I always had the image of the place as being extremely commercialized, expensive, and a textbook example of over-tourism. While I used to enjoy being in the company of huge crowds in my younger years of traveling, as I get older, I am becoming more drawn toward quiet unpretentious places that get to retain their local charm and character despite the changing times.
Tsunami Memorial in Kamala Beach gives tribute to those who lost their lives in 2004. Sirinat National Park’s Nai Yang Beach is suitable for relaxation and swimming. The Phuket Baba Museum, located in a former bank building, offers an excellent overview of the town’s history, and it does not charge an entrance fee. The Om-Om Hotel, another grand old building, is one of the shooting locations of the movie. Not far away, the Big Buddha on top of a mountain provides an unobstructed view of Phuket mainland and its outlying islands.Aside from pristine beaches and several heritage buildings, Phuket is also known as a foodie’s paradise.
Sirinat National Park has three beautiful white-sand beaches. Michelin-listed Roth Taew Nam is a popular Halal breakfast restaurant in Phuket.At the time of my visit, Phuket was just slowly waking up from a deep slumber, and there were still only a few tourists getting in, most of which are families on holiday.