First of all, let’s be clear that the general consensus is that life in Phuket is pretty awesome. Especially for those who have yet to live in a tropical climate, the island paradise infatuation (often referred to as the honeymoon period) doesn’t wear off quickly. However, it’s inevitable that at some point, for almost everyone, the novelty wears off to a certain degree. While the specifics largely depend on the individual, the general idea is that something about your everyday life on the island loses its luster. Let’s look at a few ways that might help keep the spark alive as a Phuket expat.  

Explore the Island’s Lesser-Known Spots

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While popular beaches like Patong, Kata, and Kamala are always worth visiting, Phuket still has hidden gems that are sometimes off the beaten path. There are many cool areas to explore like Ao Sane Beach, nearby islands like Koh Yao Noi, or coastal trails around Nai Yang Beach. Long-time island residents can get trapped in the Phuket bubble and lose sight of all the amazing places to explore nearby. Other provinces in the region such as Phang Nga and Krabi have a plethora of interesting natural wonders and quaint villages with little cafes and tasty restaurants. 

Find a New Hobby  

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While rapid development and a growing population comes with its downsides, one of the upsides is that there is a wider variety of activities to explore and keep one occupied than ever before. For the young or spry, there are tons of action sports like wakeboarding, wing foiling, rock climbing gyms, skateboard parks, and martial arts like Muay Thai. There are many sports with active communities like pickleball, badminton, ice hockey, cycling, sailboat racing, and much more. Beyond sports there are many other activities which can be learned in Phuket. One can find dance schools, music lessons, photography and art classes, and of course, language classes to learn Thai or other languages. Picking up a new hobby not only keeps life fresh but also deepens your connection to the island and will help you make new Thai and expat friends.

Community Involvement

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Phuket has an active expat community that organizes social events, charity fundraisers, and networking meetups. Sometimes events are organized by resorts or other companies looking to fulfill their CSR (corporate social responsibility) goals. Joining these groups or taking part in events often opens the door to new friendships and experiences. A good place to find announcements for such groups and events is on Phuket-oriented Facebook groups for trivia nights, beach cleanups, and sports leagues.

It’s also possible to find volunteering opportunities in these groups. While it’s not always obvious to expats, Phuket has marginalized people and communities that can benefit greatly from donated time or resources. Orphanages and schools for underprivileged kids are often happy to get willing helpers. The Good Shepherd and the Rotary Club are good places to start.