PHUKET A cultural sojourn by Andaman Sea

Idyllic Thai island destination Phuket reveals itself as more than a tropical escape, with Sino-Portuguese homes, Taoist shrines, towering Buddhas and vibrant night markets shaping its charm. Between heartfelt encounters, fortune cards and timeless sunsets by the Andaman, the island weaves together culture, spirituality and warmth in every experience.

- TEXT & PHOTOS: RASHIDA TINWALA AFSAR

Thailand is called the Land of Smiles, yet as our Thai Vietjet Air flight began its descent into Phuket, not a single smile was in sight on board. Through the window, the islands looked like emeralds scattered across the sea, but heavy clouds loomed above, casting everything in shades of grey. Rain had been forecast for every day of our trip, and for a brief moment, I wondered if the nickname was just a clever slogan to lure gullible visitors like me.

But the moment we cleared immigration, the clouds that had settled heavily on our hearts lifted almost instantly, as a group of Thai Vietjet representatives stood waiting, grinning ear to ear, to receive us. Hospitality is a way of life here and that genuine warmth was enough to make the entire group cheerful, the gloomy skies notwithstanding. Right then, I understood why Thailand had earned its title.

India Outbound had been invited on a media familiarisation trip to Phuket, onboard Thai Vietjet's new direct flight from Mumbai. From the airport, a shuttle carried us into the city, where we met our guide, Mawin. It was early morning, and though my body longed for sleep, anticipation kept me awake, eyes fixed on the streets as they passed by.

A taste of old town's heart

Our first stop was breakfast at Raya Restaurant in Old Town Phuket. Set in a beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese house, painted in soft hues of yellow and green, it felt like stepping into the 1960s. The interiors were simple with an old-world charm, carrying the warmth of a family home that immediately drew me in. Within minutes, our table was filled with a spread of authentic Thai dishes. I still remember the crunch of fried chicken with cashew nuts, balanced with a white coconut curry served with steamed vegetables and rice. Meals here are a way to share love and at Raya, surrounded by laughter, spice, and tradition, I had my first real taste of Thai culture.