Angus Hamilton

Thailand might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing. In Asia, Bali and Australia often dominate the daydream, while spots like Hawaii take the gold standard. But come the monsoon season, the Andaman Sea stirs up just enough rhythm and swell to turn Phuket into a surprisingly solid spot to ‘ride the wave’ between the odd beach nap and sunset cocktail.   In recent years, Phuket has quietly earned its stripes as a launchpad for a new generation of Thai surfers who look to tackle the swells of their homeland. Weekend longboarders, shortboard shredders and casual bodyboarders, there’s a newfound obsession with the surf, and it’s right on our doorstep. We spoke to rising local surf athlete and longboard competitor Dew Promchareon (@dewpromchareon) to dive into the scene, scope out the best breaks and expose the best surfing that Phuket has to offer. 

Whether you're celebrating mum in luxe lagoon style, soaking up detox vibes on a floating beach club or turning up the volume at a rare DJ set on Kamala Beach, Phuket is bringing something special this weekend. Dive into eco-friendly shopping sprees, free-flow barbecue banquets or fire-lit nights of beachside elegance. Whatever your weekend tempo, the island’s latest line-up has your mood set, your cocktails (or smoothies) stirred, and your soundtrack sorted. Also, don’t forget it’s Viskha Bucha this Sunday, with no alcohol sales allowed from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday.

​​Songkran is bringing non-stop action to Phuket, where the world’s wildest water fight collides with the island’s hottest parties. Think booming beachside beats, foam-filled dance floors and larger-than-life celebrations taking over every corner of the island. Not sure where to go first? Our neighbourhood guide can point you in the right direction – but when it comes to the what, we’ve got you sorted with this ultimate bucket-list of the best events happening across Phuket this Songkran.

Get ready to get drenched – Songkran is back. Thailand’s New Year celebration is one giant nationwide water fight, and this year Phuket’s turning up the pressure. Whether you’re temple-hopping, bucket-splashing or dancing in the streets, the island is set to deliver some of the most joyful, soaking-wet chaos you’ll find anywhere. We’re expecting music-blasting roadblocks and smiling splashers to drench you at every turn, so if you’re planning to spend the holiday by the sea, this is your essential guide to where to go, what to wear, and how to survive the splash. Also, don’t miss our full list of Phuket Songkran events to map out your wet and wild weekend even clearer.

High-octane elegance returns to Bang Tao with the MANORA night held at NORA Beach Club – a Saturday beach club series that blends sunset glamour with global sounds and spellbinding shows. Expect fire dancers, stylish crowds and international guest DJs spinning into the night for a sophisticated evening of entertainment. It’s a scene tailor-made for chic escapes and Insta-worthy evenings by the sea. May 10. Free entry, table reservations recommended. NORA Beach Club. From 5pm. 

This isn’t your average barbecue, well, unless you’re in Thailand. Moo kata is a Thai-style traditional bbq and hotpot, and Cassia Phuket’s Vista Restaurant has decided to make Saturday nights an all-you-can-eat mookata heaven, with Thai-style grills, bubbling broth, marinated meats and seaside views to match. At just B399 net per person, it’s unbeatable value – and with unlimited side dishes and snacks, your chopsticks won’t stop. May 10. B399 (B199 for kids). Vista Restaurant, Cassia Phuket. 6.30-10pm.  

Swap Sunday bubbles for smoothies and fruit blends, YONA’s party vibes go dry for the day in honour of Viskha Bucha this Sunday. With an alcohol ban across the country, iconic floating beach club YONA has decided to have a different sort of send this weekend. Float out to sea and soak in seven hours of alcohol-free bliss, with detox menus, DJ sets, live vocals and mindful moments on Thailand’s only floating beach club. Health-conscious hedonism never looked so good. May 11. Tickets from B2,000. YONA Beach Club, pick-up from Royal Phuket Marina. 12-7pm. Last check-in 4pm.

Skip the plastic and go green at the eccentric Junkyard theatre this weekend for a family-friendly afternoon celebrating sustainable living and secondhand treasures. Held at a venue made from upcycled trash, Junkyard Theatre’s Sunday fair is leaning into what it knows, without the rowdy comedy show. Featuring handmade goods, preloved fashion, interactive workshops and live music – all in support of The Litter Club’s international clean-up mission with proceeds supporting the cause. Pack a reusable tote and come ready to shop with purpose. May 11. Free entry. Junkyard Theatre. 2.30-6.30pm.  

Treat Mum like royalty this Sunday at Banyan Tree’s decadent brunch in their serene lagoon setting. From fresh lobster and oysters to premium carvery and Japanese delicacies, it’s a luxe buffet worth lingering over. There’s even a special 50% discount for mothers, making this the perfect way to spoil mum. May 12. B2,800 net per adult, B1,400 net per child (6-12), advance booking recommended. Banyan Tree Phuket. From 12pm.   

Famed German electronic music Label Keinemusik’s enigmatic frontman RAMPA returns to Phuket for one of his ultra-rare DJ sets – and he’s not coming quietly. Known for his deep house minimalism and emotionally charged grooves, RAMPA closes out the season at Café del Mar with a beachfront bang. This is high-calibre clubbing for the heads, delivered under Kamala’s twilight skies. Last year’s show was a sell-out, and only final release tickets are available now, so book fast if you want a slice of the sonic journey. May 10. Tickets from B2,500. Cafe del Mar Phuket. Doors open from 2pm.  

The island’s go-to garage bar for motorsport fans fires up the action this weekend with back-to-back MotoGP thrills broadcast live from Spain. Tank & Throttle brings together bike inspired interiors, draft beer and race enthusiasts all the action from Jerez. Saturday the 26th will see the qualifying and TISSOT Sprint Race, while Sunday is stacked with Moto3 and Moto2 before a Spanish-themed all-you-can-eat buffet leads into the main event: the MotoGP race at 7pm. Settle in at the clubhouse in Chalong – Phuket’s unofficial home of MotoGP – and join a crowd that lives for the racing rush.  April 26-27. Free. Tank & Throttle Clubhouse, Chalong. 3.45pm Sat, 4pm Sun. Buffet starts 6.30pm.  

Food trucks, drinks and DJs take over the Courtyard by Marriott’s parking lot for a one-night Bloc party bash in Phuket Old Town. Roll through with friends, family or your pet and soak up the vibes with music from local selectors and bites from Marriott Bonvoy’s Phuket family of hotels including heavy-hitters like Benihana, Ginja, Andaman Grill, Cucina and more. Needless to say, it’s laid-back, local and totally free, so if you’re in the area be sure to check it out.  April 26. Free. Courtyard Phuket Town by Mariott. 5-11pm.

For less head-bangers and more head-spinners, head to the Bukit Jazz Summit – an event that turns the streets of Phuket Old Town’s Chartered Walking Street into a swaying celebration of international jazz. Expect everything from swing and Latin to big band, blues and wind ensembles – each bringing its own complex melodies and syncopated rhythms. With live performances all week across hotspots like Anfield Cafe, Bebop, So What and more there will be a vibe for everyone. For jazz lovers, it’s the perfect excuse to wander and groove with other locals and tourists whilst seeing the sights of the Old Town in Phuket. April 23-30. Free entry. Various venues across Old Phuket Town. Main event on April 27, Chartered Walking Street. 4-10pm.  

Looking to upgrade your Sunday with full-flavour finesse? The Pavilions delivers an ultra-luxury boujee brunch beside the pool, complete with Prunier Supérieur Oscietra caviar, Wagyu beef, Picanha lamb, Capon chicken and sushi. No brunch is complete without an ice bucket next to you, and a bottle of vino poking out of it. And, with a 15% bottle discount on rosé, you really can’t go wrong. Bask in garden serenity with sea views on the side, bring a swimsuit, and soak in the sunshine this Sunday. Reservations are required. April 27. B3,290++ per person. Firefly Restaurant, The Pavilions Phuket. 12pm onwards.

For those in the know, this is the one. Electronic icon Guy Gerber lands in Phuket for the first time, a break from his usual European, USA and Ibiza circuit. He’s joined by Soundtuary co-creator APACHE, bringing a genre-defying, emotionally charged set to Café del Mar. Expect lush visuals, haunting melodies and the signature hedonistic flair Soundtuary is famous for. It’s a full sensory trip wrapped in pink skies and pounding bass.  April 25. Tickets from B800. Café del Mar. 7.30pm onwards.

The world’s most elite no-gi grapplers descend on Phuket as the ADCC Thailand League lands at Central Floresta’s Mini Convention Hall. Billed as the ‘Olympics of Grappling,’ this high-stakes tournament sees top fighters compete for national team pride, limited-edition merch and up to B25,000 in team cash bonuses. Expect intense showdowns, strategic ground game and nonstop adrenaline as athletes from across the region square off on the mats. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just curious about the world of submission fighting, this free-to-watch spectacle offers unmatched energy and technique. April 12. Free. Central Floresta Mini Convention Hall, 3rd Floor. Matches from 10.45am.

Just months away from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Janakabhorn ‘Dlite’ Karunayadhaj's world flipped – quite literally, leaving her fighting for success on all fronts.  As Thailand’s first-ever show jumper to qualify for the Olympics, Paris 2024 was a dream in waiting for Janakabhorn ‘Dlite’ Karunayadhaj. However, her journey leading up to this life-defining chance was anything but an easy canter. Thailand isn’t an equestrian powerhouse, and Dlite’s career has always required more than just talent. Difficulties with sponsorship and training facilities created hurdles from the get-go. But with determination and a strong spirit, despite it all, she made it there.  Photograph: @hcruden Instagram     A road less trodden When I met Dlite at Niran’s Farm and equestrian centre, it was a cloudy day. As we talked, she would often look over at the horses as they went by outside when she thought, pondered and finally answered my questions. There was a nervousness and tension as she spoke, a difficulty in going back to those painful times, but she told me what she could. ‘I’ve always known I wasn’t just riding for myself,’ she said. ‘There’s a whole country watching. That’s pressure, but it’s also purpose.’ Born in Thailand and raised in rural France, Dlite's love for horses came early. However, competitive training didn’t begin until she was 14, when long-time coach, friend and ex-international show jumper Dermott Lennon saw her potential and encouraged her to go all in. From there, it was

From 6pm on Saturday, May 10, through to Sunday, May 11, Phuket will experience a 30-hour alcohol ban in line with municipal elections and Visakha Bucha Day. This isn’t just about reducing hangovers – it’s a vital part of ensuring fairness and preventing any underhanded tactics during the election. Authorities are keen to avoid a situation where alcohol fuels these underground dealings, so they’ve imposed the prohibition across most areas. The ban affects busy areas like Phuket Town, Ratsada, Wichit, Rawai, Chalong, Karon, Patong, Pa Khlok and Kathu. Kamala, Koh Kaew and Mai Khao are unaffected, as they are governed by sub district administration organisations. Sunday, May 11, marks Visakha Bucha Day in observance of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death – alcohol will be banned nationwide from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday. Phuket’s Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum affirmed the importance of respecting this sacred day, calling for sobriety and reflection. For most, this means a short break in Phuket’s nightlife. However, it's the perfect opportunity to explore the island’s culture, visit temples or take part in wellness activities. Violating the ban could result in fines of up to B10,000 or six months in prison. However, hotel and restaurant bars catering to guests are usually more flexible. The alcohol ban lifts on Monday, May 12, bringing back the island’s usual lively atmosphere.