Phuket Guide - Where to Coffee, Music, Sunset, Relax

This issue is dedicated to Thailand and Phuket specifically.

Table of Contents

• Phuket Insider

• Thai

• Start a Day with Great Coffee

• Come for Brunch or Snack

• Get Some Sun at Beach

• Enjoy Music and Sunset at Beach Club

• Do Not Miss Dinner

• Relax at the End of the Day

• End Note

Phuket Insider

I’m here now and exploring the island by motorbike. That’s a perfect mean of transport here, can reach anywhere much quicker and in a joyful way.

Buddhism is here like the breath of fresh air. Do not miss the Big Buddha.

What really caught my eye is that they use plastic for everything unfortunately, the worst bit is that they often wrap plastic into some other plastic bags which is also packaged into paper and so on.

Thai people are so down to earth, they probably don’t care about any problems.

Thai tea and matcha are good literally everywhere.

Comparing to Bali, I couldn’t find a truly international community here. There are many Russians and now Chinese because of the Chinese New Year. The roads are less scenic as there are no rice fields along the way. The beaches in Phuket are much cleaner, though.

Make sure to spend to some time in Phuket Old Town. It is lovely!

I recommend visiting a remote island or a few of them, like Phi Phi, very beautiful and the sand is so white and resembles flour. You can find a tour everywhere.

Thai

To start, when I visit a new country, I love to check out the local language. It always fascinates me how people communicate in different parts of the world as well as how the language is structured.

The grammar of the Thai language is very simple, there are no cases, declension, articles which simplifies mutual understanding with Thais. So, if you want to say that you have already eaten, it is enough to use two words: กินแล้ว (kin læ̂w) which literally means “already eat” - and you will really be understood.

When speaking politely (what you should do), you can add ครับ (khráp) if you’re a male speaker or ค่ะ (khâ) if you’re a female speaker at the end of your sentence. It doesn’t alter the meaning, but only marks politeness.

Here are a couple of basic phrases in Thai. Trust me, the local people will be happy if you use them.

*IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a universal system to represent speech sounds in written form. Have a look at this IPA cheat sheet if unclear how to pronounce.

Let’s dive into the spots I could find! You can also see the full list directly in Google Maps.

Start a Day with Great Coffee

It turns out that it is easy to find a good coffee almost everywhere. I was also impressed by variations of drinks, e.g. Rose Honey Cold Brew or Coconut Americano. In my opinion, good design + great coffee is a strong combo.

• Bookhemian (Google Maps) – books + coffee;

• MONDO Espresso & Tea Bar (Google Maps) – a stylish design and good selection of teas and coffee;

• Ryn - Authentic Tea & Slow Drip Coffee (Google Maps) — a huge menu of Chinese and Japanese teas;

• MŌMUS coffee (Google Maps)

• Honest Coffee & Service (Google Maps)

• Aram Coffee & Crêpes (Google Maps)

Come for Brunch or Snack

I was looking for *hideaway cafés, since this format is particularly inspiring on an island. And I was happy to spend some time and work at these truly wonderful gems, check them out! These spots are perfect if you need to do some remote work.

*A hideaway/hideout café is a secret place where someone can go when they do not want to be found by other people; a relaxed environment where you feel at ease.

• Hohiho Restaurant & Café Phuket (Google Maps) – a true hideaway café, with lots of greenery and a little fountain in the garden. This is my TOP #1.

• Summore Day (Google Maps) – one of the most beautiful spots I could find, the entire place is so scenic, make sure to grab your camera. It might be crowded though. Just WOW! This is my TOP #2.

• Slumberland brunch n beans (Google Maps) – They even have a sausage roll! This is my TOP #3.

• Hideaway Cafe@Saku (Google Maps)

• BARTELS Bang Tao (Google Maps)

• Kanin Cafe (Google Maps)

• Leikki Neighbourhood Cafe (Google Maps)

• Cannelle Kata (Google Maps)

• Rustic and Blue (Google Maps)

Get Some Sun at Beach

Overall, beaches in Phuket are very clean and beautiful. I was expecting them to be overcrowded, but that is not the case for all of them. The worst of all is probably Patong Beach, otherwise it is hard to make a mistake choosing one. Just stick to the west, do not even consider beaches in the east. I haven’t found great ones there. So far my favourite ones are as follows.

• Nui Beach (Google Maps) – That is an amazing location, there are swings, bath, hammock – everything to spend a day, chill out and let go. The road to get there is very steep and one of the worst on the island, but it is worth it.

• Banana Beach (Google Maps) – This is a hidden and quiet beach in the woods.

• Kata Noi (Google Maps) – This beach is a little touristy but still very nice and cosy.

Enjoy Music and Sunset at Beach Club

• The Commune Terrace & Bar / A Blanket & A Pillow (Google Maps) – Great house music + nice location.

• Yona Beach Club (Google Maps) – This is a floating beach club, you’d better make a reservation in advance.

• Café Del Mar Phuket (Google Maps)

• The Kata Rocks Clubhouse (Google Maps)

• Catch Beach Club (Google Maps)

• Maya Beach Club (Google Maps)

Do Not Miss Dinner

• Casa Boho Phuket (Google Maps) – By the Hyatt hotel, really good service.

• KYSNA Cafe breakfast & dinner (Google Maps) – Don’t grow up, it’s a trap!

• Sala Mexicali (Google Maps) – a really good cozy Mexican restaurant, I was surprised.

• Jampa (Google Maps)

• Joya bistro & bar (Google Maps)

• Woo Phuket (Google Maps)

• Project Artisan (Google Maps)

• Laad Phuket (Google Maps)

Relax at the End of the Day

Finish your day with a deep Thai massage.

• Lamoonspa (Google Maps)

• KEDR Spa & Sauna (Google Maps)

• Pearl Massage (Google Maps)

End Note

That is all for now, hope you enjoyed it! You can also see the full list directly in Google Maps.

What do you think about this issue? Let me know your feedback by choosing one of the options in the poll below.

Until next time!

📍Phuket, Thailand

— Ilya