What begins many travel journeys is an idea, a dream. Believe it or not, Phuket was not on my list of places to visit. It could have been because I thought it seemed so far out of reach. But eventually, joining a friend would prove to be a life-changing experience and would show me why Phuket is perfect for traveling solo.
The sweltering heat and humidity are enough to take your breath away when you exit Phuket International. I’ve experienced humidity, I’ve experienced heat, but never on this level. And I went in December, which is considered one of the “good” months in Thailand. But the minute you get to the beaches in Phuket, you forget. You forget it’s humid, and you’ve sweated through your clothes already… twice. This time, what takes your breath away are the views. Clear blue water as far as the eye can see. You’ve seen this in movies, you’ve seen it in pictures, but nothing compares to seeing it all with your own eyes. It’s almost too much for your brain to process, and as we approached the sandy shores of Patong Beach, I stared forever into oblivion, just trying to take mental pictures. Months later, it’s still hard to believe I was there.
Welcome to Phuket
There are various resorts in the area of Patong Beach, and all are affordable, accommodating, and luxurious. Oh, and most, if not all, offer buffet breakfasts and happy hours at various times of the day! I’m a foodie, so this was, of course, a highlight, but the surprises didn’t stop there. Any traveler will know what to expect in terms of currency before traveling. I knew Thailand was cheap but wasn’t sure what you could get for your money. What I found was pretty mind-blowing. You could get massages for pennies on the dollar. I’m talking two or three hours worth of deep tissue or Thai massages for about $30-$50 US, and are comparable to what you would get at a 5-star resort in the states. My favorite spa was the Burasari. We had exfoliation treatments and deep tissue massages followed by well-spent time in their extravagant pools drinking cocktails for cheap!
THE FOOD
Phuket has some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever had, and let’s not forget their signature dish, Pad Thai, a blend of rice noodles cooked with tamarind sauce. As well as Tom Kha, a mouth-watering, spicy blend of coconut milk and lemon grass. However, there is amazing food everywhere, and my favorite place to dine had to be YOU & ME. Two friends and I ordered one lobster with fried garlic and herbs, one baked with cheese, and prawns, along with appetizers and drinks, all for about 3,600 Baht, which is like $100 US. Completely fresh and delicious, we ate like royalty! There is a downside to all of this amazing and cheap food, though. Experiencing this level of fresh and mouthwatering Thai food will ruin Thai food anywhere else for you. I have been to the best Thai restaurants in Los Angeles, and nothing compares. Maybe nothing ever will.
THE FUN
While visiting, taking advantage of the magnificent spa sessions can’t be the only thing you do, even though it’s easy to do because it’s amazing. You have to get out! And lucky for you, you won’t find a shortage of activities here. I went on an island hopping Phuket tour where a guide and a small boat take you to the most beautiful beaches Phuket offers. I snorkeled with brightly colored fish and beautiful coral, and jumping off straight from our boat to swim in the lagoon where The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed was something that could only be described as unreal. The islands Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don are just a few I could visit.
Our tour guide “Mr. Boy” made it all the more fun. He was hilarious and had such a free spirit. I wish I could have brought him home with me. He was pure entertainment! 
I also highly recommend a canoe tour, where a personal guide will paddle you in and out of caves as the tide recedes and rises. While canoeing, I was able to participate in a Thai tradition Loy Krathong, which involves building a flower basket out of banana leaves and flowers that are then placed in the ocean to float. This activity is done in the darkness of the caves, where the only light comes from the candles placed inside the basket.
It was a very beautiful and emotional ceremony to experience. As a bonus, they allowed us to stick our hands in the water in complete darkness and, in doing so, lit the ocean with bioluminescence. I could not capture it on camera, but it’s in my mind forever.
The tour ended with a delightful dinner on the boat as the sun was setting. The sunsets in Phuket are some of the most breathtaking. Mother Nature painted the sky with different hues as the sun went down.
A final must-do is the fish spa!!! You can do this in locations throughout Thailand, but I found it necessary to do it while in Phuket! It’s the weirdest feeling that I can only compare to what it feels like when your feet fall asleep and begin to wake up. Tingly might be the perfect word for it, but unforgettable is associated with that definition for sure. 
Phuket felt safe overall. The people are kind everywhere you go, and the most I had to deal with was haggling prices for souvenirs which is very common there. Feeling safe is just one of the reasons that make this location very special and one I plan on visiting again very soon. It’s not only beyond budget-friendly, but it also offered some of the most jaw-dropping scenery I have ever witnessed. I took no other camera other than my iPhone. I assure you Phuket needs no filters. Its beauty alone can be its own. The beauty that surrounds everything here is something that should be a bucket list item for any traveler, and this is why Phuket is perfect for traveling solo.
