With an onslaught of development, ever-increasing tourist numbers, and gentrification squeezing out locals, Phuket’s traditional way of life and authenticity gradually being diluted. You can’t fight the island’s inevitable urbanization, but you can experience some of Phuket’s charms the way they are. Of course there’s nothing wrong with beach clubs, shopping malls, and international chains, but if you want to experience the island like a local, you’ll need to look beyond the tourist brochures. True Phuket is found in its culture, traditions, flavors, and everyday life.
The OTOP Fair
OTOP, which stands for “One Tambon (village), One Product”, is a nationwide initiative that focuses on promoting local crafts and entrepreneurs. Usually there are at least two OTOP fairs in Phuket – one held at Saphan Hin and another at Rajabhat University. OTOP fairs are always bustling with an abundance of handmade crafts, regional snacks, textiles, herbal products, and much more. If you want to get an idea of Phuket’s local creativity like hand-stitched batik sarongs, dried seafood, unique souvenirs, and traditional musical performances, the OTOP fair is the place to be. Even better, you get to discover cool things and tasty foods from all over the country in one spot.
Eat at a Floating Restaurant
Floating restaurants can be found elsewhere in Thailand, but Phuket’s have their own special beauty. These rustic eateries found near the east coast’s Laem Hin Pier or Coconut Island bob over the water on bamboo and wood platforms. Accessed only by longtail boat, they serve seafood that’s often caught fresh and cooked to order. In fact, some of it is farmed in nets right beside the restaurant and you can literally pick your own – it doesn’t get fresher than that.
Join a Local Festival
While there aren’t festivals everyday, Phuket’s calendar has plenty which often blend Thai and Chinese culture. One of the most famous is the Vegetarian Festival, renowned for its unique spiritual rituals, wild and frenetic processions, and self-mutilation. Other favorites worth planning around include:the Thai New Year (Songkran) which turns the island into a joyful water fight, the Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong) in which celebrants release artfully crafted floats with candles and offerings on the water to pay respect to the river goddess.
Get a Thai Massage
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There’s a good reason why Thai massage is world famous, it’s amazing. While many spas cater to tourists, the most authentic experience comes from a local massage shop or even temple-run wellness centers. Here, massages are affordable, unpretentious, and often deeply therapeutic. Thai massage involves stretching and twisting, pressure point engagement, and energy balancing. Don’t hesitate if you come across massage by the blind as it is a common job for them and they are often quite proficient.
Wander Around Phuket’s Old Town
Phuket’s Old Town is a cultural gem, exploding in popularity in recent years. It’s filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art, picturesque shophouses, and hidden courtyards. Take a leisurely stroll down Thalang or Dibuk Roads to funky boutique shops, family-run noodle houses, and traditional Chinese shrines. Visit on a Sunday evening during the Talad Yai Market, when the streets are bustling with food stalls, musicians, and souvenirs.
