Phuket: Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide

In this instalment of Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide, Dr Boss introduces you to some of his favourite places to stay, recommended dishes to eat, and best places to travel in Phuket. Over to you, Dr Boss.

Phuket is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand. I’ve been to Phuket many times, but this trip was different. It was my first holiday in a long while so it was a much-needed trip. Nothing is better than a luxury holiday in Phuket when you need a good rest to recharge your batteries and Phuket has never disappointed me.

Welcome to Trisara

I went on this trip with my Mum as we hadn’t seen each other since the pandemic started. My Mum was so excited when we arrived at Phuket airport that she forgot her luggage was still on the conveyor belt! With luggage collected we met up with the welcoming limo from Trisara, our hotel on Phuket. The water bottle labelled with “Khun Nawamin’s Mum” was a lovely personal touch that put a big smile on my Mum’s face. Face masks and alcohol spay were also provided in the limo. When we arrived at Trisara we could spot these  same hygienic amenities all around the hotel and as a doctor this was great to see.

We decided to have an easy night by having dinner at the hotel, but we got (unexpectedly) blown away by the flavours and the executions of the food at the hotel’s restaurant, Seafood at Trisara. My Mum’s recipe for Pad Sa Tor Kung (stir fried tiger prawns with Sa Tor beans) is always the best, but I think this Pad Sa Tor Kung was up there with my Mum’s version and we were both really impressed. 

Phuket Old Town

We started our Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide foodie tour at Khao Tom Di Buk in Phuket Old Town which was recommended by our private host at Trisara. The porridge served here with slow cooked pork and a soft-boiled egg was comfortingly delicious. Khao Tom Di Buk has been open for more than 30 years and is very popular with local people. We then went for a walk in Phuket Old Town which is a must visit place when you visit Phuket.

The colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings are a highlight of this area. The Chinese and Portuguese influences also showed in the snacks and drinks served at an old Chinese shophouse known as i46 House. An exclusive visit at this traditional Chinese-style house reminded me of the time I lived with my grandfather in Nakhon Pathom. We tried the Phuket soy-milk which perfectly complemented the peppery cookies and Phuket pastries.

Fabulous food at PRU

We kept the best part of our Phuket foodie tour for last with a visit to PRU restaurant. This is the only restaurant in Phuket with One Michelin Star, and luckily it was in our hotel, Trisara. It was a great opportunity to chat with Jimmy, the head chef, and visit the kitchen which was very inspiring. His ambition is to cook European food using Thai produce,  but I’ve dined here before and I think his food can be described as Thai food with European approaches. Whichever way you describe it, the food is absolutely sensational and highly recommended if you visit Phuket. 

Highlights of Phuket

The must visit destination in Phuket is Phuket Old Town. Old traditions of Phuket are expressed beautifully in this old town area. The buildings are colourful, but classy with their own character. All the shops here showcase traditional Phuket food and goods. 

If you are looking for a romantic place to enjoy a view and sunset, Promthep Cape on the south of the island is the place to go with wonderful views over the Andaman Sea. And if you fancy a panoramic view of mountains and the sea, travel to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Phang Nga province. It’s around an hour’s drive from Phuket and offers you a stunningly beautiful view. I could easily spend hours in this place.

I’ve been to Phuket many times and I thought it couldn’t surprise me anymore, but I was wowed again on this visit. Luxury travelling in Phuket is a heavenly experience. Think about a stunning villa, incredible hospitality, beautiful destinations and delicious food; what else could you ask for? Phuket has everything to offer. Phuket is ready for you! 

#MasterChefTurnsMasterTourGuide

Visit Phuket Like a Boss: Nawamin’s ‘SET’ (Stay, Eat, Travel) Menu

Stay: Trisara
Eat: Pru
Travel: Phuket Old Town

Thank you to Dr Boss and Trisara and we hope you are inspired to discover another side to Phuket when you next visit Thailand. Follow the adventures of Dr Boss on his travels around Thailand on the Fan Club Thailand Facebook and Instagram channels.

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