Flew into Phuket today and the first impressions are immediately positive—warm air, easy smiles, and very good food. The island feels relaxed on the surface, but it’s also busy in a way that suggests a lot of long-term visitors rather than just short-term tourists. The energy is more “settled” than “vacation rush.”
Food is the easiest entry point into a place, and Phuket makes it easy. Even a simple meal feels thoughtfully put together—fresh seafood, bright herbs, and that unmistakable balance of heat, acid, and sweetness. It’s the kind of cuisine that makes you curious about the next dish before you’ve finished the first.
What stands out most is how many expats are here compared to locals. You can sense it in the cafes, in the menus, and in the kind of conversations you overhear. It gives the island a distinctly global feel, a mix of Thai culture with layers of outside influence that make it feel both familiar and foreign at the same time.