The people of the Land of Smiles have good reason to be happy once again.
For more than one year, we have not been able to demonstrate our hospitality and warmth, or share with you everything that is wonderful about Thailand – from our cuisine to our stunning beaches, culture, history and more. We have missed seeing our friends from around the world marveling at our unique attractions, and spending relaxing days and vibrant evenings with us.
That is now behind us.
Phuket is leading the return to our shared “new normal” and restrictions have been eased so that fully vaccinated travelers from anywhere in the world can return to an island famous as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea.
And anyone planning a visit to the world’s most welcoming nation can be assured that health officials at the national and local levels have been working closely with Phuket’s tourism industry to implement protocols that ensure your safety. Stringent new regulations are in place in hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and attractions to protect our visitors and provide peace of mind.
In parallel with the new health precautions, the months during which Phuket has been devoid of tourists has arguably had a positive effect on the island. It has given the lush jungles of the interior and the coral reefs off the coast the chance to regenerate. The ocean is once again teeming with life, as are the tree canopies, mangrove swamps, mountains and the sandy bays of outlying islands.
Some of the province’s community-based attractions and eco-tourism initiatives provide the best way of exploring these off-the-beaten-track destinations, and here are some of our favorites.
Urban tourism in Old Town Phuket – The heart of the old town is dotted with carefully preserved buildings with architectural notes that reflect the historic Chinese and Portuguese influences on this community. Colonnades and balconies. White stucco and red roofs. Narrow “Tiem-ju” shophouses and the “Angmoh Laos” mansions that were built generations ago by the Chinese owners of tin mines. Take a stroll along streets lined with centuries of history.
Baan Bangkontee Tourism Community Enterprise – In the far south of Phuket island, this community is between the mountains and the ocean and enjoys the fruits of both. Local people produce colorful Batik cloth, embroidery, aromatic balms, herbal compressed and cold-pressed coconut oil. Visitors can take part in half-day or full-day tours on long-tailed boats to the best fishing and snorkeling spots before returning to the village for an evening feast.
Baan Bangrong Agricultural Preservation Tourism Group – Baan Bangrong is a Muslim community in the north-east of the island that has turned its deep knowledge of farming and fishing into an award-winning eco-tourism opportunity. Local guides take visitors through the meandering channels of the mangrove swamps and canoe stretches of the Bangrong Canal. The villagers also operate a goat farm and will lead sightseers to the spectacular Bang Pe Waterfall. Working with the Thailand Wildlife Conservation Foundation, the community also rescues injured gibbons and other wild animals and nurtures them back to health before returning them to their natural habitat. Yet another local initiative is the pearl farm on Naka Island, just a 15-minute boat ride away.
Baan Mai Khao Agricultural Preservation Tourism Group – A community of Buddhists and Muslims, the residents of Baan Mai Khao have for generations been protecting the increasingly endangered turtles – including Hawksbills and huge Leatherbacks – that use the pristine west coast beaches of Phuket as their nesting grounds every year. Visitors can enjoy a spa on Mai Khao beach, with the sand rich in therapeutic minerals. Alternatively, lend a hand in the rice paddies or take a tour through the swamp forests.
In addition, Phuket still has the countless attractions that have made this island synonymous with unforgettable vacations.
Phuket’s beaches – including Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kata Yai and Mai Khao – are blessed with dazzling sand and crystal-clear waters that are irresistible and safe. Virtually all the beaches have outlets offering equipment for anyone who wants to try snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing or scuba diving – with manta rays and sharks regular visitors. For anyone feeling less energetic, lay back beneath a parasol and enjoy an ice-cold drink accompanied by the sound of gently lapping waves.
At the southern tip of the island, Laem Phromthep is a breathtaking spot to watch as the sun sets into the ocean in a blaze of colour. Wat Chalong is a historic Buddhist temple, with the grand pagoda reputed to contain a sliver of the bone of the Buddha and the walls covered with intricate paintings depicting the story of his life.
Phuket is well known for its nightlife, with restaurants and bars across the island serving spectacular meals that use delicious local ingredients. Alternatively, take in one of the Muay Thai boxing matches or a show at the Phuket Fantasea, where the performance showcases the beauty and traditions of Thailand through acrobatics, illusions, stunts and fireworks. A parade of elephants even gets in on the act.
Phuket has something for everyone and, with health concerns on the wane and comprehensive precautions in place, is the ideal destination for that first post-pandemic vacation. (Reuters/Amazing Thailand)
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