Phuket is known for its beauty, its culture and its nightlife. There’s so much to see that you may be tempted to stick to the tourist trail to make life simpler. There are many key attractions which you shouldn’t leave without seeing, but off the beaten track you can find your own Phuket paradise. Here we list some of our favourite must-sees, great for both you and your partner, as well as some hidden gems.
Go Exploring Underwater
Phuket is one of the planet’s top destinations for snorkelling and scuba diving. With crystal-clear waters, a beautiful coral reef and thousands of species of fish to discover, exploring this underwater world needs to be inked onto your itinerary! Prices are very affordable and what’s more, island-hopping and diving excursions are often combined.
Share a Kiss on a Deserted Island
Phuket plays host to some of Thailand’s busiest beaches but also to some of the quietest. Even in high season, in certain locations around the island, there are deserted beaches to be discovered. Mai Khao Beach is the longest in Phuket. As such, vast swathes of it remain untouched by modern tourism. The beach starts at Sirinath National Park which, in itself, provides plenty of opportunities for privacy. The beach stretches all the way to the very north of Phuket and although there are a handful of resorts dotted along Mai Khao, you will have most of the eleven kilometres of the beach to yourselves. If you do find yourselves needing something to do, you can lie on the beach and watch the planes land at Phuket Airport or visit the nearby Splash Jungle Water Park. There are also a number of beaches which are only reachable boat. The names, such as Paradise Beach, Jungle Beach and Freedom Beach, tend to be as memorable as the places themselves!
Take Part in a Thai Cookery Class
There are thought to be around 15,000 Thai restaurants outside of Thailand and for good reason – Thai cuisine is renowned for being as healthy as it is delicious. If you’re staying in a popular area the chances are there will be a cookery class running nearby. These classes are typically led by a charismatic chef who will impart upon you some recipes and some secrets, leaving you with some delicious food and happy memories to take away with you. The most popular courses are in Phuket town and Patong. Prices start at around 900 THB.
Unwind at a Spa
If you want to be pampered, Phuket is the ideal place to visit a spa. They are geared towards couples and offer traditional Thai massage, foot massage, fish massage and aromatherapy. You can even share a milk bath together. Far from an activity, this is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences a holiday could offer.
Dine at a Top Restaurant
Phuket is awash with fantastic restaurants but Breeze at Cape Yamu is certainly one of the best. The inviting decor blends the boundary between indoors and out – with trees rising though through the wooden-slatted roof and unobstructed views of the beautiful surrounding area. The cuisine is French and there is a strong emphasis on fresh, local produce and the care over cooking and presenting these fantastic dishes reflects in the taste. The restaurant offers a dozen-strong away of wines, in addition to champagne and organic wines too. The menu features a wide range of mouth-watering dishes, including plenty of fish and seafood. Breeze also boasts a bar, giant chess board, infinity pool and for a fraction of the price you can enjoy fine French dining while looking out over the Andaman Sea.
Stay in a Private Villa with a Pool
Watching the sunset with your loved one from your private infinity pool is one experience which will certainly be hard to beat. The comfort and seclusion of having a villa to yourselves will seem indispensible after long days exploring the busier, faster-paced areas of the island. Villas offer far more space than hotels, all the creature comforts and far better value for money. Resava offers a range of gorgeous villas in exceptional locations so you can enjoy paradise in the lap of luxury.
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