BELLA MUSING

Planning a trip to Thailand?

Be sure to visit Chiang Mai in the north or its largest island Phuket in the south. Personal discoveries are sometimes the most memorable but if you’re not one to leave your itinerary to chance, here are a few places of interest in Phuket.

Soak up the good vibes and go island hopping along the Adaman Sea.

Phang Nga Bay is marked by sheer limestone cliffs with caves, collapsed cave systems and emerald green waters. The famous islands, James Bond and Koh Panyee, are found in this bay. Ko Ta Pu is the needle formed limestone rock in the sea just off the James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan).

Phi Phi Island is the super-star of Thailand, featured in the movie, The Beach. The Phi Phi islands offers private beaches and all the frills for a relaxing, luxurious beach stay.

The Similan Islands in the Phang Nga bay, north west of Phuket is another top attraction. Most flock to these islands for the wonders that lie beneath its clear blue seas. Its pristine white-sand beaches, boulders, dive sites and lively, colourful coral reefs are a feast for the senses.

More beautiful white beaches and azure waters at Tachai Island with an ancient rainforest and a variety of wildlife. The Koh Tachai island forms part of the Similan Islands. Phew, all these islands can get pretty confusing as there are so many.

Coconut island is a tropical paradise that offers the sought-after peace, exclusivity and relaxation that is associated with a private beach. The Village at Coconut Island is your go-to place for a luxurious stay with five-star facilities and service. Do something different like participating in the ‘raw’ island-life experience of foraging for food, fishing with the locals and end it with Thai cooking classes. I’ll be forever envious of this simple way of life.

In addition to island hopping, travel back in time with a morning walk through the historic Old Town with its Sino-Portuguese splendors. Enjoy a bit of respite and a good brunch at one of the restaurants. The town stands out for its striking architecture, a unique mixture of colonial and Chinese influence. Apparently, Old Town was built on the wealth of the then thriving tin mining industry in Phuket.

Calling all sunset lovers to Sri Panwa Baba Nest, Promthep Cape, Karon View Point or Khao Rang Viewpoint. For a panoramic sunset view, head over to “Baan Chom View” restaurant above the beach in Kata Noi. Sip a cocktail while the sun slips below the west horizon and bask in the moment. Baan Chom View is one of the three sunset restaurants here, “After Beach” bar and “Small Viewpoint” are the other two. Reggae lovers will enjoy “After Beach” bar. For the lovers, be sure to visit Mom Tri’s Kitchen in the Mueang Phuket District for a romantic feast overlooking the Andaman Sea. Fine dining waterside with stunning sea views  during golden hour.

Other places of interest:

The Rum Distillery in the Chalong Bay. Here you can enjoy a tour of the facility, a fun cocktail workshop and bar for sips and giggles over delicious cocktails. “Drinking rum before 10am makes you a pirate not an alcoholic” 🙂

Phuket Trickeye Museum, an interactive museum in Phuket Town based on a concept that stimulates one’s creativity and imagination with 3D paintings and an action gallery.

Phuket FantaSea in Kamala Beach, a night-time cultural theme park that showcases Thailand’s exotic heritage. It is comprised of the park, restaurants, theatre and show.

Sashay away to the Simon Cabaret Show – The Ladybugs, the biggest transvestite cabaret show in Phuket.

Beach Clubs are dime a dozen in Bangtao / Kamala / Patong. For a great chill out session with sublime music, food and atmosphere, be sure to visit the well-known Café Del Mar, an iconic Ibiza venue in Phuket.

Monkey Hill, aka Khao To Sae Hill, home to approximately 400 macaques. Do not feed the monkeys! Heed the warning or they’ll get aggressive. It’s free, good exercise, has sunset views but it is unsupervised so do be careful!

For an ethical and animal-friendly interaction, there is Tiger Kingdom which helps tigers return to the wilderness, where they belong. They support the “Plant a Tree Today” Foundation which helps to actively restore the wild tiger habitat in Thailand and combat climate change. Moreover, observe and participate with the gentle giants at the Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket Town / Narthan / Bangtoa.

Till next time.

Happy and safe traveling!