near The Beach’s portrayal (and even without the gorgeous Leo in sight), Phuket offered a taste of modern paradise that would come highly recommended by me.
If you’ve been to Thailand you’ve probably been to Phuket too. How did you feel when you arrived? Would you recommend Phuket or would you rather suggest readers go elsewhere? Where to?
Author Bio: Isabella Rose is an enthusiastic traveler with a love of adventure. Having studied History of Art and Italian at university, it has been her lifelong dream to move to Italy to revel in the art, culture and of course the gelato! You can follow her through Twitter at @IzzaRoseB
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I went to Phuket, Thailand last year, and apart from swimming in beautiful Andaman sea, was really looking for was culture immersion. So I booked a trip to Phuket FantaSea Thai Cultural Theme Park. I know I probably wanted to stay on a safe side choosing this to a jungle trip, but ultimately I really enjoyed it. It was like my introduction to Thai culture in a very entertaining and positive way. The show was impressive and the elephants in the show – majestic and just adorable. The place is definitely a must see when you’re in Phuket.
Thailand is “a Must Visit” when you are coming to Asia. Phuket is one of the city that you should not have missed otherwise you’ll be regretted.
I’ve never been to Thailand but after all of the beautiful pictures I think it’s definitely going on my “Must Go” list. That coconut looks like it is to die for!!
One of the best things of Thailand is the food, and Chiang Mai is perhaps the culinary capital of the country ! (hint, hint)
We’ve been travelling to Phuket annually for the past 5 or 6 years and have unfortunately seen a steady decline it. We now much prefer the more remote and quieter Thai islands.
I believe you Bob, there are many who agree with what you have just said.
Great photos and nice story. Thanks for sharing with us.
Great photos and nice story. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Phuket is the beautiful place for my dream honeymoon.
Phuket is ok, but it was my least favorite place in Thailand when I was there. I liked the Phi Phi Islands much better. If you are going to Phuket, I would at least try to tack on a few days for other places. That being said, it’s all in Thailand – which pretty much makes it amazing.
True. I, on the other hand, did not like the Phi Phi islands. Waaaay to crowded for my taste! But you are right, in any case Thailand rocks.
Sad but true. Even Phi Phi island is getting over developed. There are sone great lesser known islands which make for a very chilled out holiday.
Phi Phi was perhaps my greatest dissapointment in Thailand. We only spent a night there, and because we booked it on arrival before checking the island.
Nice Article!, I have gone to Phuket on last year and stayed at Villa Sanyanga, this is a luxury villa for rent in Surin Beach Phuket. There are six bedroom, which can sleep up to 14 guests.
I thinks this is a wonderful villa for me and it will be the best choice for you, your family and friends.
I really love phuket. Let’ go to phuket. Have a nice weekend. 🙂
Thank you nice article. I am someone who really love phuket. Last month I’ve been to Surin Beach and like this place very much because this beach is quiet, white beaches and crystal clear waters. Surin Bay Inn is the great accommodation, i stay here. It’s just like a happy family, everyone there is so nice and hospital.
I am sure, i will come back. SEE YOU PHUKET
You’ve have a great blog and i like your blog very much because it is about traveling and i love to travel in different places. Here i find an exciting places to visit, which i never visit before.
I’ve heard lots of things good things about Phuket, so I’m planning to visit the place anytime soon (I wish). Maybe I could visit a wonderful diving spot there so I can appreciate the beauty of their beaches.
I’ve heard lots of things good things about Phuket, so I’m planning to visit the place anytime soon (I wish). Maybe I could visit a wonderful diving spot there so I can appreciate the beauty of their beaches.
You’ll have to look for lonely beaches as there are not many in the area. Diving spots are everywhere, and you’ll be taken there by boats, keeping the crowd to a minimum. I personally recommend Kata beach in Phuket!
We just spent 2 weeks training in Muay Thai in Rawai on Phuket Island and then 1 week at Patong on Phuket. It has it’s good points and bad points. If you want more seclusion you can find beaches away from the main hub and if you feel like a little partying and night life Patong has everything that you need. We enjoyed it and it wasn’t near as bad as we had heard, even at Patong.
So from what you say you also agree with Isabella: it is not lush and undiscovered nature, but there are secluded places as well if you look for them. I’ve also been there, and agree with what has been said so far.
I´m one of the few who hasn´t been there, only Bangkok and Chiang Mai but I wouldn´t be surprised if I made it there one day.