Koh Doc Mai
Phuket is one of those places where many people come for a week or 2 of relaxing on the beach by day and partying by night. When i first decided to move here, many of my close friends (that had been) said i would not like it; its not my style. Now, after living here 3 months i can say Phuket is an awesome place to live!
For a foreigner, Phuket has a happy medium between Thai and foreign influence. To live here, you can get some happy comforts from home for example shopping centres, movie theaters, international cuisine and some supermarkets stock those little items we miss. On the other side, there are dogs roaming the streets, power lines everywhere and if you head to the south you’ll find Thai’s living the traditional way; most without electricity. If you know where to look there are some stunning untouched beaches which you can have for yourself or you can head to the middle of the island and find a crazy night life; i can even find my favourite brands including Billabong and Ripcurl or can head to the traditional markets to find a sweet little deal.
My Local Bar
Thai food is ah-mazing! I do not like too much spice, especially not the Thai level, but there is always so much flavour and seasoning in all meals, its hard to stay away. Street food is really cheap and yummm but you do have to watch the belly!
Even if your a bit of a ‘exercise freak’ like me, you can get a workout on the holiday island. There are many gyms offering free and fixed weights, cardio and often classes. But the most popular sport is muay thai boxing, a killer workout which you can find many gyms for it over the island.
Yoga
My job and the island survives on tourism, which means as a diving instructor i have to live in places where tourists can easily access and are guaranteed a good holiday; which Phuket is perfect for. I have one of the best jobs on the island; i get to dive everyday! So i escape the hustle and bustle of the island and spend my time being a mermaid.
We often make a joke about ‘Thai time’, this is because the lifestyle is so relaxed and slow that things happen slower, but who’s in a rush? This is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to join the ‘rat race’ yet, and just enjoy the single moments passing us by.
All year round Phuket is relatively warm. During the ‘summer’ times it get very hot, humid and rains a lot but in winter (over Christmas) it cools down to a perfect late 20’s-early 30 degree days, with lots of sunshine. Who is unhappy living in a place where are you can wear bikini’s all year round?
Longtail dive trip
What ever kind of night life you desire, Phuket probably offers it. My choice is a nice quiet beer at a beach bar or reggae bar with mates, but if you head into Patong, you can get pubs, clubs, lady bars, raves where entertainment usually lasts till sunrise.
I love adventure and i’m always seeking an adrenalin rush. In Phuket you can scuba dive, bungy jump, wakeboard, kite surf, trek jungles, play with animals (elephants, tigers) and many many more; perfect for days off!
I’m situated in a nature playing field! There are little gems scattered all over the island; from exotic beaches, to the underwater world and trekking through jungles, where ever you need to find your ‘happy place’, most of the time its easy to find it here.
Niharn
And of course, i’m a mermaid so i have to live in a place with good diving but in my view the diving is awesome! Read more about diving off Phuket HERE.
The culture in Thailand is inspiring and creative. The people are very nice and easy to work with; even though there is so much deep history and religion. Most Thai’s are buddhists, there are temples and sacred places all over the island. When i walk into a Thai temple, i feel very comfortable, i light an incense stick, then get taken away into a different world. Even though i’m not a very religious person, i feel these temples are peaceful and a place i can meditate and find a calm and relaxing frame of mind.
Wat Chalong
Kelissa Brockett 