If there is a destination that perfectly combines luxury, culture and impressive nature, it is Phuket, Thailand. For my 40th birthday celebration, I wanted something unforgettable and Phuket provided all the magic and more. My husband and I, along with some of our closest friends, created memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. From island tours and jungle dining to elephant hugs and iconic sunsets, here’s everything you need to know (and pack!) if you’re planning your Thailand getaway. Save it as your best travel guide and itinerary to visit Phuket, Thailand.
✈️ How to get there: flights and arrival tips
We flew Qatar Airways business class via Doha, and the service, comfort and experience on board were nothing short of luxurious, setting the perfect tone for a special trip. Some of our friends flew with Emirates via Dubai, another airline I love and have used before for my trip to dubai. For my travel suit, I used The Attico sports pants paired with The Line by K Tank Top, JW Anderson mulesand I completed the look with my talented Lufly hand luggage.
If you are considering either airline, you can’t go wrong. Just make sure you get to Phuket. HKT International Airportand if you stay in The Surin PhuketThey offer airport transfers with prior notice. I highly recommend booking this in advance.
Essential travel apps:
- Bolt and grip for local walks
- agoda for reservations
- 12Go for island tours and local transportation
- Get your guide for unique excursions
Shop the look
where we stay
We register The Surin Phuketlocated on stunning Pansea Beach. It was the perfect combination of tranquility and five-star vibes. Waking up with sea views and having a coffee a few steps from the beach was like a dream. Their beachfront villas are ideal for couples or small groups looking for privacy and pampering. FYI, if you plan to stay at The Surin Phuket, please note that it includes a lot of stairs, there is no elevator or escalator. You have many stairs to climb back and forth. They have this mini golf cart looking vehicle that can drop you off close enough to your villa, but you will still have to climb a couple of stairs to get to your villa as they are situated on the hill – an incredible view!
📍 Places to visit and essential experiences
Each day was designed to balance adventure and relaxation. Here’s a breakdown:
Day 1:
- Arrive, settle in, relax.
- Sunset Drinks Your Rooftop Bar and Baba Nest.
- Dinner + Fire Show in nomadic beach club—really magical! look at me ‘Phuket’ Instagram Highlights for more. The fire show was amazing, as was the food.
Day 2:
- Full beach day in Surin while waiting for more guests.
- Sun, sand and conversations. (Pro tip: get a Thai coconut!)
Day 3:
- Wat Chalong Temple – culturally rich and beautiful. Make sure you have something that covers your shoulders and wear a knee-length or longer outfit for the temple visit. Additionally, you will have to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Lunch at hidden cafe (Don’t skip the Thai iced tea!)
- Panoramic stop in Karon Viewpoint.
- Phuket Old Town walk + Finds from the Sunday market.
- Dinner at the dreamer Three Monkeys Treehouse Restaurant.
Day 4:
- Phi Phi Island Day Trip – Snorkeling, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island and more. Absolute highlight! We booked this using the Get Your Guide app…the one we booked is called ‘Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maithon by Premium Speed Catamaran’ and our wonderful tour guide is called ‘Smile’
- Pack your GoPro and waterproof phone case. If you get motion sickness due to speedboat rides, I advise you to take motion sickness medication beforehand.
Day 5:
- Elephant Encounter at Splash Café – such a surreal experience. You will have to pay an entrance fee per person + a different fee if you want to feed the elephants, take photos, etc.
- Lunch and photos worthy of content in Ma Doo Bua Cafe (Those water lilies!) — Make sure you’re on time. It fills up quickly and you can’t buy tickets for the water lily photographs in advance. We arrived around 11am and were only able to get photo shoot slots starting at 2pm.
- sunset in Kata Beach.
- nightlife in Clubhouse with tree bar…the view is beyond AMAZING! Go for the sunset.
Day 6:
- Spa day at Surin Hotel, Satai (which is opposite the hotel and even cheaper). I’ve heard wonderful things about Sawasdee Village.
- my formal birthday dinner in Setai (Another great restaurant is Black Ginger). I put on an impressive, mint floor length dress (check my instagram by the look).
🧳 What to pack
Here’s my essential Phuket packing checklist, especially useful for tropical adventures:
- Passport
- Swimsuits (pack several!)
- Mosquito/insect repellent
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- stylish sun hat + oversized sunglasses
- hand fan (for those walks through the midday market)
- Comfortable sandals and water shoes.
- formal wear (if you’re doing a fancy dinner like we did!)
- Lightweight beachwear and eye-catching dinner outfits
What to wear: Island style meets chic elegance
Phuket is hot and humid in June, so think flowy, breathable fabrics and stylish resort wear. June is also the beginning of the rainy season so I added a small umbrella as it was raining off and on during our stay. I opted for bright dresses, jean shorts, matching two-piece sets, and colorful accessories. For island hopping, my go-to was a stylish one-piece swimsuit with mesh coverage and an oversized sun hat. For the fire show and nightlife? Wear a fun and fun dress or skirt – I chose this one Retrofete mini dressand I wore flat sandals throughout my stay, except for the formal birthday dinner.
You can see all my outfits and style inspo from the trip in my Instagram @jadorefashionincluding:
- My two linen pieces from day 3.
- Yellow mesh upper and skirt cover up for the Phi Phi Islands
- Glamorous dress for birthday dinner at Setai
📝 Final tips for future travelers
- Exchange currency at the airport or outside the airport for even better rates.
- Be respectful in temples: wear modest clothing and remove shoes when necessary.
- Book island tours in advance; They fill up quickly in high season.
- Leave room in your suitcase for things you find at the market – Phuket is full of hidden gems.
- Moisturize constantly and use SPF generously! It was very humid when we went in early June.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or celebrating your birthday, Phuket will take your breath away. This trip reminded me to embrace joy, be present, and celebrate the beauty of life surrounded by those I love. The food was amazing…every single food I ate. I have always been a big fan of Thai dishes. The people are friendly and welcoming. Be sure to stop by the mall, TOPS, and 7-Eleven for snacks (I fell in love with this Kit Kat Milo flavor) and skin care masks. At the mall/market, I will buy silk scarves and many other souvenirs.
Thailand, you now hold a special place in my heart. Here’s to more beautiful journeys ahead 💛
PS: Save this as the best travel guide and itinerary for Phuket, Thailand.
With love,
wake
