See the world's best tropical beaches, Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand 2/2023 (stop 3)

9-12 Feb 2023 2 hours boat ride away from Krabi was another well-known island, Phuket, my next island-hopping destination. Many came for the beaches, others, to be wild. Patong Beach was the most famous of the beaches in Phuket. It was the playground during the day – parasailing, sunbathing, chilling under the beach umbrellas, keeping cool in the water, selfie-ing, and food indulging. At night, the playground moved to the streets, restaurants, bars, and the night markets. Many shops and stalls advertised and sold cannabis, taking indulgence to new highs. It felt like a carnival.

About 10km from Patong Beach was Karon Beach. This beach was less rowdy. There were no restaurants or cafes on the beach. They came just to sit under the beach umbrellas, read a book, doze off. They left thousands of miles behind their daily strifes, now they just want to face the sea and be caressed by its gentle breezes. And the sea was eager to please – remaining calm with barely any waves, putting on its most beautiful soothing crystal blue. A kilometer further down the coast was an equally fine Kata Beach. This is the place, to be away from it all.

From Phuket I now took the bus to Surat Thani, to catch the ferry to Koh Samui, an island on the east side of the peninsular. Chaweng Beach was the most well-known but was unlike other loud and boastful beaches in the country. Party and noise were not welcome. It was not touristy. It was moderate in size and length, but it was a gem that sparkled. Everything about it was designed to lull you into relaxation. Those that came came to relax and be healed.