Ever since I saw the movie ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, I’ve dreamt of going to Phuket and visiting the famous Maya Beach. So, when my fiancé’s 50th birthday rolled around, it was the perfect time to make that dream a reality. We booked a two-week holiday and planned to stay in four different hotels throughout Phuket, to make the most of our time there.
We flew from Edinburgh, via Doha, in March 2023 and were pleasantly surprised by the airline’s excellent service. The long-haul flight was made extremely comfortable, with plenty of legroom and fantastic food, drink, and on-screen entertainment.
Kata Beach
Our first stop was in Kata Beach, where we spent six nights. The area had lots to offer, with restaurants, shops and bars within walking distance. As a lover of Thai food, I was delighted to find affordable meals, starting at just £3.
We particularly enjoyed street food near the beach during the day and the lively atmosphere of the night markets. There were lots of fantastic restaurants to choose from, but we must give a special shoutout to https://www.twochefs.com/, for their fabulous food and entertainment.
We also loved dining with a sunset view at https://www.beyondresortkata.com/ and sipping cocktails at the lively Lana Live music bar. We stayed in a superior sea view room at https://www.orchidacearesort.com/, which had recently been renovated. The view was breathtaking, and the service and meals were excellent.
Phuket Town
Our second stop was in Phuket Town, where we spent two nights and took in the infamous Sunday night market. We stayed at the charming https://www.casablancaphuket.com/
This lovely boutique hotel had a small pool and was just a few minutes from the old town and the market. It had a quirky, vintage vibe, and staff introduced us to some fantastic eateries, including https://www.torrys.com/.
Papazula Restaurant & Bar across the street had great live music and a fun atmosphere. The night market was bustling with stalls, selling beautiful gifts and amazing street food – we highly recommend the chicken dumplings!
Kamala Beach
After some sightseeing, we headed to Kamala Beach for some R&R at the adults-only https://www.kamalabeach.com/. Our grand deluxe, pool view room was beautiful, and the hotel’s location on the beach made it the perfect place to unwind. We enjoyed aqua aerobics and beach walks and even visited Café del Mar for a shot on the big tree swing.
One evening, we took a trip from Kamala to Patong, the busiest resort in Phuket. Bangla Walking Street offered a range of entertainment options, from live music to go-go bars. While some may find the street sleazy, we loved exploring the beautiful beach and the many bars and restaurants around the resort. Other hotels were set further out and offered excellent views from the hillside.
Bangtao Beach
Our last stop was at the luxurious Bangtao Beach resort, where we stayed at the family-friendly https://www.sunwingphuket.com/.in. As a treat, I booked us a swim-up room, which was fantastic! The hotel catered well to families, with a kids’ club, waterslide, and evening entertainment. We loved taking long walks along the beach and admiring the many beautiful hotels along the way.
Excursions
The three excursions we went on were simply the best I’ve ever experienced, and if you visit Phuket, you simply can’t miss out on them.
Boat trips through paradise
Our boat tours with https://seastarandaman.com/ were nothing short of amazing. From the moment they collected us from our hotel to the moment we returned, we were treated like royalty.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the snacks and drinks available were perfect. We got to enjoy a buffet-style lunch and you can rent flippers for snorkelling too. The snorkelling mask is included.
Our first tour was to Phi Phi Islands, where we saw Maya Beach, the filming location for ‘The Beach.’ We even had the opportunity to do some kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, or snorkelling at Pileh Lagoon.
We had the chance to take a photo on a longboat, which was worth every penny. We also stopped at Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Don Island Beach. It was a definite tick off the bucket list and exceeded all my expectations.
In the footsteps of 007
Our second tour was to James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, and it was out of this world. The scenery was spectacular, and we experienced canoeing around Panyi Island, seeing the stalactites, cave, and lagoon.
We visited Hong Island and ended the day at Khai Island, where we enjoyed a gorgeous beach. We even got to visit the floating village, where we saw a floating football pitch, market stalls, and a school. Imagine waking up every day to that incredible view!
Phuket Elephant House
Our last tour was to Phuket Elephant House Sanctuary https://phuketelephanthousesanctuary.com/. I can’t begin to describe how wonderful it was to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. We washed and fed them and could tell they were well cared for. The Sanctuary is ethical, and the staff were so helpful and friendly.
Phuket exceeded our expectations in every way, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to visit this beautiful destination. If you’re considering travelling there soon, please get in touch. I’d be delighted to share more stories or insights and help you book the perfect trip!
Until next time,
Julie
Email – Julie.Batchelor@Brillianttravel.co.uk
Call – 07944542640