The CC's Insider Guide to Phuket Island, Thailand
Rebecca Maclean, a TCC Tastemaker in Thailand, is based on the big, beautiful island of Phuket and her local knowledge of Thailand extends near and far. Rebecca is obsessed with seeing and doing it all, from the ultra-luxury to the authentic and traditional (and everything in between).
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The Citrine Compass is a boutique travel planning network that helps busy, sophisticated world explorers create curated and authentic travel experiences. The CC is comprised of a hand-selected collection of local tastemakers around the globe that have amazing taste and a passion for their region.
Rebecca is part of our Thailand team and works with clients 1:1. Check out our Services and Booking pages to learn more!
Favorite type of local food and place to get it?
Head on down to Cham-Cha local market and food court in Phuket City near Old Town and look for the busy stall right at the front. You’ll find the BEST fresh spring rolls here (which are a local Phuket specialty) with the most delicious secret sauce you can imagine. The business has been passed down for three generations and they’re still selling hundreds of rolls each day!
Favorite beach, park, outdoor space?
Take in sunset at the gorgeous, intimate and often quiet beach of Yanui. Turquoise waves framed by rocky boulders, green hills and a small island offshore make this the perfect spot to decompress with a loved one. You can even rent a kayak and head out onto the water as the giant orange sun melts into the sea.
Top brunch spots?
I love Phuketique in Old Town where people queue up every single day to get their tasty burnt butter toast. Let me tell you, it’s worth the line!
Best day trips?
From the cute little fishing village of Rawai in the southern part of Phuket Island, you can take a boat out island hopping to your heart’s content. Boat rentals range from traditional long tails to speedboats to super luxe catamarans, you can choose what works best for your budget and interests. Banana Beach on Koh Hey is a must see and you can’t come to this part of the world without seeing Maya Bay. There are a ton of activities to do, so whether you want to snorkel, parasail, kayak, hike or make friends with the local monkeys, you won’t be lacking fun when you visit the southern islands.
Favorite restaurants for dinner?
For unbeatable Japanese, head to Little Edo near the Old Town. The wagyu beef sandwiches have real GOLD sprinkled on them and taste like heaven. I also highly recommend the hotpot there and as much of their fresh sushi as you can eat!
Best coffee in town?
I’m going to say Ryn in Old Town. I simply have to visit every time I’m nearby. This little Japanese matcha and coffee house does slow drip coffee that is as good as any I’ve tasted across the globe and their ceremonial-grade matcha is nothing short of outstanding. Make sure to grab a slice of their matcha cheesecake too - you can thank me later!
Best fitness studio or outdoor activity for a workout?
If you’re really into fitness, you should visit Soi Ta-iad. Also known as “Fitness Street”, this stretch is packed with Muay Thai gyms, CrossFit studios and an array of fitness camps if you want to give it a real go. There’s a huge community here and you can take classes from beginner to pro fighter!
Favorite area, town or neighborhood and why?
It has to be Old Town - the vibe, the architecture, the rich array of food spots and cool boutiques make this the perfect place to spend a day or more. If you’re a foodie, there are a few great gastronomical tours you can do and if you’re a history buff, get yourself a private tour guide and learn all there is to know about this gorgeous little cultural melting pot.
Favorite cocktail bar?
Okay so it’s a beach club not a cocktail bar but if you want to feel a bit bougie, head up to Bang Tao on the northern end of the island and grab a table at Catch Beach Club. You can sip on cocktails and dine on delectable seafood all afternoon long.
Cool events that only happen once a year (or seasonally)?
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival happens ever October and it’s definitely not what you’d expect from a foodie festival. Instead of food stalls, you’ll see both Chinese and Thai locals making rather interesting offerings and displays of devotion, honouring their Gods by way of extreme acts such as walking on hot coals or on ladders made of sharp blades. Note: Body modification is also a way of devoting to the gods so this festival definitely isn’t one for the faint of heart!
Any essentials on your packing list?
A really good mozzie (mosquito) spray - remember you’re coming to the jungle! Travelers should also get their international driver’s license sorted out before coming. If you plan on renting a scooter, you’ll need it!
Any quintessential books or movies we should read or see before visiting?
Okay this one is obvious but you’ll have to (re)watch The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio before visiting!
Best views of the city?
Another favourite spot for sunsets and epic vistas is A Blanket and A Pillow. They have super cool tunes, great eats and a view of the water that is to die for. This cafe’s name has a great backstory to it so be sure to ask them to tell the tale when you’re there.
