If you’ve been craving a destination that blends luxury, culture, and breathtaking scenery, Phuket needs to be on your list. My summer 2025 trip to Thailand was my first long-haul adventure since traveling to Sydney, Australia in 2016, and it completely reignited my passion for international travel. It also marked my first time flying business class on Qatar Airways—and trust me, the experience alone set the tone for an unforgettable vacation.
I originally booked an economy ticket, but at the airport I was able to upgrade to Qatar Airways business class at a significant discount. That upgrade landed me in the iconic Qsuite, complete with sliding doors for extra privacy, spacious seating, and premium service that made the long journey feel effortless. After a quick two-day layover exploring Doha, I arrived in Phuket ready to dive into everything the island had to offer.
For my stay, I chose The Senses Resort and Pool Villas , and the service was exceptional from start to finish. I booked one of their pool villas overlooking the sea, complete with a private plunge pool, airport pickup, two meals a day, a daily massage at the onsite spa, and shuttle service to a nearby shopping center and Patong Beach. It was the perfect blend of luxury and convenience—and easily one of the best accommodations I’ve experienced in Southeast Asia.
My days in Phuket were full of adventure. On my first day, I booked private SUV transportation using the Klook app and visited Ma Doo Bua Cafe, famous for its massive floating lily pads and beautiful photo spots. I continued on to Wat Chalong temple and then to Tiger Kingdom, where I got an up-close encounter with tigers. The next day, I booked a private photo tour that took me to Rock Beach Swing, Elephants on the Beach, and Bang Pae Waterfall—three of the most Instagram-worthy stops on the island.
I spent the following day exploring Big Buddha and Old Town Phuket using private transportation again through Klook, followed by a long-tail boat trip to Coral Island the next morning. On my final day, I visited an elephant sanctuary and ended my trip with a relaxing full-body massage back at the resort. Each day offered something new, and by the time I returned to the United States, I was already planning my next big adventure—this time to Africa.
Phuket reminded me how powerful travel can be in resetting your mind, expanding your perspective, and reconnecting you with your sense of adventure. If you’re planning your own Thailand trip and want help mapping out the perfect itinerary, be sure to download my comprehensive travel guides on the Resources page of my website.