Phuket, Thailand
Elephants, Temples, Thai Cooking & Island Hopping. What not to like !
Phuket, Thailand a destination I travelled around over the years and on my honeymoon has long been on my bucket list to return to with my two kids.
From ethical wildlife experiences and peaceful temples to vibrant island adventures and delicious cooking classes, this trip had it all.
Here’s a little peek into some of the highlights of our unforgettable journey.
- A Morning at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
If you’re visiting Phuket and love animals, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is an absolute must. This isn’t just another elephant “experience” it’s a genuine sanctuary where rescued elephants are treated with the love, respect, and care they deserve.
What sets this park apart is their strict animal welfare policies. There’s no riding, no tricks rules just connection, education, and care. All the elephants here have been rescued from poor conditions, and now live in peace.
We spent the morning feeding them endless amounts of sugarcane and bananas, giving them a mud bath, and then rinsing off together in a big splashy shower. It was joyful, humbling, and unforgettable for us and our kids. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, sharing stories about each elephant and how they were rescued.
- The Big Buddha & Wat Chai Thararam
No trip to Phuket is complete without a visit to the Big Buddha a truly awe-inspiring sight. Standing at 45 metres (148 feet) tall and over 25 metres (83 feet) wide, this colossal statue is made of concrete and beautifully covered in Burmese white marble. It’s not just impressive in size the atmosphere around the statue is calm and reflective, especially as you listen to the soft chants of monks in prayer. A peaceful place to pause and take it all in.
Just a short ride away, we visited Wat Chai Thararam (also known as Wat Chalong), one of the most beautiful temples in Phuket. The grounds are filled with ornate buildings, golden statues, and intricate architectural details that make it perfect for a slow, reflective stroll. Thailand’s temples never fail to amaze, and this one is no exception.
- A Delicious Thai Cooking Class with Chef Pui @brasswok_thai_cooking_class
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was the Family Thai Cooking Class with Chef Pui and not just because we got to eat everything we made. Chef Pui is warm, funny, and bursting with knowledge about traditional Thai cooking.
We rolled up our sleeves and learned to make: - Tom Yum Gung – Prawns in spicy herbal soup - Pad Thai – Everyone’s favourite - Massaman Curry – A rich, comforting curry with chicken or tofu - Thai Green Curry – Fragrant and fiery in all the right ways
Cooking together as a family, then sitting down to enjoy it all was such a rewarding experience. If you’re looking for an activity that’s fun, educational, and oh-so-delicious, this class is a must. And our teens loved it!
- Island Hopping Adventure with @5starmarinephuket
To round off our Phuket adventure, we headed out on a private island-hopping tour with the amazing Ning from 5 Star Marine and what a day it was.
We explored: - North Phang Nga Bay – Epic limestone cliffs & emerald water - Mangrove forests – A quiet, lush escape - Koh Panyee – A unique Muslim village built on stilts - James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) – Iconic & cinematic - Hong Islands – Incredible canoeing through caves and lagoons - Paekruwit Floating Seafood Restaurant. Fresh, flavourful seafood right on the water - Rang Yai Island – White sand beaches and crystal-clear swimming
It was a picture-perfect day of discovery the stunning islands, its nature, and total bliss on the water.
Final Thoughts
Phuket has definitely changed over the years. But whether you’re into wildlife, culture, food, or adventure (or, like us – all of the above), this Thai island and its people has something to enchant every traveller. From mud baths with elephants to learning the perfect curry paste, it’s the kind of trip that fills your heart, your belly, and your soul.
I'll always recommend going to Thailand. It has so much to offer any traveller
Elaine
