Off The Beaten Path: Your Ultimate Phuket Guide

by Sana Bun

Off The Beaten Path: Your Ultimate Phuket Guide

17 Feb 2025

Photo: Miltiadis Fragkidis

Phuket has a mixed reputation, and I won’t deny it — some parts are overcrowded, overpriced, and known for their rowdy nightlife. But if that is all you see, you are missing out on the island’s true magic — its unique vibe, rich culture, and authentic experience.

Over the past two years, I have spent six weeks in Phuket, going both on holidays and workcations, and each time, I have left with just one thought: I need to come back. It is the perfect place for those looking to embrace a different way of life, escape daily stress, and find a sense of peace — despite some of the controversies of this place.

Intrigued? Here is my ultimate guide to experiencing Phuket beyond the clichés.

When to go

The temperature in Phuket stays quite stable throughout the year, but December to February is peak season, bringing sunny skies and cooler evenings.

If you don’t mind occasional rain, May to October offers fewer crowds and lower prices, though the monsoon can make some activities tricky. That said, if you are coming from the Middle East, Phuket’s 'rainy' season might feel refreshingly mild compared to a Gulf summer.

How to get there

You can catch a direct flight to Phuket from three airports in the UAE, with a flight time of 6 to 6.5 hours. The most budget-friendly non-stop option is Air Arabia from Sharjah, with fares starting at 2,854 AED for a trip from March 1 to April 1. If you are flying with Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi, expect prices from 3,066 AED, while Emirates from Dubai starts at 3,628 AED.

For those open to connecting flights with longer layovers, fares drop to around 1,900 AED from Dubai and Abu Dhabi and 2,160 AED from Sharjah.

Photo: Miltiadis Fragkidis

Before you fly

Vaccinations

Health first — check with your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice and vaccinations.

Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations and consider recommended ones like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies, especially if you plan on exploring rural areas or interacting with animals. Japanese Encephalitis may also be advised for longer stays. While malaria is not a concern in Phuket, dengue fever is, so be sure to grab insect repellent from a local pharmacy once you land in Thailand.

Travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a must, covering medical emergencies, accidents, and any adventure activities you plan to do — especially if you will be renting a scooter or engaging in sports. Just don’t neglect it.

Valid driving licence

If you plan on driving in Thailand, check whether your home country’s driving licence is valid — in many cases, it isn't.

To legally drive a car, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with category B.

To ride a motorbike (125CC or bigger, which is the smallest available in Thailand), you must have an IDP with category A or A1.

If your licence only has AM, it isn't valid for motorbikes in Thailand. Driving without a proper licence means your insurance won’t cover you in case of an accident, not even mentioning the fines you will get if the police stops you.

Money

Not all places in Phuket accept cards, and those that do often have restrictions. For example, many supermarkets only allow card payments for purchases over 200 THB, while some businesses charge an additional 3–7% fee for card transactions. Contactless payments aren’t always available, so be sure to carry your physical credit card.

Withdrawing cash from ATMs comes with a 220 THB fee per transaction, so it is wise to bring cash with you. You can exchange money at the airport without commission or at one of the many currency exchange points across the island.

Photo: Sumit Chinchane

Transport

If you have a valid driving licence, renting a motorbike or a car can be a convenient way to explore Phuket. But before making a choice, it is worth considering the pros and cons.

A motorbike is more agile on Phuket’s often chaotic roads, making it easier to find parking and generally cheaper to rent than a car. It also adds to the authentic Thai experience. However, it is far from the safest option — motorcyclists account for approximately 82% of road traffic fatalities in Thailand.

A personal warning

If you are sensitive to graphic descriptions, feel free to skip this part.

For me, riding a motorbike stopped being an option after witnessing a horrific accident. Two years ago, my fiancé and I saw a couple of tourists recklessly riding without helmets down a steep corner. They lost control, skidded, and ended up underneath a car. I was the only one who spoke their language, so I had to accompany them in the ambulance and translate at the hospital. One of them didn’t survive. When I returned to the hotel covered in his blood, I knew I could never look at motorbikes the same way.

Since then, I have started noticing how carelessly people ride in Thailand — often without helmets, without paying attention to the road, and even with small children on board. And when I came to Phuket last month and saw two accidents in a row within ten minutes, that was it for me.

If you aren't an experienced rider, it is worth reconsidering. If you don’t ride a motorbike back home, Phuket’s unpredictable roads are not the place to start. Public transport, taxis, or a rental car might be the safer choice.

A car, while offering more protection, comes with its own challenges. Unlike in the UAE, Thailand has left-sided traffic, which takes time to adjust to — especially in Phuket’s chaotic driving conditions, where motorbikes constantly weave between cars, creating dangerous situations. Parking can also be tricky. Many businesses offer free parking for customers, but some don’t, meaning you will often need to drive around looking for a spot.

Still, for me, a car feels like the safest option.

Ultimately, the best mode of transport depends on your experience (together with valid licence), confidence, and risk tolerance. If safety is your priority, consider skipping the motorbike. If you do choose to ride, wear proper gear, stay alert, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Photo: Red Shuheart

Safety

Beyond traffic risks, Phuket’s local flora and fauna can also pose potential hazards.

You will notice an abundance of cats and dogs roaming around. Some belong to locals, restaurants, or even gyms, and are likely vaccinated. However, it is often hard to tell which ones are strays. To be on the safe side, avoid petting them, especially if you are not vaccinated against rabies — no matter how cute and clingy they may be. The same rule applies to geckos, lizards, frogs, snakes and other local wildlife — just don’t touch them.

If you have food allergies, be cautious when trying exotic fruits. Personally, I discovered the hard way that I am allergic to durian — not the most pleasant surprise while on holiday!

Last but not least, avoid drinking tap water, and it is best not to brush your teeth with it either.

Photo: Red Shuheart

Where to stay

If you are looking for an authentic experience and want to avoid the typical tourist hotspots, steer clear of Phuket’s west coast — especially areas like Patong, Karon, and Kata Beach.

My favourite part of Phuket is Rawai, tucked away on the island’s southern tip. It is laid-back, far less touristy, yet has a thriving expat community, creating the perfect blend of local charm and international influences.

Eating out

In Phuket, it is hard to go wrong with food — especially if you stick to Thai cuisine. Don’t miss out on classics like Panang and Massaman curry, Tom Yum, cashew chicken, and mango sticky rice.

If I had to narrow down my favourite foodie spots, I would stick to Rawai:

— Lynn’s Mexican Plus — Don’t be fooled by the name; their Thai dishes are just as good as their Mexican ones.

— Highway Curry — The best Indian food I have had on the island, plus amazing Thai dishes.

— Little Persian — A must-visit for shawarma lovers.

— Go Vegan Rawai — Their raw desserts (especially matcha bar) and shakes are an absolute must-try.

Instagram: @goveganrawai

A quick note on spice levels: Medium spicy in Patong is nothing like medium spicy in Rawai. The more touristy the area, the milder the food tends to be.

For my fellow coffee lovers — if you are up for a caffeine detox, why not swap your coffee for a refreshing coconut, packed with nutrients and electrolytes, or a delicious fruit shake?

But if skipping coffee isn’t an option, don’t worry — Phuket has no shortage of great specialty coffee spots. My top pick is C.P.S. Coffee.

Instagram: @cpscoffee

Local experiences

Talk to locals

Thai people are very kind, considerate, and open, and even though many may not speak perfect English, striking up a conversation is a fantastic way to learn more about the country, its culture, and local life. Plus, you might pick up some tips and discover hidden gems along the way.

Thai Massage

A Thai massage is a must-try, especially if, like me, you have already entered your 30s. It isn't just a treat for the body but for the mind too, leaving you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and recharged. Exactly what you should be doing on holiday, right?

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a massive part of Thai culture: beyond being a traditional martial art, it is a symbol of national pride and discipline. If you think martial arts are just about violence, you might be surprised by the level of respect and care involved — not to mention how fun it is to train, even when it is 30+ degrees. Whether you join a group class, sign up for a Muay Thai camp, or hire a private instructor, you will soon see what it is all about.

Personally, I take individual classes every time I am in Phuket. I started at AKA Thailand, but then followed my krú (coach) to Southside MMA Thailand. If you are looking for something famous, Sinbi Muay Thai is also worth checking out.

Photo: Antonio Araujo

Learn to cook Thai food

During my last trip to Phuket, I stumbled upon a cooking class and decided to give it a go. Now, I can’t believe I hadn’t done this sooner! We started with a tour of a local food market, where we sampled and bought ingredients, then spent the day cooking four traditional Thai dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. Highly recommended!

Taste local chocolate — and make it

In Rawai, you will find Barada, a small artisan business producing incredible handcrafted chocolates that support the local cacao farming community. At their headquarters, you can taste and buy their creations, and even get involved in the chocolate-making process. Join a workshop where you will learn how cacao beans are sourced, refined, and transformed into delicious treats — all while enjoying a hands-on experience from bean to bar. Also, don’t miss out on trying their cacao husk tea!

Instagram: @baradachocolate

Go to the beach

Phuket has a beach for every taste. If you want to escape the crowds, Nui Beach is your go-to. For a small fee of 300 THB per person, an off-road car will take you all the way to this hidden, tranquil gem tucked in a small cove. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling, so don’t forget your gear. Another great spot, just a short drive away, is Yanui Beach — ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and intimate beach experience.

Go sightseeing

Between sipping coconuts under palm trees and indulging in a spa day, make sure to carve out some time for sightseeing. Visit the Big Buddha, a towering statue atop Nakkerd Hill that offers panoramic views of the island, explore the peaceful Wat Chalong Temple, a serene Buddhist site and spiritual hub, or take a stroll through Phuket Old Town, where colourful colonial buildings and vibrant street art bring the island’s rich history to life.

Buy local products

Call me basic, but I consider shopping abroad a genuine cultural experience, especially when you are in a country so different from your own. In Phuket, you will find all the big names, from Sporty & Rich to Hermès, but personally, I prefer to dive into local specialties.

For my fashion lovers, particularly those who checked out my guide on contemporary ways to style a silk scarf, Jim Thompson is the place to go. Founded by the American businessman who helped revive the Thai silk industry in the 1950s, the brand is now synonymous with high-quality silk products — clothing, accessories, and home décor — all featuring prints that celebrate Thai heritage.

Silk Twill Ribbon$55.18

Ban Khrua Silk Twill Scarf$137.94

Bangkok Old Town Silk Sleep Eye Mask$39.20

Silk Twill Ribbon$55.18

Ban Khrua Silk Twill Scarf$137.94

Bangkok Old Town Silk Sleep Eye Mask$39.20

Another intriguing sight? Local pharmacies filled with mysterious jars. Traditional Thai medicine relies heavily on herbs, which are used in all sorts of balms, oils, inhalers, and more — each serving multiple purposes, from relieving muscle aches to easing headaches, clearing blocked noses, and soothing mosquito bites.

And let us not forget the food. If you have already dipped your toes into Thai cuisine, why not bring some local ingredients home? Think kaffir lime and its fragrant leaves (trust me, stock up, freeze them, and thank me later), pre-made shrimp, chili, panang, and green curry pastes, galangal, and anything else that might spice up your kitchen.

Looking for souvenirs? Check out Central malls and Robinson concept stores for charming Thai-themed gifts. And don’t forget your passport (or a photo of it) to claim a tax refund on purchases over 2000 TBH.

by Sana Bun