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RESTAURANTS
The flourishing culinary culture of Phuket has raised its bar once more with its first Michelin-starred restaurant. Phuket offers an array of southern Thai local food, Asian, and International cuisines to explore. Spend your evening at the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Phuket - PRU Restaurant at Trisara, which offers a cosy and relaxing, locally sourced cuisine. An absolute favorite among Phuketians, be sure to try some authentic southern-Thai cuisine, especially when it comes to the crab curry at Raya Restaurant, or at their equally famous sister restaurant One Chun – both located in Phuket Old Town. Dine with a panoramic ocean view at Prime @ Rock Salt for an al fresco dining experience or enjoy a 90’s vibe with fine-Italian cuisine at Acqua Restaurant Phuket. Boathouse Phuket is an exotic yet classy beachside restaurant where you can savour some French and Asian delicacies. Mostly where tourists and expats like to dine, Taste Yamu at Cape Yamu sits on one of the most stunning areas with a unique menu popping up every few days. Last but not least, experience Thailand’s gastronomic culture and Thai hospitality at its finest at the must-visit Blue Elephant to get a taste of Thai cuisine and create your own recipe at their cooking school.
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CAFÉS
Phuket’s café scene offers a blend of vintage charm mixed with a western vibe which you won’t find anywhere else. Bookhemian Coffee Bar is a coffee-turned-art-gallery that should be under your radar especially for book lovers out there. Head to Torry’s Ice Cream to indulge in their locally-crafted homemade ice cream or enjoy sipping organic Arabica espresso or Roma cafe from the historic coffee roasters themselves at HOCKHOELEE. Those looking for exceptionally crafted eateries will relish the Belgian waffles that come with fresh fruit and organic yogurt at Project Artisan while sipping some artisanal tea. If you are looking for some vegan delicacies, chill at the Atsumi Raw Café ‘s secret garden and detox yourself with nutritious juices and a raw vegan diet, or try seven types of cultivated salad from We Café Phuket’s own on-site greenhouse.
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SHOPPING
From open-air vintage markets and antique boutiques to upscale shopping malls, shopaholics have a lot to explore from day to night at Phuket. The newly-opened iconic landmark, Central Phuket Floresta is the largest shopping center on the island and it's your one-stop destination for premium shopping and entertainment. Head to Hermès’s new and first store outside of Bangkok, or to Jim Thompson’s for fine-quality Thai silk at this mall. Experience the Tribhum theme park which is the world’s first fantasy walkthrough at Central Phuket Floresta. Want to decorate your home with Thai artifacts? You will find a fine collection of authentic and rare antiques at Baan Thai Antiques Shop or Ban Boran Textiles and Antiques. Revel in the ultimate shopping experience for world-class gems and jewellery at one of the world’s biggest jewellery stores, Gems Gallery Phuket.
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NIGHTLIFE
Phuket is the ultimate place to be when it comes to experiencing the best beach parties that come with a thriving music scene. For a unique musical experience that involves cruising on a Catamaran, head to Hype Boat Club and relax on the daybeds with some cocktails or enjoy the picturesque ocean view at the rooftop bar at Baba Nest. Head to Kamala Beach to chill at Ibiza’s most iconic and globally renowned Café Del Mar and watch live performances of A-list international talents bring nighttime crowds together. Fancy sipping some new twists to the mojito? Phuket’s The Mojito Factory reinvents the classic Cuban drink with a variety of recipes for you to sip while enjoying beachfront dining. For a more laid-back place to relax, Dream Beach Club sits right by the sand and sits gracefully between the lush beachside and the divine pool villas.
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SIGHTSEEING
Phuket’s wealth of cultural treasures has been preserved in its arts, colonial-styled mansions, historic streets, and shrines. Visit Rawai’s hidden gem at the Phuket Art Village which sees the regular unveiling of works by Thai artists including paintings, puppet shows, and music. Take a walkthrough Phuket’s famous Sino-Portuguese shophouses to get a glimpse of the lifestyle at old Phuket Town. Enrich your spirituality by heading to Wat Suwan Kuha cave temple to see the famous golden reclining Buddha or head to the historic landmark of Big Buddha to really get to grips with Thai Buddhism. All adventure enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to engage with tigers at Phuket’s Tiger Kingdom.
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HOSPITALS
Phuket International Hospital is reputable for providing high-quality service and for meeting the needs of foreign tourists and residents. Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Mission Hospital also is well-known for its standard of care and hospitality.
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SCHOOLS
Phuket offers a variety of educational institutions. The British International School is one of the top international schools in Thailand and is an accredited IB school. The International School of Phuket is another well-established school which offers top-notch facilities including a baby center, kindergarten, and primary school. Phuket International Academy is an ideal choice for a primary and secondary school education with an all-expansive campus. And for the lifelong learners, if you fancy trying your hands at preparing some Thai cuisine, learn the art of Thailand’s culinary culture at the renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School.
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TRANSPORT
With the newly-opened Phuket International Airport, Phuket has become a convenient holiday destination for locals and foreigners. Additionally, Phuket’s domestic airport provides a quicker option for visitors to travel from all around the country. Visitors can also travel by train and bus from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand. For those looking to explore the nearby islands, take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.
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HOTELS
With turquoise-hued beaches and enchanting coral islands, Phuket offers a diversity of delightful experiences for locals and tourists. Phuket has leveled up with plenty of luxurious resorts and stunning villas that offer the perfect sanctuary for all visitors. If you are looking for an exquisite tropical beach hideaway, look no further as Rosewood Phuket is nestled on a secluded beachfront and the resort’s holistic Asaya wellness concept offers the most tranquil experience. Six Senses Yao Noi will give you uncompromised privacy and a sense of adventure as it sits on the remote Yao Noi island – a peaceful retreat to rejuvenate your soul. For a more contemporary Thai luxurious stay, head to COMO Point Yamu, a cliffside resort that allows you to explore the hidden side of the island; reset and revitalize yourself at COMO Shambhala holistic retreat or take private cruises and enjoy a game of golf. Reside at Amanpuri’s luxurious pavilion set amongst coconut palms and enjoy the pleasure of Thai traditional treatments or settle into the ancient-lifestyle-inspired treehouses at Keemala’s cottages. Sri Panwa Phuket’s lavish villas at the tip of Cape Panwa will be treasured by all nature-lovers, with a social wing for pool parties along with private areas on the resort – it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s an award-winning five-star hotel. For all music lovers, Baba Beach Club (sister hotel to Sri Panwa) will ensure that you experience the island’s best beach party music, featuring weekly live performances and world-class DJs alongside unparalleled access to a private beach with maximum privacy.