Category: Thailand Holidays – Places To Visit In Thailand

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is also one of the most visited provinces, with more than 5 million tourists enjoying its cultural and natural wonders. From beaches and islands to temples and towering religious icons, Phuket has Thailand’s best offerings collected in one place.

If you’re planning to visit, the best time to get a Phuket tour package is from November to late April. This is the sunniest season, so you can freely explore the so-called “Pearl of the Andaman.” Do you already have a tour package booked? Here are just a few suggestions for your itinerary to make the most out of your Phuket holiday.

Phuket Holiday – Kata and Kata Noi Beaches

Kata Beach is a favourite of both locals and visitors. It boasts soft white sand, tall willowy palms, clear blue waters, and a peaceful vibe. In fact, even if it’s a tourist hub, Kata Beach remains tranquil and laid-back. It’s also a famous surfing spot when the monsoon season strikes, which makes it one of the most active beaches in Phuket all year. Finally, Kata Beach is easy to navigate. The south end features top-tier hotels and restaurants, while the northern side hosts food and drink vendors for those on a tighter budget.

If you’re looking for more privacy, drive a little further and you’ll reach Kata Noi Beach. Its name literally means “Little Kata,” so you can expect all of Kata Beach’s beauty in a smaller package. A lot of Phuket’s high-end resorts are located in Kata Noi, along with sunset bars that have the best views of the sea and the horizon. Snorkelling is a popular activity in Kata Noi, while the central beach is almost perfectly smooth so you can swim and walk barefoot without worrying about hurting your toes. Meanwhile, south of Kata Noi Beach is the Karon View Point. As the island’s most popular viewpoint, it provides a great of the Andaman Sea and the west coast of Phuket.

Phuket Holiday – The Big Buddha

Sitting atop the Nakkerd Hills is a towering 45-metre statue of the Buddha, aptly called the Great Buddha of Phuket or just the Big Buddha for short. It’s one of Phuket’s most famous landmarks, not to mention the most noticeable. In fact, you can see it even from the city of Phuket, 10 kilometres away from Chalong where the statue is located. And when you get to the top, you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of Phuket and the serene face of the Buddha.

Also called the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, the Big Buddha statue was built in 2004 using reinforced concrete and additional layers of Burmese white jade. It’s particularly beautiful on a sunny day since the white jade sparkles in the sunlight. And as a sort of companion, standing next to the Big Buddha is a smaller statue made from gold-coloured brass.

Because of its location close to beautiful beaches, it’s easy to forget that the Big Buddha is still a religious site. Remember to change out of your swimwear before you visit! There are sarongs available on site for cover-ups, but it’s still best if you simply come to the venue appropriately dressed.

Phuket Holiday – Phang Nga Bay

Some of the wonderful sights you’ll encounter in Phang Nga Bay include limestone cliffs, lagoons, stunning cave networks, and mangrove forests. You can spend the entire day here boating, swimming, catching gorgeous sights, or simply lazing around in the clear waters. You can even see some of the reclusive animals that find shelter in the area if you’re lucky.

What’s great about Phang Nga Bay is that the surrounding cliffs protect it from harsh storms, so that the islands don’t get ravaged. If you don’t want to miss out on the must-see spots, it’s best to hire a tour guide to show you around. For a bit of reference, James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are two of the most visited spots. They’re worth a visit, for sure, but you can ask your tour guide to avoid these areas if you’re looking for somewhere with less of a crowd.

Phuket Holiday – Elephant Sanctuaries

The elephant is the national symbol of Thailand and meeting them up close and personal is one of the most popular tourist activities in the country. However, there have been controversies surrounding the unethical treatment of these gentle and majestic animals for the sake of tourism. But for responsible eco-tourists who want to meet and interact with elephants, the elephant sanctuaries in Phuket are perfect destinations.

Here, most of the animals are rescued or retired from harmful activities, they stay in open environments, and there’s absolutely no riding allowed. The residents are also given a priority as a means of community development. You can find elephant sanctuaries in Bangtao, Naithon, Phang Nga, and the city of Phuket.

Phuket Holiday – Phuket Old Town

The city of Phuket is arguably the most unique, most charming provincial capital in Thailand. If you need convincing, go to its Old Town district. This is where you’ll find Phuket’s temples and shrines, museums, ornate “shophouses,” lavish Sino-colonial mansions, old-style printing shops, and small but charming coffee shops.

Old Town rose to prominence during the “tin boom,” when tin and its alloys were so in-demand not just in Bangkok but also in Europe, where these materials were used for tin cans, electronics, and various other products. But throughout the years, Phuket Old Town managed to retain its sense of grandeur, and you’ll definitely see the evidence of its past glory in every street corner.

Phuket is a popular destination for honeymooners, but it’s so much more than a romantic destination. Head on over if you can so you can take in its great sights and experience many fun activities for yourself.

Nestled between white sandy beaches and coconut groves, the serenely beautiful Banyan Tree Phuket is a tropical Asian getaway destination like no other. As the ultimate oasis for those who seek peace and relaxation in Bang Tao Bay, Banyan Tree Phuket’s newest upgrades mean that every villa now has its own private pool, and is finely furnished with modern conveniences and a range of extensive add-ons. Join us as we bring you through all that Banyan Tree Phuket has to offer!

Banyan Tree Phuket – Familiar Warm Welcome

Banyan Tree Phuket is just a short 30 minutes car ride away from Phuket International Airport. Once we arrived at its lobby, the familiar Banyan Tree hospitality took over. We were served refreshing cold towels, welcome drinks and biscuits while the staff checked us in.

Once the administrative matters are completed, we were then whisked off on a buggy to our pool villa. There is a ‘Privacy Please’ and ‘Please Make Up Our Room’ slider beside our villa entrance. Do not make the same mistake as us by leaving the ‘Privacy’ option on when you leave the villa in mid to late afternoon. You will not be able to enjoy their amazing evening turndown service if you do so.

Banyan Tree Phuket – The Villa Accommodation

The entire resort consists of a total of 137 delicately constructed options ranging from Deluxe Pool Villas to Double Pool Villas are spread comfortably across the spacious grounds that circle the lagoon. Each is built around a natural landscaped garden with an outdoor jet pool (which we had our floating breakfast) and timber sundecks which just step away from the door.

A large bedroom, spacious interior with comfortable and artistic furnishings,

a fully equipped kitchenette, large living areas,

as well as a deluxe bathroom, each with his & her dressing areas are also features of every property at Banyan Tree Phuket.

Thai inspired décor blends together tradition and modern furnishings, coupled with relaxing scents provide a private and memorable setting.

Banyan Tree Phuket – Alluring Pools

We absolutely loved their 2 main pools which are connected to one another by a discrete, narrow waterway. The 40-metre long spa area pool is and is surrounded by the Japanese restaurant as well as a lounging area which is out of bounce for kids hence offers a quiet, reflective soak or leisure lap swims.

The other pool is built for lazing poolside sun tanning, playful frolic with water rapids and jacuzzi jet-pool. Friendly pool attendants are on hand to prepare your preferred deck chairs. Board games and magazines are also available.

The pool bar proudly showcases locally produced gin from the nearby Chalong Bay Distillery.

I could not resist sipping a delicious glass of Thai Mai Tai right by the pool.

Banyan Tree Phuket – Breakfast Your Way

There are two ways you can have your breakfast at Banyan Tree Phuket. You can have it at The Watercourt Restaurant which offers you an amazing spread of local and continental cuisine. We particularly adore the local coconut jam on toasts and the unlimited helping of mango sticky rice.

Folks who adore bubblies during breakfast would be thrilled to know that Mimosas and sparkling wine are served too.

If you prepare to have breakfast in the comfort and privacy of your villa, you can choose between local Thai or continental breakfast and request for the spread to be served on a floating basket in your villa pool. There is a charge to it but the experience and Instagrammable stories and photos made it really worthwhile.

Banyan Tree Phuket – Evening Wine & Dine 

For fine dining, Banyan Tree Phuket brings together a range of different styles, with each restaurant’s menu specially crafted by internationally-renowned Executive Chef Alfonso de la Dehesa. As the signature restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket, Saffron serves award-winning traditional Thai cuisine. We will share our dining experience at the Saffron in another post.

Among many other dining options, a wonderfully romantic setting can also be provided onboard Sanya Rak – “The Promise of Love” for a price. You and your special half can embark on a long-boat trip and enjoy a memorable dinner under the moonlight.

Banyan Tree Phuket – Award-winning Spa

The Banyan Tree Phuket Spa brings bodily relaxation to pleasure-seekers, courtesy of highly skilled and trained staff members whose versatile skills show their expertise in a range of established massage techniques honed through time and tradition.

Everything is customisable. You get to choose your preferred treatment and massage oil

and enjoy your massage in a beautiful spa villa. We will share the treatment experience in a separate post too!

Banyan Tree Phuket – Head To The Beach

If you love the beach, you can head out of the resort to their exclusive stretch of beach.

Similar to the pools, there are Banyan Tree staff present at the beach as well to prepare your beach couches for waves glazing.

The staff will also thoughtfully prepare cold bottles of water and towels to keep you cool and hydrated.

Banyan Tree Phuket – Old Town Here We Come!

Despite having been to Phuket a few times, this is the first time we visited Phuket Old Town. It was a rather surprising experience as it gives a rather strong Penang vibe.

There are plenty of wall murals, a strong community of Chinese, Peranakan heritage presence and the restaurants served rather decent Chinese cuisine.

Other than the Old Town, you can also venture out to Patong Beach as well as take the local shuttle to resort Coral Village. But we were not exactly a fan of both, why leave your amazing villa to visit the local touristy traps?

Overall, we really enjoyed our trip to Banyan Tree Phuket. They never disappoint when it comes to delivering topnotch service and amazing resort experience. You may also want to check out our experience at Banyan Tree Bangkok too!

The electrifying neighbourhood of Patong, Phuket now has a new social heartbeat with the opening of the 180-rooms Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong in late 2018. Inspired by the neighbourhood’s fishing villages, tropical rainforests and pulsating nightlife, the hotel will be a gallery and canvas reflecting Patong’s culture and history in a stylish, spirited and inviting space. A local and authentic approach to dining and social experiences will set the stage for a refreshed Patong journey.

“We will be located in one of the most exciting neighbourhoods of Phuket — Patong Beach. There’s no other neighbourhood quite as electrifying as this. With authenticity at its very core, our design-driven property will be locally inspired and serve as a good base to experience Phuket and what the island has to offer,” said Mr Simon Douthett, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong. 

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong – Incorporating The Neighbourhood Into Design

Hotel Indigo Patong Phuket draws its energy from the surrounding neighbourhood. Over the years, Patong has evolved from a fishing village into Phuket’s most buzzing beach, brimming with options ranging from nightlife, entertainment and leisure to sports, retail and recreation. It is known for its spectacular scenery, sunset and beautiful turquoise waters off the Andaman Sea.

Quaint fishing villages, lush tropical rainforests and pulsating nightlife — these are the key influences that will contribute to the resort’s design. As a neighbourhood gallery, the art and culture of fishing villages — from their intricately and brightly painted fishing boats to stylised representation of lantern-lit boats out in the ocean — will be showcased in every guest experience across the hotel.

Vibrant and sophisticated, the rooms and suites will feature plush beddings and spa-inspired bathrooms, allowing guests an opportunity to experience Patong’s serenity and authentic heritage in a fresh and inviting way. There are six categories of rooms and suites, including the Retreat View Room, a modern sanctuary with calming garden views; Oasis Pool Access Room, where one can enjoy access to a personal terrace and the pool, and the Executive Suite — the ultimate indulgence with 72 square metres of stylish space.

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong – The World of Gastronomy

There are several lifestyle dining offerings at Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong, helmed by Chef Morten Nielsen, who takes a very cosmopolitan approach to gastronomy.

Guests and locals alike can enjoy the hotel’s contemporary restaurant offering Butcher’s Garden, which is authentic, social and local — an escape from the buzzing nightlife in the oasis of the hotel’s forest. To tease and please curious palates, the restaurant is a butchery, charcoal grill and wine shop all in one, offering fresh local meat and seafood with a Patong twist.

Alternatively, stay plugged into the beat of the Patong tune at the craft beer and cocktail garden, Pots, Pints & Tikis. Offering a casual street-front drinking experience, it features outdoor and indoor spaces and has a casual and rustic bar feel — the perfect venue for enjoying craft beers, small bites or Chalong Bay rum cocktails.

No Name Bar is the sophisticated hidden locale showcasing an ever-evolving, locally inspired crafted beverage experience only accessible with a password. This cocktail bar will have the first and only cigar room in Patong. It is also the place to engage in the rich culture of cigars, where one can appreciate good cigars from a good range of producers.

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong – Leisure & Meeting Facilities

Leisure facilities will range from local cultural explorations to body and mind wellness. A stylish 24-hour Fitness Center, including a Muay Thai boxing ring, will be the property’s other social heartbeat. A space for active pursuits, it will feature minimalist decor and a light colour scheme. Guests will find various Muay Thai stances prominently emblazoned on the columns in the gym, specially designed to encourage and educate guests to get in the groove of a sparring warrior.

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong will offer three unique meeting spaces, including two meeting rooms and a rooftop deck with The Cloud Rooftop Swimming Pool & Pool Bar. With free off-street parking, onsite tech support and an inventive approach to gastronomy, it will be an ideal venue for meetings.

For more enquiries, please email hotelindigopatong.reservations@ihg.com and or make reservations here.