The ‘h’ is silent, so be careful how you pronounce it. Above all else, Phuket is like an oasis in South Asia, because it might just be the last true large population location, where the culture has not bowed down to all others. It’s very proud to be an island, and it’s 50 kilometers long, which makes it the largest in Thailand. The mood is such that it doesn’t really seem like it’s a part of any country, and definitely feels like it should be an island. The people are incredibly laid back. They like to trade, drink, eat, laugh and share stories, but they also like to not take things seriously. This is great if you’re looking to explore Thailand, without getting mixed up with the traditional lifestyle. Phuket has been showing signs of conservatively but nonetheless, approaching great levels of modernity. There are so many things to do and places to explore, but what will leave an imprint on you, is how far the people and island have come.
Image credit – Dan Taylor
Speed boating power
When you’re on an island, you can’t stick to the inner cities, and the countryside, because there’s nothing quite like exploring the coast. Phang Nga Bay is littered with over one hundred miniature islands, all made out of rocky limestone. The beauty of the coast was once given the honor of being in a James Bond film because of the tucked-away caverns of Talu Island. Once only able to be reached by canoe, now you can power through the island on a rumbling speedboat, thrashing up waves and cutting across the light blue sea. It’s a fun activity which lasts for four days, which will also see you dining for lunch at the small floating village of Koh Panyee. At the end of the tour, you’ll be introduced to the warmth of the Naka Island beach.
Photo by – Thomas Wanhoff
Soothing spa
If you take a trip to Thailand and don’t experience the ‘hurt so good’ feeling of a Thai massage, consider that trip a waste. There are many luxury spas, which cater for everyone and take into consideration sensitive skin, aching muscles and if you’re new to the pressures, the massage therapists will apply. Generally, a contemporary Thai spa will include skin care treatments which use the natural oils of the lotus flower. It’s their sacred flower, and the petals are supposed to have mystical healing powers as there are decedents from Buddha. The traditional Thai massage is one of a kind, and no matter where you get it, the only true, authentic massage is in Thailand. Centuries and centuries of knowledge are bestowed upon you with firm, mild and deep pressure strokes. The delicate and almost scalpel-like use of the elbows and knees, to target with precision, the aches, muscles tears and bruised bones to relieve all the pain away, is amazing just to watch.
Clear as day
Distilled Chalong Bay Rum Distillery has one of the purest and finest rums you’ll find anywhere in the South Asian region of Asia. It has some similarities with the Japanese Saki, in the fact that it is see-through and clear as day in color and viscosity, yet it can be drunk on its own without the need to put it into a cocktail. However, after a tour of the distillery, you’ll want to mix it with the exotic fruit on hand, so you’ll have the opportunity to learn how the fancy hotels mix and serve their expensive cocktails. At the cocktail workshop and bar, you can mix your own flavors and be given a taste of the most complex choices many Hollywood stars have enjoyed.
Phuket is no longer that small, quiet little island that wants to mind its own business. Now it’s a modern, jet setting, speed boating-riding, cocktail-mixing bustling island. It’s modern, yet it’s very traditional. It doesn’t bow down to the tourist tastes; it displays what it is with great pride.
When I think of Phuket, I picture an old Leonardo diCaprio movie, “The Beach”. it felt like the location was really disassociated from modern, everyday life – wifi, mobile phones, etc. Does Phuket have that vibe, or has it really come of age? (I’d be so sorry to hear that!)