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Phuket is renowned for beaches, nightlife, and as a luxurious escape. But there’s much more to this island than you can imagine, especially if you experience it like a local. Here are four reasons to discover Phuket’s true colors, and go beyond the tourist map.
The food
Eat like a local and venture away from the beachfront seafood restaurants. (We know it’s hard, but trust us!) Ratcharos is a local hotspot that serves up the island’s specialty — dim sum. Head there for breakfast and indulge in chunky dumplings and bouncy buns fresh off the steamer.
Let’s not forget about the Thai-ness in Phuket too. Delicious dining experiences are often found in beautifully restored old shops. The Charm Dining Gallery and Torry’s Ice Cream are living proof that Phuket knows how to merge the culinary past and present with the city’s unique architecture.
The nature
Don’t let the bright lights and bustling streets of Patong distract you from the island’s nature and lively beaches. Kata Beach draws tourists and locals alike, but it’s still a sight to behold. Sunsets from the chill Reggae Bar are beautiful, while good waves attract body boarders and surfers.
Another place worth visiting is Promthep Cape. Make sure to catch sunset by arriving a little before 4pm. Save yourself a secluded area and make a little personal perimeter if you can for those #sunsetselfies. The view of the sun kissing the water (and come burned calories) will justify the hike.
The shopping
The retail experience on Phuket is on part with any major city in the world — head to Central Festival Phuket for clothing stores, top-notch movie theaters, and premium restaurants. Stroll through the supermarket to get all your southern staples like a Phuket local, or dine at the full on affordable food court. Well, how about that, Bangkok?
To see another side of the town, head to Phuket Walking Street in Old Phuket Town and absorb the mix of cultures. Colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings are absolutely charming and well-preserved. Learn about the history of the area and Peranakan culture at the Peranakan Phuket Museum.
And if you still catch enough light in the daytime, you’ll be able to take photos with the local murals aka Phuket Street Art. Look closely, it often depicts a deeper meaning than what you see.
The drinks
Phuket is all about chic beach-meets-city lifestyle, and a quality cocktail hour is definitely part of that. Cafe Del Mar and Z1mplex are two local bars that each offer a different setting and style of drinks with their distinct craft and techniques. At Z1mplex each drink is an experience as local mixologists create concoctions that look like they came from outer space. Be mesmerized by their drinks and enjoy the hidden ambience of each place. Cheers to that!
Living in Phuket means experiencing all of this and more (on a daily basis, no less). The Base by Sansiri is the heart of living in Phuket. The Base by Sansiri is a low-rise project located at the center of the island, seamlessly blending the surrounding nature with the city’s rich heritage inspired by Peranakan roots. For more details, click here.
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