Book Retreats in Phuket

Phuket: A Popular Yoga Holiday Destination

The largest island in Thailand is home to some of the top spa resorts for a yoga vacation. Phuket has numerous exotic locations to study and advance in all forms of yoga practice and various opportunities for practising the discipline.

The beaches at Kata Beach, Kamala Beach, Cape Panwa, and Laguna Beach are the most well-liked locations for amazing yoga retreats in Phuket. The most popular beach in Phuket is Kata Beach, where wonderful yoga retreats are frequently hosted adjacent to the water. Compared to other beaches, Cape Panwa is quieter and more isolated.

Numerous luxury resorts focusing on fitness, wellness, spa treatments, and sports can be found in Laguna.

On Phuket’s picturesque west coast, tucked away, is the quaint village of Kamala. It is the perfect place to unwind because of its serene green surroundings, convenient access to the Andaman Sea’s clear seas, and soft sand beaches.

Why Go To A Yoga Retreat in Phuket?

Phuket has always been a popular travel destination for yogis due to its white sand beaches, clear ocean waters, rocky coastlines, and heavily forested highlands. It’s the perfect region to find a fantastic Thailand yoga retreat.

Take a relaxing yoga vacation in Phuket to escape the everyday life’s hustle and bustle. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or taking your first session, all you need to do is spread out your mat and complete a Downward Dog while admiring Thailand’s breathtaking scenery. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a weekend health and wellness retreat or a yoga vacation. Even aerial yoga!

Get guidance from expert instructors and enjoy daily yoga classes and meditation sessions surrounded by nature. In addition to practicing yoga, you can get access to delicious food and top-notch accommodation, with many retreats also providing healing therapies and workshops after a yoga class. Many providers also have special offers with extra activities, such as surfing, hiking, diving, snorkelling, paddling, cooking lessons or even Muay Thai lessons.

Join one of the many daily meetings to chat with other yogis, or get a Thai massage to relax your muscles before another yoga session. While tanning, relax by the pool while sipping a fresh coconut, or venture into the adjacent towns for some late-night shopping and mouth-watering food. We can help you find the best yoga retreat in Phuket. Try a wellness resort in Phuket, and you’ll return home feeling revigorated and relaxed from your fitness yoga retreat!

What Can I Expect From A Yoga Retreat In Phuket?

A yoga retreat in Phuket is an excellent way to relax and rejuvenate. Depending on the specific retreat you choose, you can expect to experience a variety of activities and experiences, including:

– Daily yoga classes and meditation in a beautiful natural setting

– Healthful, organic meals prepared by local chefs

– Excursions to explore the local culture and sites, such as the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong Temple

– Relaxation time in the sun at one of Phuket’s many beaches or pools

– A variety of workshops and lectures on topics such as nutrition, yoga, meditation, and more

– Massage and spa treatments to help you relax and unwind

– Opportunities for making new friends and connecting with like-minded people from around the world

Exploring Phuket During Your Yoga Retreat Holiday

Best Beaches in Phuket

1. Bang Tao Beach

One of Phuket’s longest beaches, this one is clean and has lots of room. Ideal for stunning photographs.

On the island’s west coast, halfway between Patong Beach and Phuket International Airport, is Bang Tao Beach (also known as Bangtao). Bangtao is home to some of the island’s most significant and opulent resorts, including Banyan Tree Resort, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Angsana Phuket Resort, and SAii Laguna Phuket Resort, which is not surprising given the area’s stunning stretch of sand. Numerous local eateries and beach clubs can be found in Bangtao, where you may eat or drink with your feet on the sand.

2. Freedom Beach

From Patong beach, a long-tail boat may carry you to this breathtaking beach, a genuine paradise.

Freedom Beach, which is lovely and remote, is unusual. It is one of Phuket’s most picturesque beaches, with wonderful white sand and azure waters. Despite being close to Patong Beach, the busiest beach on the island, it is unexpectedly quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for beach yoga.

3. Kata Noi Beach

Snorkelling is especially enjoyable in the clear seawater by the rocks south of the beach, where there are many fish and coral.

If you want to be close to the well-known Kata Beach but avoid the tourist hordes, Kata Noi Beach in Phuket is the ideal location. During the peak season, this stretch of white sand is blessed with crystal-clear water, and its ‘out of way location keeps it relatively quiet. You’ll probably miss it if you don’t know about it.

4. Kata Beach

Amazing smooth white sand beach with turquoise waves is a must-see beach, and from the beach, you can view the giant Buddha in the hills.

After Patong Beach, Kata Beach is one of Phuket’s most popular beaches. It is located on the west coast of the island. A famous island stands amid the ocean in the picturesque sandy harbour of Kata, which makes for outstanding sunset photography. The town extends for two kilometres along the back road, but remember that most eateries, hotels, and businesses are not on the beach on that second road at the south end of the beach because Club Med Resort takes up 90% of the 1.5-kilometre coastline.

5. Mai Khao Beach

With pleasant staff, it is family-friendly. The beach is breathtaking, and the food is fantastic.

Since Mai Khao is 11 kilometres long, it is Phuket’s longest beach. It still appears to be as empty in some places as it did back in the 90s because it is a part of the Sirinat National Park. A few upscale hotels have popped up at a decent distance from the beach, but other than at the southern end, when planes land over the beach, there are no beach chairs, umbrellas, or food vendors to be found. Even if it might just be a matter of time, you can still travel for miles and only come across a few locals fishing.

6. Banana Beach

Phuket’s Banana Beach is a little-known gem. Phuket is a popular tourist destination worldwide, and every nook and cranny of this small tropical island has been discovered, invaded, bought, developed, and exploited. The tiny Banana Beach, however, is hidden from the multitude. Even though we expected it to end soon, the silence continues.

Try to go to the small island next to the beach as well: the water there is excellent for snorkelling.

7. Kamala Beach

Soft beaches and warm, clear waters. Excellent for families with small children.

On Phuket’s west coast, Kamala Beach is a lovely beach that is popular with tourists who want a calm vacation with families. A rare luxury in Phuket, the beach is enormous and has numerous top-notch Thai and international eateries directly on the sand. Its popularity grew due to the Intercontinental Hotel’s new Pine Beach Bar or the nearby Cafe Del Mar Beach Club, which is gradually increasing traffic. Not as quiet as Nai Harn Beach, for example, During the peak season, Kamala is still a tranquil, lovely long beach with clean waters. It offers a wide variety of beachside eateries, retail venues, top-notch lodging, and direct beach access.

Things To Do in Phuket

The Big Buddha

A seated Maravija Buddha statue known as Phuket Big Buddha or The Great Buddha of Phuket is located in Phuket, Thailand. The full name, abbreviated as Ming Mongkol Buddha, is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri. The building work started in 2004 on Nakkerd Hill, close to Chalong.

It is one of Phuket’s must-do activities. You’ll be able to tell how devoted and respectful the Thai people are to this statue. One of the most significant and cherished landmarks on the island is the Buddha in Phuket. The most incredible 360-degree views of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon, and Chalong Bay are provided by its altitude location to fulfil the delight of this good vibe place.

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

The most effective and moral method to observe elephants up close in Phuket. No tourist rides or magic acts – simply elephants being elephants in a loving setting. An absolute sanctuary.

However, unless you travel far into the forest, you won’t find any elephants as content as those that are fortunate enough to call this place home. Elephants may be seen working and performing all across Phuket. Beyond the gentle giants themselves, the main draw of this location is the opportunity for you to interact directly with these magnificent animals by bathing, cleaning, and even feeding them.

Phuket Old Town

Phuket Town’s charming historic district is home to stunning ancient buildings, museums, upscale boutiques, and a bustling night market.

This historic part of town is rich in history and is small enough to explore on foot. It is a million miles from the tourist-heavy beaches and nightlife offered elsewhere in Phuket. Especially along the enchanting Soi Romanee, where brilliantly coloured historic buildings contain boutique shops, guesthouses, and cafes, there is a noticeable old colonial Chinese and Portuguese influence.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

A small and environmentally conscious distillery that makes award-winning rum and offers tours and samples. Thailand may be most known for its fierce whiskies, but the young French couple running this distillery is demonstrating that the country can also make rum that ranks among the best. The rum is delicious and sustainably crafted using only locally grown sugarcane that has been manually picked. The roomy, open bar is the ideal setting for trying a mojito.

Island hopping in Phang Nga Bay

You should take the opportunity to board a speedboat and spend a day (or two) exploring the numerous tiny paradise islands around Phuket, including Koh Yao Noi, Ko Sup, Koh Panyee, or Ko Tapu (James Bond Island).

Numerous travel companies provide a wide range of different day tours from Phuket. A Phan Nga Bay/James Bond Island excursion will take you to the jaw-dropping limestone cliffs made famous by 007 and a few more small islands for superb snorkelling and beach time if you just have one day to spare. Perfect to complement a Thailand retreat break.

Bang Pae Waterfall, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

On Phuket’s sparsely populated eastern side, in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, there is a little, lovely waterfall that is both peaceful and stunning.

Although Bang Pae is not Niagara Falls, it is Phuket’s most fabulous waterfall and draws both locals and tourists alike all year long. The greatest time to visit is during the wet season when the lush rainforest is at its most verdant and the rock pools are full enough to swim in. If you are hungry, there are a few good local eateries close by, but make sure you pack lots of mosquito spray and wear appropriate footwear. Furthermore, there is a 200 Baht park entrance fee.

Best Tours in Phuket

Phang Nga Bay Tour

Phang Nga Bay is a magnificent natural beauty and something you must do while in Phuket. Phang Nga experiences high tourist traffic, like any popular Phuket trip, but it is a vast area, and some excursions, like the renowned John Gray Sea Canoe, know how to take you where and when other travellers don’t go. Massive limestone outcrops that rise over the river resemble scenes from the film Avatar (or it was possibly the other way around). Even one Star Wars episode used the location as a backdrop.

Phi Phi Island Day Trip

Everyone tends to select Phi Phi as their favourite island to visit when on a Phuket trip. Typically, it is for a number of reasons: With two bays flanked by vertical limestone cliffs, the islands have a stunning appearance. The late-night beach parties are well-known and renowned. Phi Phi appears to be a popular travel spot for backpackers. Additionally, it’s a top snorkelling and diving location for all abilities, from novice to wreck diving. There is an even simpler explanation: they were curious to visit Maya Bay after seeing it in the movie “The Beach.”

James Bond Island Tour and Koh Panyi Village

Typically, any tour to Phang Nga Bay includes Koh Panyi and James Bond. If you have the time, we suggest spending one day in Phang Nga Bay in a canoe and another day exploring James Bond, Koh Panyi, the town on stilts, and the reclining Buddha in a cave.

Coral Island Day Trip and Racha Island

These two stunning islands, which are sometimes combined into a single Phuket tour day trip, boast white sand beaches and the usual ambience of small tropical islands. With lots of fish coming and swimming all around you, they provide superb snorkelling chances. Racha Island is a great place to dive, especially for beginners.

Similan Islands Day Trip

The Similans are unique and lovely, with the kind of white beach and azure water you only see on postcards. It is so breathtakingly stunning that your friends could think you had your images altered. But even in smartphone photographs, the colour is that blue!

Previously, it was possible to spend the night in a tent or a simple air-conditioned hut, but it appears that this option is not actually available. There isn’t much to do besides snorkelling, tanning, and a small restaurant, but it’s a Robinson Crusoe experience you won’t want to miss.

Dining Out in Phuket

BEST Restaurants & Bars in Phuket

Mom Tri’s Kitchen

This award-winning restaurant, which is a part of the opulent Villa Royale boutique hotel, is probably the most romantic spot to eat in Phuket and features some of the greatest food, wine, and views on the island.

Mom Tri’s Kitchen is the place for you if you’re looking for a sophisticated, upscale restaurant with breathtaking views and delectable cuisine and drink. Book a table on the terrace at one of Phuket’s greatest restaurants, choose a bottle from the 700-strong wine list, and take in the ambience. The restaurant is situated on the headland between Kata Noi and Kata Yai beaches.

Samut Restaurant

Samut is a hip new eatery in Nai Harn that serves contemporary Thai food with a focus on regional seafood prepared using regional ingredients and spices. Samut, which in Thai means “Ocean,” is ideal for a special event and although looking like a high-end restaurant, it gives Phuket island a new, unique touch.

L’arome by the Sea

If you’re lucky, the sunset at Kalim Beach’s L’Arôme by the Sea restaurant, which serves superb modern French cuisine, will be spectacular. Chef Yannick Hollenstein offers a 5- or 7-course option with exquisitely presented meals and novel creations in a well-balanced menu.

Black Ginger Restaurant

The Slate Resort on Nai Yang Beach is home to the stunning and top-notch Thai restaurant Black Ginger, situated in the middle of a tiny lake. The food is excellent, and the incredible backdrop gives the event a surreal touch as a raft lit by real torches slowly glides from the restaurant to pick you up at the deck. Thai cuisine prepared by Chef Piak is distinctive and authentic, and it has delicious desserts and some Phuket specialities. Her Som Tam, Tom Yum, Panaeng curry, and crispy prawns with battered cha-plu leaves are all worth trying.

Acqua

Alessandro Frau, a competent and amiable chef, has only been operating the great Italian restaurant Acqua for ten years. This upscale dining establishment has won numerous honours and distinctions, including the new Phuket Michelin Guide and the “Plate” award. Virtually concealed in Kalim Beach, the wonderfully furnished restaurant is located just outside Patong Beach on the road to Kamala. Acqua has been operating for five years and has steadily increased in popularity. Chef Alessandro’s inventiveness has also improved.

Baba Nest at Sri Panwa

The best rooftop bar in Phuket is Baba Nest in Sri Panwa. There is typically a two-week waiting list to get a table, it’s far away, hard to find, and hard to get, but it’s worth it. You’ll understand why you endured all of this after you’ve managed to sit down, enjoy a cocktail or, even better, a glass of champagne, and watch a magnificent sunset over Panwa Bay. High above Phuket Aquarium, on the secluded Cape Panwa in the southeast of Phuket Island, is where you’ll find Baba Nest in the Sri Panwa Hotel.

Catch Beach Club

The first proper beach club to open in Phuket was Catch Beach many years ago, and their opening set off a tremendous chain reaction throughout the entire island. The idea of spending the afternoon at the beach, followed by entertaining gatherings that last until late at night, was becoming increasingly popular. A few years ago, the government cleared the island’s coastline of all beach clubs. The Catch beach club is back on Bangtao beach and is just as well-liked as before, primarily catering to the ex-pat audience. To avoid disturbing the partygoers, they even added a Kid’s club with a playground right next door.

New York Live Music Bar

Every night is crowded at the New York Bar on Bangla Road. With a great music system blaring both inside and outdoors on Bangla Road, the bar is large and somewhat dark and naturally advertises itself. Most of the music played by bands on stage is strong rock and rap. The New York Bar is aware that merely singing and playing an instrument won’t be enough to draw in a crowd because there are so many live bands available on the same route. Even though the front of the building is exposed, air conditioning functions well, what it is very inviting during the hottest months of the year.

Food Markets in Phuket

Rawai Seafood Market

Initially, Rawai Seafood Market was only a little fishing community where you could buy some local catch to take home. The Sea Gypsy Village and Rawai Beach, both at the extreme south of Phuket, have long been a bit of an exotic draw. The modest market gained popularity every year, and a few seafood eateries began to prepare the fish you had just purchased across the street. Tourists knew it because the idea was well-liked, enjoyable, and affordable. More eateries opened, more visitors arrived, and costs increased. What follows is history.

Phuket Weekend Night Market – Naka Market

The enormous night market known as Phuket Naka Weekend Market (formerly known as Chaofa Variety Weekend Market) is located south of Phuket Town, close to Central Festival. In some cases, it is even referred to as “Phuket Chatuchak” in allusion to the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. Thais refer to it as “Talad Tairod,” which translates to “Car Boot Sale.”

Phuket Sunday Street Market

The weekend market on Phuket Walking Street, commonly known as “Lard Yai” by the locals, is currently the most well-liked sight in Phuket City. This weekend’s street market was an immediate hit, showing that Thalang Road, the old section of town, needed something to happen. In Phuket City, night markets are nothing new. A longtime favourite, the historic Naka Weekend Market is located on the outskirts of the city, close to Central Festival, however, Phuket Walking Street is more creative.

Banzaan Fresh Market

Visiting the Banzaan Market on Patong Beach is a fantastic experience. Since it is located directly behind the enormous Jungceylon Shopping Mall, it is simpler to access than other local markets. Get your first glance at Thai fruits that appear funny, beautiful fish, odd vegetables, and decadent desserts!

Karon Temple Market

Over the past few years, the Karon Temple Market’s popularity has significantly increased. Because it only happens twice a week (on Tuesdays and Fridays), people begin to organise their nights around it. Although night markets are common in Phuket and around Thailand, a temple market seems more exotic. A few activities are also lacking at Karon Beach, so the fair is always a refreshing breath of entertainment.

Naka Weekend Market

A vast open-air market in Phuket Town that is open on weekends and sells a wide variety of goods, as well as Thai favourites and speciality foods.

The biggest and most significant spot to fill up on delectable, authentic Thai food without going broke. Here, you may have anything from pancakes, fruit salads, and spring rolls to spicy stir fries and freshly grilled salmon. Most booths just offer one meal, but they do it quite well. Try the deep-fried locusts if you’re feeling adventurous. They have a popcorn flavour. Really.