Heavenly Phuket

Guest Post by Travel Writer Bradley Fink

When I first visited Thailand in 2004, I had an epiphany. I realized that America is too stressful, that the culture there is whack, and that there are much better places to be. And so after a three week stint on Koh Phangan, I went home, sold my apartment, gave away everything I owned, and planned for my life in South East Asia. But before I had the chance to move, there was news of the tsunami. Images of the devastation inevitably changed my plans.

Instead I went to Argentina, then Europe and Africa. While I lived in odd and exotic places, I kept Thailand in mind. And so in 2008, after 4 years waiting, I finally made my way back.

In my travels I had often been told about the beauty of Phuket. In 2004, this is where the tsunami had done much of its damage. Four years later the island was rebuilt, and apart from Mediterranean Turkey and the north shores of Hawaii, I had never seen a better place. The weather, the palm trees, and the delicate beaches were more spectacular than I had imagined.

The most popular tourist spot on Phuket is obviously Patong Beach. Patong is known for its crowds, its resorts, and its thriving bars and nightlife. To avoid this scene, I travelled south to a beach known only as Nai Han. Nai Han is a small and quiet village at the southernmost tip of Phuket, and it sits on one of the most beautiful lagoons that I have ever seen.

Perched on a hill at one end of Nai Han is the The Royal Phuket Yacht Club. This is a swanky resort with a spa, fine-dining, and perhaps the island’s most romantic views. A room here can cost between $140 and $500 US dollars, but there are more affordable places to stay directly on the beach. At Ao Sane Bungalows, a simple beachfront room will cost less than $20 dollars.

While I stayed in Nai Han, most nights I ate at a local place called the Rum Jungle. The menu was an excellent fusion of Mediterranean and Thai cuisine. The seafood was fresh, the eggplant delicious, and the wine list was sufficient. If you ever make your way to Phuket, I recommend Nai Han. 🙂  – Travel Feeder, your ultimate photo travel blog

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.