If there is ever a destination that perfectly blends luxury, culture, and breathtaking nature, it’s Phuket, Thailand. For my 40th birthday celebration, I wanted something unforgettable, and Phuket delivered every bit of magic and more. My husband and I, along with some of our closest friends, made memories I will treasure for a lifetime. From island hopping and jungle dinners to elephant cuddles and iconic sunsets, here’s everything you need to know (and pack!) if you’re planning your Thai escape. Save this as the best travel guide and itinerary for Phuket, Thailand visit.
✈️ Getting There: Flights & Arrival Tips
We flew Qatar Airways Business Class via Doha, and the service, comfort, and in-flight experience were nothing short of luxurious, setting the perfect tone for a special trip. Some of our friends flew Emirates via Dubai, another airline I love and have used previously for my Dubai trip. For my travel outfit, I wore The Attico sweatpants paired with The Line by K tank top, JW Anderson mules, and completed the look with my gifted Lufly Carry-on.
If you are considering either airline, you can’t go wrong. Just make sure to arrive in Phuket’s HKT International Airport, and if you’re staying at The Surin Phuket, they offer airport transfers with advance notice. Highly recommend booking this ahead of time.
Must-download travel apps:
Bolt & Grab for local ridesAgoda for bookings12Go for island tours and local transportationGet Your Guide for unique excursions
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Where We Stayed
We checked into The Surin Phuket, nestled on the stunning Pansea Beach. It was the perfect blend of tranquility and five-star vibes. Waking up to ocean views and having coffee steps from the beach felt like a dream. Their beachfront villas are ideal for couples or small groups seeking privacy and pampering. FYI, if you plan on staying at The Surin Phuket, bear in mind that includes lots of stairs, no elevator or escalator. You have a lot of stairs to climb back and front. They do have this mini golf cart-looking ride that can drop you off as close enough to your villa, but you will still need to take a couple of stairs to get to your villa, as they are situated on the hill — awesome view!
📍 Places to Visit & Must-Do Experiences
Every day was curated to balance adventure and relaxation. Here’s a breakdown:
Day 1:
Arrive, settle in, unwind.Sunset drinks at Tu Rooftop Bar & Baba Nest.Dinner + Fire Show at Nomad Beach Club—truly magical! Check out my Instagram ‘Phuket’ highlight for more. The fire show was amazing, and so was the food.
Day 2:
Full beach day at 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 to have something to cover the shoulders and wear a knee-length or longer outfit for the temple visit. Also, you will have to take off your shoes before entering the temple.Lunch at Hidden Cafe (don’t skip the Thai iced tea!)Scenic stop at Karon Viewpoint.Old Town Phuket stroll + Sunday Market finds.Dinner at the dreamy Three Monkey’s Treehouse Restaurant.
Day 4:
Phi Phi Island Day Tour – Snorkeling, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and more. Absolutely a 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 pouch. If you get seasick due to speedboat rides, I advise to take to seasick meds beforehand.
Day 5:
Elephant encounter at Splash Cafe – such a surreal experience. You will have to pay an entrance fee to get in per person + a different fee if you want to feed the elephants, take pictures, etc.Lunch & content-worthy photos at Ma Doo Bua Café (those lily pads!) — Make sure to arrive on time. It gets crowded quickly, and you can’t buy the tickets for the lily pad pictures in advance. We arrived around 11 am, and we could only get photoshoot slots from 2 pm.Sunset at Kata Beach.Nightlife at Tree Bar Clubhouse…the view is beyond AMAZING! Go for the sunset.
Day 6:
Spa day at Surin Hotel, Satai (which is across from the hotel and even cheaper). Heard great things about Sawasdee Village.My formal birthday dinner at Setai (another great restaurant is Black Ginger). I wore a stunning, mint floor-length dress (check my Instagram for the look).
🧳 What to Pack
Here’s my essential Phuket packing checklist, especially helpful for tropical adventures:
PassportSwimwear (pack several!)Mosquito/insect repellentSPF 50+ SunscreenChic sunhat + oversized sunglassesHandheld fan (for those mid-day market strolls)Comfy sandals & water shoesFormal wear (if you’re doing a luxe dinner like we did!)Lightweight beach coverups + statement outfits for dinners
What to Wear: Island Style Meets Chic Elegance
Phuket is hot and humid in June, so think flowy, breathable fabrics and elevated resort wear. June is also the beginning of their rainy season, so add a small umbrella as it was raining off and on during our stay. I opted for breezy dresses, denim shorts, matching two-piece sets, and colorful accessories. For island hopping, a sleek one-piece swimsuit with mesh cover-ups and an oversized sunhat was my go-to. For the fire show and nightlife? Bring on a fun, playful dress or skirt: I went with this Retrofete mini dress, and I wore flat sandals throughout my stay, except for the formal birthday dinner.
You can check out all my outfits and style inspo from the trip on my Instagram @jadorefashion, including:
My linen two-piece from Day 3Yellow mesh top and skirt cover-up for Phi Phi IslandsBirthday dinner glam gown at Setai
📝 Final Tips for Future Travelers
Exchange currency at the airport or outside the airport for even better rates.Be respectful at temples: wear modest clothing and remove shoes when required.Book island tours in advance—they fill up quickly in peak season.Leave room in your suitcase for market finds—Phuket is full of hidden gems.Hydrate constantly and use SPF generously! It was very humid when we went around in early June.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or your milestone birthday celebration, Phuket will leave you breathless. 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 one of the foods I ate. I have always been a big fan of Thai dishes. The people are friendly and welcoming. Make sure you stop by the mall, TOPS, and 7-Eleven for snacks (I fell in love with this Kit Kat Milo flavor) and skincare masks. At the mall/market, will bought silk scarves and so many other souvenirs.
Thailand, you now hold a special place in my heart. Here’s to more beautiful travels ahead 💛
P.S. Save this as the best travel guide and itinerary for Phuket, Thailand.
With love,Stella
