Phuket in Motion
Beyond the beaches lies an island of quiet waterways, rainforest trails, and heritage streets waiting to be discovered
Words: Phoowadon Duangmee
Photos: Shutterstock
Phuket begins buzzing as soon as the sun rises. At Kata Beach on the island’s west coast, early risers catch the dawn as the first rays of the day hit the Andaman. On the eastern shore, fishermen guide long-tail boats laden with the morning’s catch back through quiet mangrove channels. Inland, hikers set off before the heat settles on the hills, while beachside cafés begin filling up with cyclists, early birds and travellers lingering over a second cup of coffee.
For decades, Phuket has ranked among Asia’s top beach destinations. Yet many visitors experience only a fraction of the island – arriving at a west coast resort and leaving a few days later. But those with more time to spend may discover Phuket’s hidden treasures. Hiding behind its golden shores lie mangrove forests concealing quiet waterways, jungle-covered hills, limestone lookouts, and traditional neighbourhoods shaped by centuries of maritime trade.
Phuket reveals itself gradually. A morning by the sea can end with a paddle through the mangroves. A forest walk may lead to a seafood feast along the sea. This slow exploration is less about ticking off attractions than one experience flowing gently into another. Phuket rewards something increasingly rare in modern travel: time.
Moving with the Flow
Holidays here usually begin at the beach. The Andaman has always shaped the island’s identity, bringing traders, migrants and cultures that transformed the island into one of the region’s most cosmopolitan ports. Today, the same waters draw a new wave of travellers to enjoy pristine beaches and Sprite-clear seas.
On the west coast, Kata Beach settles into a calmer rhythm, with clear skies and gentler seas. Elsewhere, the action is also sedate. Stand-up paddleboards skim over bays as still as mirrors. Kayaks slip silently beneath arching mangrove roots at Bang Rong on the eastern shore, where mudskippers dart and kingfishers flash electric blue through the trees. Inland, forest trails climb to viewpoints overlooking emerald hills and distant islands dotting the Andaman Sea.
Such discoveries await any visitor willing to discard their beach towel for a few hours and dive into the island’s intimate heart and changing moods.
Delving Deeper
The longer you submerge yourself in Phuket, the more the island reveals its other sides. Along the east coast, mangrove forests form one of southern Thailand’s most diverse ecosystems. Their tangle of roots shelters young fish, protect fragile shorelines and provide refuge for countless birds and marine life. Paddling silently through these lush waterways unveils a different side of Phuket, shaped by nature rather than postcard-perfect scenery.
Phuket’s lush interior offers its own rewards, with dense rainforest and waterfalls hidden among the green hills. A short walk leads to Bang Pae Waterfall, tucked inside the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area. Nearby, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre offers rare encounters with white-handed gibbons rescued and conserved in Phuket’s remaining rainforest.
The Andaman Sea also beckons for a trip to Coral Island (Koh Hae), where visitors snorkel through colourful undersea gardens shimmering with neon-hued tropical fish.
Few destinations can match Phuket’s riches of rainforest, mangroves and coral reefs. Here, adventure and nature go hand in hand, with every journey offering a deeper appreciation of the stunning island landscape.
How to discover Phuket’s Rhythm
The best way to get intimate with Phuket’s human side is on foot. A stroll through Phuket Old Town takes you past pastel-coloured Sino-Portuguese shophouses, ornate Chinese shrines and quiet lanes where heritage buildings hide cafés, artisan boutiques and small galleries. Every corner displays the island’s multicultural roots, shaped by Chinese, Malay, Thai and European immigrants drawn here by a tin mining boom two centuries ago.
Phuket’s story goes far deeper than the sea, anchored also in its Baba-Nyonya traditions, Hokkien cuisine and neighbourhoods where centuries-old recipes have been as carefully preserved as the architecture.
The island has emerged as one of Thailand’s most exciting culinary destinations, with more than 60 Phuket restaurants currently listed in the MICHELIN Guide, spanning everything from street food and long-established local favourites to contemporary dining. Southern Thai and Peranakan flavours remain at the heart of the island’s cuisine.
The offering reflect how deeply food is woven into daily life here, from humble family-run kitchens and market stalls to chef-led restaurants drawing on local produce and Andaman seafood.
Across the island, meals have a way of stretching beyond the plate: time slows, conversation lingers and Phuket’s culinary traditions become another way of understanding the place.
As evening falls, the exploration can continue at Naka Weekend Market, a short ride west of Phuket Old Town, where street food, bargain stalls and live music draw a lively weekend crowd. The sprawling market has recently gained unexpected fame after Phuket-born guitarist and singer Nene Royal became the first Thai to win the top prize at America’s Got Talent. Long before television audiences knew her name, the 16-year-old rocker performed at the market, honing her craft amid the buzz of the night market. After her win, Naka became a new venue in Phuket’s story: not just somewhere to eat and shop after dark, but a reminder that the island’s culture continues being created by a new generation.
The Luxury of Slowing Down
Movement is only one part of travel; knowing when to pause may be the ultimate luxury. Phuket is counted as one of Asia’s top wellness destinations not just for its plush resorts, but because the island’s natural rhythms demand that you slow down. Morning walks along deserted beaches, spa treatments immersed in Thai traditions, yoga by the sea, and long afternoons lounging under swaying palms all offer their own antidote to hectic modern life.
The island’s awe-inspiring vistas invite the same unhurried approach. Rise early for the Big Buddha Viewpoint, where the cool morning air and soft light reveal sweeping views of Phuket before the crowds arrive. Venture to the secluded Black Rock Viewpoint in late afternoon to enjoy one of Thailand’s most spectacular coastal vistas, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Or head north to Mai Khao Beach Airplane Viewpoint for the thrill of seeing jetliners roar just feet over the sand where sky and shoreline meet.
As daylight fades, couples hold hands to watch the horizon dissolve in shades of amber and violet, while families linger over seafood dinners on the sand. The frantic rush to see it all gives way to the simple pleasure of the present moment.
The Power of Restoration
The best journeys leave you renewed and restored, and this is Phuket’s true superpower. The island reminds you that meaningful travel isn’t just about packing every hour with activity. It’s about balancing movement with moments of stillness and discovery.
After a morning on the beach or an afternoon exploring forests and heritage streets, there is pleasure in finding a place to linger over lunch, browse local designers, enjoy good coffee or simply the true taste of Phuket on the streets. Restoration is not the end of the journey, but what allows it to continue.
Jungceylon: The Ultimate Island Pause
Every island journey needs a place to pause.
After basking in the sun, kayaking or wandering the Old Town, visitors naturally look for somewhere to stop and recharge before heading out again. In the heart of Patong, Jungceylon offers the perfect diversion.
More than just a shopping destination, the complex brings restaurants, cafés, local and international brands, family entertainment and wellness experiences under one roof. From escaping the afternoon heat with a leisurely lunch to browsing for souvenirs, enjoying a spa treatment, or gathering with friends over dinner, it serves as the perfect pause between adventures. Rather than replacing the island’s natural wonders, it complements them.
Jungceylon is where the pace slows, energy returns and plans for tomorrow begin. On an island always in motion, every journey benefits from a pause.
Seize the Day, Skip the Schedule
Start with 48-hour fermented pizza and end with beachfront DJ beats – Carpe Diem Beach Club crafts the ultimate guide to unhurried coastal luxury
Photos: Carpe Diem Beach Club
There is a special joy in arriving for lunch with no idea of when you might leave – welcome to Carpe Diem Beach Club on Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach. While the Andaman Sea view is a stunning constant, the atmosphere here is ever evolving: from long leisurely lunches and sun-soaked hours by the pool to pulsing music, sunset cocktails and vibrant celebrations.
Led by Executive Chef Kiattisak “Aek” Yeechun, the restaurant leans heavily into Meditteranean traditions. Fresh seafood, oysters, grilled fish, prime meats and delicate pasta share the menu with exquisite Japanese selections and authentic wood-fired pizzas crafted by the expert hand of Sicilian chef Tony Arcara. Made from dough fermented for 48 hours, these airy, crisp creations are designed to be savoured slowly.
Bringing an extra splash of Iberian sophistication is BRISA, debuting on October 4. Rice, fire and sea provide the inspiration for this poolside Spanish chiringuito (beach bar) – think tapas, paella and bold Spanish flavours. But for a culinary deep dive, try the beachfront La Dolce Vita Sundays Brunch, with special editions featuring guest chefs. From 3pm onwards, the poolside transforms into a full-blown party with live DJs, dancers and performers.
Spontaneity is key to Carpe Diem’s charm, with a rich array of thrilling performances throughout the season anchored by spectacular fire shows on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Seeking a quieter corner? Take a leisurely stroll through Essenza by Carpe Diem, the club’s luxury fashion and lifestyle boutique, or book a beachfront space for a private party.
Year-end offers even more reasons to stay up late. This year’s festivities run from a cosy Christmas Eve dinner and beachside Christmas Day brunch to Carnival, a New Year’s Eve gala dinner and party headlined by DJ Jesús Fernández.
Marking its fifth birthday this year, Carpe Diem retains its unique philosophy for pleasure: seize the day but never rush the moment.
A Hillside Haven in Phuket
With pools overlooking the Andaman Sea, diverse dining and intuitive hospitality, Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa offers a welcoming retreat that every generation can settle into
Photos: Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa
Holiday memories rarely match reality. Weeks later, what remains are fragments: a view over breakfast, the cool dip in a pool, a brand new taste or a photograph that brings an entire day flodding back.
A few days at Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa can produce plenty of such memories. Set high on a hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea, the resort sets a stunning scene, though once the suitcases are unpacked, the attention soon turns to the sweet business of being on vacation.
For families, that might mean a morning spent at the Waterfall Swimming Pool, followed by an afternoon at the Kids House and another quick swim simply because no one wants to head back to the room just yet. The Ocean View Swimming Pool offers a change of scenery, with the sea stretching beyond its edge – the perfect excuse to stay a while longer.
Beyond the pools, unexpected diversions await. Stop by the Fruit Shop and you might enjoy fresh mango or discover another tropical favourite. At the Thai Costume Studio, trying on tradtiional attire leads to spontaneous photos, turning a quick visit into an unforgettable afternoon.
Then there are those hours that require no fixed itinerary. The Diamond Spa is made for those. A tennis match or a quick workout can kick off an energetic start to the day, while mealtimes pose deligthful decisions: Japanese at KIKO? Thai at Thai Orchid? Or a table at the Ocean View Restaurant?
After a day or two, you begin noticing smaller details. A familiar face at breakfast. A warm greeting from someone you passed in the hall. A staff member remebering your coffee preference, stopping for a quick chat, or fulfilling a request without any fuss. These gentle exchanges weave the warmth of Thai hospitality naturally into your stay, without any ceremony.
By then, Diamond Cliff starts feeling like home. You find your favourite corners, a preferred dining table, or a pool your family has quietly claimed as “theirs”. Plans change, another swim gets squeezed in and dinner can easily wait another half-hour.
Quite often, it’s these little moments that linger longest in the frame.
The Art of Having it All
from safari tents and forest hideaways to beachfront suits, Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts promises total luxury without compromise
Photos: Twinpalms Phuket
A few choices come to mind when deciding where to stay in Phuket. Direct beach access or a secluded pool? Quiet sanctuary or somewhere more social? Family time or personal space? At Twinpalms Phuket, you never have to pick just one.
Here, four strikingly different properties offer unique satisfaction on the islands’ west coast. Twinpalms Surin Beach Phuket is the classic tropical retreat: luxe contemporary comfort, large lagoon pool and premium wellness facilities. Twinpalms MontAzure Phuket on Kamala Beach boasts spacious oceanfront suites and seasonal seaside dining at Shimmer.
Further up the coast, Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket on Bangtao Beach delivers immersive luxury, pairing safari-inspired tents with pristine surroundings and privacy. Meanwhile, Twinpalms Treehouses Phuket, opening in December, is an adults-only hideaway of harmonious natural highs.
But best of all, staying at a Twinpalms property does not mean staying put. Complimentary transfers connect guests across the entire brand portfolio, including two beach clubs with sensationally different personalities.
The Lazy Coconut offers an easy-going, family friendly vibe. Go barefoot, frolic in the soft sand, cool off in the infinity pool and settle in for the day. Mediterranean-style sharing platters, fresh seafood and grilled dishes are perfect for long, lazy lunches that drift into sunset cocktails.
Catch Beach Club is more cosmopolitan. As one of Phuket’s best-known beach clubs, it shifts effortlessly from daytime lounging and dining to sunset cocktails, live music and DJ sets, drawing stylish couples and groups of friends. Its Friday BBQ and Sunday Brunch add to the appeal, bringing an extra buzz to the end of the week.
The beauty of this connectivity becomes clear when a stay extends beyond a single property. Guests at Twinpalms surin can spend a sun- drenched day at The Lazy Coconut before returning for a delicious dinner at Wagyu Steakhouse. Guests at Tented Camp and Treehouses can head to Catch for Sunday Brunch and stay for live music in the evening. Meanwhile, MontAzure guests have Kamala Beach and Shimmer on their doorstep, with the rest of the collection just a short drive away.
Four signature stays and two dynamic beach clubs give Twinpalms guests an incredible depth of choice. Better still, choosing one never means missing out on the rest.