Phuket: Instagram vs. Reality
Phuket is undoubtedly a paradise island, but as one famous song says, “there are no perfect ones.”
Even on our beloved island, there are things that fall into the “expectation vs. reality” category. Let’s look at Phuket from a different perspective!
Seclusion
During the high season, some of Phuket’s beaches become overly crowded: in the first photo, Nai Harn Beach in the low season; in the second, the same beach on January 1. What do you think of such contrasts?
Finding a secluded beach in Phuket during the high season is a real challenge. By the way, Nai Harn is also among the less popular beaches on the island, but even here it can get completely packed at times.
In the low season, Phuket doesn’t have this problem, but swimming is not allowed on most beaches due to high waves. Read our article Wave-free beaches in low season — there are beaches that are accessible year-round.
Cleanliness
After rain, the sea in Phuket can be dirty. You expect to see a beach straight out of a “tropical paradise” ad, but in reality…
Why this happens:
- Runoff from streets and canals. During tropical downpours, trash and dirt from the city are washed into the sea.
- Rivers and drainage outlets. Water flows carry sand, leaves, and plastic, especially near river mouths.
- Waves and currents. During the rainy season (May–October), the sea is rough, and a lot of debris can be washed ashore.
Usually, the water clears up within 1–2 days after heavy rain, especially if the sea is calm. The cleanest beaches are found in remote bays and on islands with no development or drainage.
WHAT I photographed / HOW I photographed it
In popular tourist spots, for example at Promthep Cape, this scene is basically a classic.
Sometimes a huge number of people gather to watch the sunset. And the romantic moment stops being romantic: it’s simply impossible to slow down and truly enjoy the views.
For tourists, “sabai” is part of Thailand’s charm. But for those who live, work, and build a business here, it can be a source of irritation and stress.
“A Fun” Party
Beach clubs are one of Phuket’s signature highlights. You can relax with a cocktail in hand during the day and light up the dance floor in the evening. But it doesn’t always happen that the atmosphere actually sets the mood for fun…
Most often, an empty beach club can be seen during the low season. To avoid disappointment, check out our Event Schedule in Phuket — we announce the island’s hottest parties there, where boredom is definitely not an option.
Thai Friendliness and Scams
A tuk-tuk in Phuket is more than just a means of transportation — it’s an attraction in its own right: bright, noisy, and full of character. One catch, though: the fare often comes as a surprise. Many tourists find that the driver quotes a price that is clearly inflated. And this kind of scam doesn’t quite match the image of the always-smiling, friendly Thai.
To avoid falling for the trick:
- always ask for the price before the ride;
- compare it with prices in Bolt or Grab apps;
- don’t agree right away if the price seems inflated — bargaining is acceptable.
And check out our Taxi section to learn more about how to save money. Or even better — rent your own vehicle so you don’t have to depend on anyone.
Sabai and Its Consequences
“Sabai” is one of the most beloved words in Thailand. It means comfort, ease, relaxation, and inner peace. This mindset is one of the reasons why Thais seem so calm and friendly. But this very “sabai” can become a trap for those who come to Thailand to live or run a business, because behind the lightness there is often a lack of commitment and responsibility.
For tourists, “sabai” is part of Thailand’s charm. But for those who live, work, and build a business here, it can be a source of irritation and stress.
Thais rarely rush — whether it’s about promises or work. The phrase “no problem” can mean either “don’t worry, we’ll take care of it” or “I’m not going to do anything.” Deadlines can be pushed back for weeks, and “tomorrow” may never come.
Despite all the downsides, the positives in Phuket clearly outweigh them. Explore the island together with us!
