In December 2025, Basker and I headed from Malaysia to Phuket for a short five-day break. It was part of a longer journey through South India (including Kerala), Sri Lanka, and then on to Malaysia. When we travel from New Zealand, we usually like to stitch a few places together — it makes the long journey feel more worthwhile.
Even with just a few days in Phuket, it ended up being a lovely mix of quiet moments, local culture, good food, and a bit of exploring. Not rushed, just easy and enjoyable.
Here’s a look back at our time there.
Arrival & Supicha Pool Access Hotel
We had been in Basker’s hometown of Ipoh visiting friends and family before heading off again. From Ipoh we travelled to Kuala Lumpur first, then flew on to Phuket. It was an early start — a 6:45am Grab to Amanjaya Bus Terminal, then the YoYo Express bus to KLIA2, and finally an AirAsia flight. Everything ran smoothly, which always helps when you’ve got a long travel day.
By the time we reached Phuket, the drive from the airport felt long and a bit hectic. After that, we were definitely ready to stop.
Once we got there, Supicha Pool Access Hotel was a lovely surprise. Our room had a small step straight into the pool — very easy, very tempting. We thought we’d head straight in, but actually, we just collapsed and slept instead. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Old Town Phuket
Our first proper outing was Phuket Old Town.
This area has a lot of history. It grew during the tin mining boom in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and you can still see that influence in the beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings. Today they’re filled with cafés, little shops, and relaxed street corners.
We really enjoyed wandering slowly here. It’s not flashy like the beach areas — it’s more grounded and full of character. Just an easy place to walk, take photos, and soak up a different side of Phuket.
Local Errands & Lunch at Kopi
Not every travel day is sightseeing.
We had a practical morning sorting out glasses and contacts for Nisha at an optician in town — and somehow walked out with three new pairs of glasses. A bit of a win really.
We stopped for lunch at a small place called Kopi. Nothing fancy, just simple Thai food, which was perfect after a busy morning. We also organised cabaret tickets and a sightseeing day through a local agent, which made the rest of the trip much easier.
The afternoon was quiet — back to the hotel and into the pool for a while.
Sightseeing Day
Wat Chalong:
Wat Chalong is one of Phuket’s most important temples, and it has a calm, welcoming feel. The buildings are detailed and colourful, and locals come here to pray and make offerings.
It honours two monks who helped the community during a rebellion in 1876. There’s a real sense of respect and history here, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming — just peaceful.
San Chao Kathu Shrine:
A smaller stop, but interesting in its own way. It’s one of Phuket’s oldest Chinese shrines and reflects the island’s strong Chinese heritage, which comes from the Chinese communities who settled here during the tin mining boom.
Over time, these communities brought their beliefs, festivals, and traditions with them, and shrines like this became an important part of everyday life. Even today, they’re still used for prayers, offerings, and local festivals — especially during the Vegetarian Festival when Phuket comes alive with ceremonies and street processions.
It’s much quieter than Wat Chalong, with a more local, unpolished feel. No big crowds or grand structures — just a simple, lived-in space that feels connected to the people who still use it today.
Big Buddha:
The Big Buddha sits high on Nakkerd Hill and is one of Phuket’s most recognisable landmarks.
It’s massive — 45 metres tall — and made from white marble. Even though we couldn’t get full access at the time because of renovations, and we only saw it from one side, it still felt calm and impressive. The views from up there are wide and open, stretching across the island.
Promthep Cape:
Promthep Cape is one of those classic Phuket viewpoints.
The cliffs drop into the sea, and the views out over the Andaman Sea are beautiful. It’s especially known for sunsets, but even during the day it’s worth stopping. Just an easy, quiet moment looking out at the water.
Chalong Pier Lunch:
We had lunch at Kan Eang on Chalong Pier — right by the water. Fresh seafood, a sea breeze, and no rush at all. One of those simple travel moments that sticks with you more than anything planned.
After that we drove through Rawai and Patong. Patong was busy — very busy — so we didn’t stay long and were quite happy to head back to the hotel.
Kindee (Opposite the Hotel)
Opposite our hotel was a small local place located behind the hedge called Kindee.
We ended up eating here more than once. Nothing fancy, just simple, good food — the kind of place you’re glad to find when you don’t feel like going far.
Simon Cabaret & Bangla Street
One evening we went to Simon Cabaret — bright, polished, and full of energy. A fun night out with lots of colour and music.
Afterwards we walked through Bangla Street in Patong. It was loud, busy, and a bit overwhelming with lights and music everywhere. Interesting to see, but not really my scene.
We grabbed a quick bite (not the best, and not cheap either), then made our way home. Getting back was a bit of an adventure — with traffic, one‑way streets, and a couple of cancelled Grab rides, we ended up walking quite a bit before finally finding a taxi. It was a late night for us — well after midnight by the time we got back.
Naka Weekend Market
The Naka Weekend Market near Phuket Town was much more our pace.
Busy, colourful, and full of stalls selling everything from clothes to snacks. It’s a great place for wandering slowly and just watching life go by.
A fresh coconut was perfect in the heat — simple and refreshing.
Return Journey: Phuket to Kuala Lumpur
Our last day was mostly travel.
We had breakfast, took a Grab to the airport, and after a short delay, flew back to Kuala Lumpur. From there, we took the train into the city and checked into Aloft Hotel near Nu Sentral — a very easy and convenient stopover.
That evening we kept things simple. We walked to a nearby Indian/Malay restaurant and had roti canai and teh tarik — nothing fancy, just good, comforting food after a travel day. Then it was back to the room for a movie and an early night.
A quiet, easy end to a very relaxed few days in Phuket.
We then headed back to Ipoh for a few more days of rest with family before making our way home to New Zealand, just in time for the Christmas rush.
My Thoughts on Phuket
Phuket really surprised me.
Beyond the beaches, there’s a softer side — temples, old town streets, local markets, and small everyday moments that make the place feel more real.
I loved the simple things most: wandering Old Town, fresh coconut at the market, and sitting by the water at lunch with no rush at all.
It wasn’t about seeing everything. Just taking it as it came.
A few days felt enough for a relaxed break — and I’d happily go back again, maybe next time with even more time just to slow down a bit further.
Sawasdee ka — thank you, Thailand, for such a beautiful stay. Until next time.– ♡ Janet
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