Candid Memories of Phuket

Some places continue to attract huge numbers of visitors to Thailand, drawn by its tropical climate, stunning coastline, legendary hospitality, and outstanding value for money compared with destinations elsewhere in the world. One of the most famous is Phuket. Here, I look back on my memories of the island.

About Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, off its west coast in the Andaman Sea. It has a population of just short of 500,000, with many of its inhabitants employed in the tourism industry. The island has many hills and small mountains, bays, and miles of soft white sand, as well as a legendary nightlife scene that appeals to people of all ages, including a large expat community.

My First Visit

The first time I visited Thailand was in September 2004, with a couple of weeks to kill between leaving my job with the MCC at Lord’s Cricket Ground and starting for TfL on the London Underground. My mate Steve, who had been a huge influence as someone I trusted, had been living in the Land of Smiles for a couple of years.

However, he needed to work, so he suggested I venture further afield alone to broaden my knowledge. Packed with clothes, the Rough Guide to Thailand book, and heaps of enthusiasm, I caught a taxi to Mo Chit bus station, only to find I was in the wrong place. I needed the Southern Bus Terminal, also called Sai Tai Mai.

Before long, I had bought a ticket on a VIP bus leaving at 5 pm. It had around 18 seats, all of which folded back with lots of space, so sleeping was easy. The journey was an eye-opener. The main roads went right through the heart of the towns, giving me an insight into Thai life, with markets operating and general chaos ensuing.

My First Visit to Phuket

Discovering Phuket

I’d nodded off before being awakened at the services by another passenger. I didn’t get the gist until someone who could speak a little English explained that the food laid out on the table was included in the fare. I didn’t know what a lot of it was, but I gave it a try. We arrived in Phuket Town at around 6.30 the following morning.

Using my guidebook, I found a songthaew that took me to Patong over the undulating terrain and managed to find a hotel on Phra Metta Road, away from the waterfront, where I could check in immediately. 

I rested, checked out Patong Beach and then went out in the evening, palling up with a stranger from Bristol, also alone, as we had a great night checking out the bar scene. I stayed a couple of nights as well as a full day before getting the night bus back to the capital. Little did I know that a few months later, Phuket would be hit with devastation as many lost their lives when the tsunami struck on Boxing Day.

Bangla Road Nightlife, Patong Beach

Cricket and Future Visits

In April 2008, I returned to Phuket to play in a six-a-side cricket tournament staged at a small stadium on Karon Beach. My hotel was next door, with views of the turquoise-blue sea, and had plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. 

The tournaments, organised by the ACST (Asian Cricket Sixes Tour), introduced me to friends from around the world. Over time I became involved in running the events myself, commentating, acting as MC, umpiring, editing the tournament magazine and, of course, playing both in the stadium and on the beach.

Over the years, I had nights out in Karon Sands, Patong, Bang Tao, and Kata, which was probably my favourite area. All offered some fantastic times, as bar owners became friends, and my mates and I on the trips created incredible memories. I was very fortunate to stay at some outstanding hotels, which I couldn’t afford to book now.

One of my happier memories was having spare time and heading off for a few hours in a songthaew to Phuket Town and exploring it on foot and by tuk-tuk. It had a fantastic vibe about it with history, museums and culture, and a far more laid-back atmosphere than the main tourist resorts.

Umpiring on the Beach

My Personal Downsides to Phuket

Like anywhere, Phuket will appeal more to some visitors than others. I always found the island quite expensive, especially if I wanted to get around. Local taxis and tuk-tuk drivers stuck to their guns, with very few operating metres and having fixed prices. There was very little public transport either.

Phuket was undoubtedly beautiful, but it wasn’t my ideal kind of place. It was obviously geared up for tourists, but I wanted something a little more natural Thai. The climate I found extremely humid and tiring, and as a non-swimmer not wanting to indulge in water sports, there wasn’t heaps to do.

Perhaps it was my own fault for not exploring more, but not having much spare time, I went with the flow. Sure, I had some fantastic times in great company, but it was all too commercial.
Songkran in Phuket was a living hell. Right up there with Pattaya, with tourists using the water guns sold in the shops to wreak mayhem, regardless of whether someone passing by wants to get involved or not. 

It was like It’s a Knockout, the old UK TV show, on steroids, especially when Russians got involved, made worse when tiled paving got wet and became dangerous, as I found out when I slid down a flight of stairs on my back outside a restaurant, injuring my spine, hands and wrists.

The Russian influence in Phuket should not be understated. When I visited, many signs were in that language, with lots of people of that nation staying there. Many appeared serious and kept themselves to themselves, giving the area a very different atmosphere from what I had experienced elsewhere in Thailand.

Phuket Town. Culture on the Island

Would I Return?

I moved to Thailand in 2021. I’d visited Phuket 10 times over the years. There were other places that I wanted to explore. My involvement with the guys running the cricket each year came to an end, and I’d fallen out of love with running around after others, which was often the case on such previous occasions.

Now a married man, I enjoy Thai restaurants and an evening out, with just an occasional ‘farang day’ as I call them when I eat and drink in Western bars. Having sampled Ko Samui, often considered to be Phuket’s little sibling, I know the Thai food won’t be as good as in non-tourist towns and cities.

It was on an extensive tour of Thailand that my wife Taew and I had the chance of stopping off for a night or two in Phuket after Krabi. She had been many years earlier and was of a similar opinion to me. It is too touristy and too expensive. We omitted it and stayed in Pang Nga town instead. Never say never. My passion for watching football in places has yet to be sated in Phuket, despite visiting the stadium. 

In Conclusion

Like many destinations, it depends on what you want and can afford when you visit somewhere. Phuket is a stunning place, with glorious beaches on the ocean and some breathtaking scenery, but it is not easy to get around and can be expensive. 

For me, Phuket is best suited to those looking for beaches, nightlife and a lively holiday rather than an authentic glimpse of everyday Thai life. Others may feel differently, but that's the beauty of travel. We all enjoy different experiences.

If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube Channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.

Thanks for reading.