Phuket, a name that resonates with vibrant parties, pristine beaches, and non-stop excitement, truly lives up to its reputation as “The Biggest Party House on the Planet”. Situated in the heart of Thailand, Phuket is a destination that never sleeps, offering an endless array of activities, parties, and adventures for all types of travelers. Join me as I recount my exhilarating journey to this tropical paradise, starting from the very moment the idea of the trip was conceived.
The journey from Bangalore to Phuket was a whirlwind of excitement. My wife and I, craving a getaway from the monotony of our daily lives, decided on an impromptu trip to the lively island of Phuket. With barely any time for meticulous planning, we managed to secure the best last-minute flight deals that allowed us to embark on this adventure without breaking the bank. Little did we know that this spontaneous decision would lead us to an unforgettable experience. The connectivity to Phuket is quite convenient from almost all the major cities in India and you don’t have to make a stop at Bangkok as direct flights are operating to Phuket every day. We packed our bags in a jiffy on a Friday evening to catch our flight in the early morning the next day. The Friday excitement continued and we didn’t sleep the entire night anticipating an adventurous holiday ahead. The immigration process has now become more convenient for Indian travelers at Bangalore Airport, thanks to the newly constructed Terminal 2 where they have installed smart gates so you can avoid all the long queues and complete the entire process by yourself.
Upon arriving in Phuket, we were welcomed by the warm tropical breeze and the promise of an exhilarating vacation ahead. Our accommodation, the luxurious Santhiya Resort, was a dream come true. Our cab from the airport was waiting to take us to Ao Por Pier which was the jetty point for all the jetties to the nearby resorts. The speedboat from the resort arrived and took us to the resort in an hour. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, the resort offered a serene retreat from the bustling energy of Phuket’s party scene.
The resort’s exquisite architecture, traditional Thai design, and impeccable hospitality set the tone for our stay. From private villas with breathtaking ocean views to an array of gourmet dining options, Santhiya provided us with the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. The resort’s spa was a sanctuary of rejuvenation, ensuring that we were completely recharged for the thrilling activities that awaited us. We stayed in a quiet for 2 days here away from the typical party culture of Phuket and spent some steady time. The luxury at this resort is quite intriguing. They never failed to impress us with their complimentary chocolates, a wine bottle, and in-house mocktails. Make sure to book this property by calling them as they have different prices online and you might couple of offers if you book with them directly. I saw a huge difference in the price between what was listed on the websites versus what they offered me when I booked directly with them over the phone. Also, they had some goodies for us that were kept in our room before we checked in. We spent 2 days in this luxurious resort and you can go for multiple adventure activities as well which are chargeable. We wanted to spend some nice and quiet time so chose not to try anything but spent our 2 days at leisure in the private pool in our room with some breathtaking views from our window. After our rejuvenating experience here, we completed our stay and off to Phuket to experience the party culture.
We left the resort after 2 days of leisure and boarded the same jetty that brought us here. They left us at Ao Por Pier jetty station in Phuket. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we reached the Ao Por Pier jetty again where our cab was waiting to take us to our pre-booked accommodation in Phuket which was Ramada Hotel and Spa. As we passed through the bustling streets, Phuket transformed into a vibrant and electrifying party hub. We were greeted by a kaleidoscope of neon lights, upbeat music, and lively crowds. We checked into our hotel and quickly dressed up like how Thai people do and set our foot off to Bangla Road. Bangla Road, in particular, stood out as the epicenter of Phuket’s nightlife. The energy was contagious, and we found ourselves dancing the night away at the island’s hottest clubs and bars.
It’s important to note that while Phuket is a paradise for party-goers, it also caters to a diverse range of interests. For vegetarians like us, the culinary scene did pose a challenge due to the prevalence of seafood and meat-based dishes. However, with a little research and guidance from locals, we discovered hidden gems that served delectable vegetarian Thai cuisine. Exploring the local markets and street food stalls also provided us with authentic and flavorful dining experiences. When you’re walking down the infamous Bangla Road, ensure that you don’t accept the offers by strangers as most of them would be selling drugs or offering girls to you. You may also get propositioned by some Thai girls on the street but don’t fall into that trap and politely say No. If you fall into their trap and go with any of the girls, you’ll be a victim of a planned robbery by her aids who are waiting for you at some lonely street. Even the local police know about this scam and they are going to blame you if you approach them for help. Again, it’s going to take at least several Thai Baht’s and you’ve to bribe the police if you want to get out of these problems. So, avoid talking to any strangers on Bangla Road, and do not accept any belongings they offer to you.
The road has some best eateries in the world and the party culture is addictive. Dress like how the Thai people do in comfy shorts or pajamas and loose T-shirts. Do not go overdressed in any pub as they bill you based on how you’ve dressed up. Be comfortable and get soaked into the nightlife of Phuket which is probably the best in the world.
Phuket’s allure extends far beyond its vibrant nightlife and culinary delights. Adventure enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with a plethora of activities that cater to their adrenaline cravings. One of the highlights of our trip was experiencing Asia’s largest zipline adventure in the heart of the jungle called as “Flying Hanuman”.
Navigating through the treetops on a series of ziplines, suspension bridges, and sky bridges was an exhilarating experience that left us in awe of the island’s natural beauty. The rush of flying through the dense jungle canopy, coupled with panoramic views of the lush surroundings, made this adventure a memory we’ll cherish forever. It’s a testament to Phuket’s ability to cater to a wide range of interests, from partying to adrenaline-fueled escapades.
To book this adventure, you can either book through Klook or the Thrillophilia app or reach there directly and book your tickets. It’s recommended to make a booking during the peak tourist season because you won’t get the slots you’re looking for. The morning slots are mostly booked because of the huge rush. Also, it’s difficult to zipline in the afternoon as there are many small treks you’ve to complete in the sweltering heat before you hop onto the next zipline station. This makes it difficult for people who are not used to trekking or into any kind of fitness routine. The place is located in Kathu district of Phuket which is nearly 10 km from the city centre. You can either take a cab or hire a scooter to get there. But this is a must-do activity as they claim to be Asia’s largest zipline that passes through lush green forests and offers an adrenaline rush among adventure goers. DO NOT MISS THIS AT ANY COST.
Our thirst for adventure led us to yet another unforgettable experience: a visit to Tiger Kingdom. This interactive wildlife experience allowed us to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. While I was enthralled by the opportunity to interact with these magnificent animals, my wife’s trepidation was palpable. After I pushed a lot, she somehow mustered some courage and entered the cage with me to have the wildlife encounter for the very first time.
As we cautiously entered the enclosure, our fear was met with a sense of awe. The tigers, in their natural habitat, exhibited a surprising calmness that put our nerves at ease. While my wife initially hesitated, she soon found herself fascinated by the beauty and grace of these creatures. It was a reminder that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to unexpected moments of growth and wonder. There are some instructions provided to you before you enter the cage and you must follow the guards.
Do not make any quick movements while you’re with the majestic creatures and act as calm as possible. The prices to encounter these creatures are different and based on what you choose – Small, Medium, or Giant Tiger. Also, they allow you to be in the cage for only 10 minutes which is sufficient to click pictures and have an unforgettable experience.
Reflecting on our journey to Phuket, it’s evident that the island lives up to its reputation as “The Biggest Party House on the Planet.” From the pulsating nightlife to the luxurious retreats, from heart-pounding adventures to unexpected moments of personal growth, Phuket offers an experience that’s as diverse as its visitors.
As our trip came to an end, we found ourselves reminiscing about the vibrant parties, serene moments, and exhilarating adventures that defined our stay. Phuket’s ability to seamlessly blend its party culture with natural beauty and diverse experiences makes it a destination like no other. Whether you’re a party enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone seeking relaxation, Phuket promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you yearning for more.
In the end, our impulsive decision to embark on this trip proved to be one of the best choices we’d ever made. Phuket’s vibrant spirit, endless energy, and captivating charm have left an indelible mark on our hearts, ensuring that our memories of “The Biggest Party House on the Planet” will continue to bring a smile to our faces for years to come.
To book adventures on your next trip to Phuket, find everything on Thrillophilia.