Two months ago I took a trip with my family to the island of Phuket in Thailand. We spent almost two weeks exploring in and around the city of Pa Tong. With so much natural beauty and culture I will be sharing my best travel tips with you. Including where to stay, what local foods to try and the best activities to experience.
Thailand was my first introduction to the vast continent of Asia. I have never visited Asia before, but from what I experienced, I would absolutely go back. The country is home to beautiful UNESCO world heritage and the locals display a friendly, welcoming culture. It is a destination I truly believe everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Where to Stay?
This is an important part of every holiday: choosing where to stay. There are so many choices for cities and even accommodation styles in Thailand. The most common are hotels. For the best prices I would suggest using Airbnb and for a more luxury experience use Booking.com. I highly suggest booking a hotel that offers breakfast and a pool area. Having breakfast at the hotel, just before a day full of adventure, is always a great way to start the day. My family and I stayed at Seaview Patong Hotel and their buffet breakfast was out of this world.
Each part of Phuket has a different feel to it. Pa Tong, for example, is a vibrant city that caters mostly to tourists. It has plenty of stores, massage parlors and restaurants. It is lively, bustling and comes alive at night.
At first, coming to Phuket , I was bombarded with negative stereotypes about certain activities that take place on the island. While there are things that I personally wouldn’t take part of, it is important to visit the Island with a positive attitude and only dedicate time and attention to things that are important to you.
For a family oriented vacation I would recommend staying in areas like Karon or Phuket city itself. Being closer to the city is great for quicker access to the beautiful shopping malls and docks for boat tours.
Another great option would be to stay on the local Islands like Koh Lanta– for quieter beaches and more peaceful surroundings.
Pa Tong was exciting and full of energy. We explored most of the city by foot, visited night markets and profited from our hotels poolside. Choosing where to stay is completely up to each traveler as each city offers a unique experience.
Activities to do?
As I mentioned earlier, Phuket is a really large Island. The local businesses thrive off of tourism so there are lots of activities and experiences available. A very popular activity to do in Thailand is taking a boat tour of the Thai Islands. With over 200 islands around the coast, it is worth visiting at least a few of them during your holiday. Tour companies usually pick up guests up from their hotels and transfer them to the docks on the east side of the Island. Once there, passengers are briefed on the itinerary for the day before setting sail.
Each company offers a unique combination of activities, lunch options and destinations. On our tours we stopped at amazing swimming spots, went snorkeling in crystal clear waters, made traditional Thai desserts, we canoed in underwater caves, and even relaxed on a private beach.
Our favorite company was Twilight Sea Canoes. The local tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the ocean and marine life. Their hospitality made our experience unforgettable. I recommend the Phang Nga bay tour which includes: Hong Island, James Bond Island and ends with a magical experience of bioluminescence in the ocean.
If you have a bigger budget and want to see the famous Phi Phi Islands, including Maya beach, I would recommend booking a more private boat tour. Paying extra for comfort and a smaller group is worth it.
Other fun activities available:
- Visiting Phuket Elephant Care sanctuary and bathing with rescued elephants. Please do your research before supporting an elephant sanctuary as some of them are not ethical.
- Exploring beautiful temples and the Big Buddha for a panoramic view of the Island. Make sure to dress appropriately to enter the temples.
- Taking a taxi to Phuket Old Town: known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture—a unique blend of Chinese and European influences. The colorful shophouses and colonial-era buildings reflect the island’s rich trading history.
- Going for an ethical and relaxing Thai massage.
- Zip-lining through the Thai jungle.
- Have a beach day on Paradise beach, Freedom beach or Kata Noi beach.
Most of the tours can be booked online through GetYourGuide or at the local tour stands in major city’s. Make sure to space out your tours evenly throughout your holiday.
What Food to Try?
Thai food is simple, affordable and packed with flavor. There are so many new dishes and restaurants to try in Thailand. The seafood here is also very fresh as it comes directly from the coastline, caught by local fishermen.
The best idea for finding food in Thailand is to eat at the local restaurants or street markets. Just pick a spot where there are lots of locals and avoid the places that look like tourist traps. Something interesting that I discovered while in Phuket was that a McDonald’s burger is more expensive than a dish from a local restaurant!
In the evening, in Phuket, there are street vendors that sell all kinds of foods, both sweet and savory. Their food is usually well priced and made freshly in front of you. I recommend trying the crepes, coconut pancakes and mango sticky rice.
All over Thailand you’ll find fruit vendors selling amazing local fruits. In Phuket, almost every restaurant sells coconut juice and serves it directly in the coconut. This was my go to drink along with a Lychee lemonade. Fruit is so abundant here because of the tropical climate conditions.
An important note: always be aware of food safety. A simple tip is to wash your hands before every meal.
Packing List and Travel Tips
In Thailand the shopping experience can be really fun and inexpensive. You’ll find everything from grand malls to small market stalls. So make sure to leave extra room in your suitcase when traveling here. I thoroughly enjoyed supporting local brands and buying souvenirs to take home.
- Pack light, breathable clothing- the climate is hot and super humid.
- Bring a poncho or light rain jacket for those sudden tropical showers.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes– you may find yourself walking over 20000 steps a day.
- Pack water shoes to protect your feet while swimming- especially if you are planning to go on boat tours.
Travel tips
- The best time to visit Thailand is from May to June. It is out of peak tourist season and the weather is still enjoyable.
- Only use bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing.
- Withdraw cash at the airport. Cash is the preferred payment method in most places, especially markets and small shops.
- Check your visa requirements- as a South African I did not need a visa but instead I needed a Digital Arrival Card.
- Driving a scooter can be overwhelming on the busy roads, alternatively use a local taxi or order one on the app called Grab.
- Check what medication is allowed to be brought into Thailand as there are some strict rules.
Final Thoughts
Thailand was an incredible country to visit! The tropical environment was relaxing, and the wide range of activities kept us busy as a family while having fun. Beyond that, the Thai people introduced me to their beautiful and welcoming culture. Whether you are looking for a tropical island adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful beach escape, Thailand truly has something for everyone. I hope these tips inspire you to plan your own unforgettable trip to this amazing part of the world.