It’s no secret that the vast majority of Phuket’s economy is based on tourism. That being said, in addition to tourism, there are agricultural products, the fishing industry, as well as many crafty entrepreneurs on the island. While mostly what is created in Phuket is memories and experiences, there are a handful of notable products that come from the island.

Phuket Pineapples

Unbeknownst to many, the island of Phuket has its own distinctive type of pineapple that is only found here. They’re not overly well-known or flaunted, but perhaps they should be. They are the smallest ones you’ll see sold by fruit vendors. They’re sometimes served on a little stick and are eaten like a popsicle. The local soils and growing methods result in crispy, very sweet fruit with a small or no core which means you can eat the whole thing. Each plant produces only one fruit which takes 1.5-2 years to mature.

Sol Sauce Sunscreens

Sol Sauce Sunscreens are a brand of sun protection products started in Phuket in 2015. They make zinc-based sunscreens that are made with mostly natural plant-based ingredients. The benefits of their products are not only that they work great and are good for your skin, but they don’t contain chemicals that damage corals or the marine ecosystem like most other sunscreens contain. Several sunscreen chemicals are banned in Thai marine parks, none of which are used in Sol Sauce products.  They have also opted for more eco-friendly packaging to minimize waste. Their sunscreen sticks are packaged in a biodegradable tube and the sunscreen lotion is in a “spout pouch” which uses a fraction of the amount of plastic as typical sunscreen tubes. Lastly, since they don’t use alcohol or harsh chemicals, their sunscreens are great for kids and won’t burn their eyes.

Chalong Bay Rum

For more than a decade this small-scale craft distillery has been in production near the waters of their namesake – Chalong Bay. Their rum is produced using sugarcane grown organically, exclusively from Thai farms. Seeing as it’s the only distillery on the island, it is inherently unique, yet their imported copper still and traditional French distillation techniques further set them apart. And they have the awards to prove it.

Chalong Bay Rum comes in original flavor as well as lemongrass, Thai sweet basil, cinnamon, kaffir lime, lime, and white spiced. Those curious about the process can book a tour of the facility. There’s also a cozy open-air bar where you can sample signature cocktails and enjoy a meal at the popular restaurant.

Phuket Pearls

It’s only fitting that Phuket is known for pearls considering the island’s nickname is “the pearl of the Andaman”.
In the old days, pearls were collected from wild-caught oysters, but for at least 50 years they have been cultivated in pearl farms around the island. One such spot is in Cape Panwa just a stones-throw from the Ung Pearl Farm and Jewelry shop. Their waterside home has ideal conditions for growing pearls which they are well-known for. In fact, the proprietor Kuhn Kriangsak was formally recognized by King Rama IX for his contribution to the industry. Stop by their shop along the beach where you can see a demonstration of the entire process from propagation to setting the pearls in jewelry.