Sandy Huclin

Done with work for the week? Good. From DJ sets under the stars to hands-on workshops for getting creative, the weekend is looking pretty stacked. It’s not just the usual parties and gigs, either – we've also scoped out swim races, stand-up comedy and more. So, whether you want to go all out or just have a good laugh at the beach, you’ll find something here.

In recent years, Phuket’s cocktail and mixology scene has exploded. Innovative bars that shake up fizz and bitters are thriving across Old Town, Cherngtalay and the west coast – each one packed with eager crowds seeking out the best new concoctions served from speakeasies, dive bars and rooftops.  Much of this momentum traces back to Alif Abru, a man widely regarded as the godfather of mixology in Phuket. His influence has inspired bartenders to push their boundaries, and since then, a cult following for the mixologist – rather than the cocktail itself – has taken the island from strength to strength.  From intimate bars to scenic terraces, these six establishments bring all the proof you need that Phuket’s cocktails are absolutely on point.

Phuket might be famous for its sun-soaked beaches but from May to October, the island switches clear skies with thunderclouds in what locals like to call the ‘green season’.  As parched lands get a good watering, emerald hills appear sharper against moody skies while the sea changes from turquoise to steel grey and back again. As the monsoon grows, so do the waves, stirred up on the west coast, turning once quiet beaches into playgrounds for surfers and watersports enthusiasts alike (read our surfer guide to Phuket here). But for those days when the rain really refuses to quit, shake up your plans with this list of fun things to do on a rainy day when you just want to stay dry.  

Remember when your mum dragged you kicking and screaming to temple visits, insisting you'd ‘thank her later’? Well, she was absolutely right. This Mother's Day (happening Tuesday, Aug 12), there's no better excuse to treat your mum like the royalty she's been all these years. This significant day honours not only Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, but every mum who's mastered the art of guilt-tripping you into calling more often. It's time to shower her with love which means more than just flowers and a hastily scribbled card. We're talking quality time, a well-deserved day of indulgence and maybe even admitting she was right about your ex.

There’s no denying that pizza is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy crust, tangy sauce and gooey cheese – what’s not to love? To celebrate the dish, we munched our way through Phuket, happily packing on a few extra kilograms to bring you the island's best slices.  From the classic Neapolitan to thick and crispy alla palla-style and even the hearty Detroit deep-dish, we pulled together the best places to get your fix.

In Phuket, memorable dining experiences come in all shapes and sizes. Sure, fancy fine dining may look good on camera, but keep your budgets low and you’ll find it’s the flavour that stands out most.  WIth a rich history of Malay, Thai, Chinese and European influences, the food scene in Phuket is second to none – probably why Phuket holds the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2015. Keep your budget low and you’ll be surprised how good it gets – so why not don your sunhat, throw on some sandals and take a pew on a wobbly roadside stool at one these top spots and enjoy budget-friendly, authentic and incredibly delicious dishes for under B150.  

Craving a juicy burger? Phuket’s got you covered! Sure, a steaming plate of khao pad krapow is always a crowd-pleaser, but when only a perfectly grilled patty between fluffy buns will do, this island delivers in a big way. Once a gamble, the burger scene in Phuket has exploded, thanks to talented chefs who threw fine dining to the wind and decided to flip the scene on next-level patties. From classic cheeseburgers to crispy smash burgers and even plant-based creations that taste just like the real thing, we’ve scoured the island to find the absolute best. If you’re ready to sink your teeth into burger perfection, then explore Phuket’s top picks and satisfy that craving whenever it strikes.

Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort is hosting another year of their popular ‘Back to School Swim Meet’. Over two days, swimmers of all ages compete across timed finals, relays and thrilling 50-metre freestyle knockouts. Age categories range from under-eights to veterans aged 26 and over, where future champions and experienced athletes swim in the same lanes. Warm-ups begin early and there’s still time to join the roster, or just turn up, find yourself a bleacher and cheer on your favourite swimmer.  Sep 27-28. B800 for participants. Register here. Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort. 6.30am onwards.

The island's longest-running and most iconic party is back as Catch Beach Club hosts its 21st Annual White Party. The beachfront is electric, the crowd is dressed to impress and the beats keep the energy at a fever pitch until late. Ladies get in free, gents get two drinks with entry. The only catch is sticking to the all-white dress code and not spilling your drinks. Sep 27. Free entry for ladies. B1,000 for gents. Tickets here. Catch Beach Club. 9pm onwards.

Café del Mar’s Club Room turns up the heat as French DJ and producer Meloko takes over the decks. A fixture in Europe’s underground scene for more than 15 years, Meloko is celebrated for his sleek, feel-good French touch and deep melodic grooves. His latest releases – Me Gusta and Natanawe – showcase his knack for layering pulsating basslines with afro-house textures. Expect a night of hypnotic beats, sensual rhythms and that signature coastal vibe he honed in Marseille, now flowing on Kamala Beach. Sep 26. B400. Book your ticket here. Cafe del Mar. 10pm onwards

Kicking off the weekend with a much-needed dose of laughter, the Comedy Club Bangkok and Radisson RED bring internationally acclaimed comedian Ahmed Ahmed to the island. Known for his charismatic, observational style and his work on Netflix and Comedy Central, Ahmed offers a sharp, refreshing alternative to the typical line up of locals that is as exciting as it is rare.  Sep 26. B600. Reserve your ticket here. Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach. 8pm-10pm.

A no-nonsense workshop on how you can build and launch your very own wellness retreat from the ground-up. Whether you’re a coach, creative or wellness professional, learn how to define your niche, craft irresistible packages, negotiate with hotels and market your retreat with confidence. No prior experience is needed – the session walks you through the full process so you can finally bring your vision to life. Pretty generous if you ask us!  Sep 26. B600. Book your ticket here. Woodland Cafe Restaurant and Bar. 10am-12pm.

Phuket's dining scene is about to get a jolt. This Saturday September 20, the buttoned-up world of fine dining gets a shock to the system as Jaras at the InterContinental Phuket Resort collides with the rebellious energy of Bangkok’s Electric Sheep for a one-night-only four-hands dinner. At the heart of the evening are two chefs with very different voices. Chef Nui from Jaras is a master of southern Thai cuisine, preserving heritage while nudging it into fine-dining. Across the pass stands chef Amerigo of Electric Sheep, the maverick behind Bangkok’s retro-futuristic warehouse, whose Mediterranean-rooted, avant-garde cooking thrives on rule breaking. Let’s be clear. Expect mayhem in the best way possible. Electric Sheep is making its first escape from Bangkok, reinterpreting its DNA through Phuket's coastal terroir. This dinner is a chance to taste something truly new, a conversation between two chefs who, despite their differences, are both obsessed with sustainability, small-scale producers and using food to tell wild stories. For chef Marco Turatti, it’s a natural fit.  ‘What binds us is the passion for cooking and respect for the ingredients,’ he says, proving that even seemingly different flavours can work beautifully together. A sentiment echoed by chef Amerigo, ‘We may look rebellious, but at our core we’re chasing something ancient – grandmother food, craftsmanship and culinary wisdom that risks being lost. Partnering with Jaras lets us reconnect with that spirit in a

Award-winning bartender Crystal Foo from Offtrack Singapore takes over Tengoku with Osaka-inspired creations designed to pair with Osaka-inspired dishes. Watch cocktails come alive and let the playful twists and bold combinations pull you along as you drink and dine over an evening of cocktails and sushi. Whether you’re sharing sips with friends or exploring each flavour on your own, the experience lingers long after the last drink is poured. Sep 21. Prices a la carte. Book here. Tengoku, InterContinental Phuket. 6pm-9pm.

Raise a glass, grab your friends and let The Slate’s Rivet & Rebar take you into a Sunday brunch you’ll talk about for weeks. Let champagne bubbles tickle your nose as you drift your way between fresh sushi, generous charcuterie servings and slices of sizzling Wagyu. Desserts tempt, music nudges you to sway and every bite is a celebration. This is a Sunday where food, friends and frivolity come together perfectly. Sep 21. From B3,250 per adult. Book via contactfb@theslatephuket.com or 076 327 006. The Slate. 12pm-3pm.

Patong’s beachfront lights up under the mystic glow of the black moon as fire twists into the night sky, music thumps through the sand and the crowd moves as one. Grab yourself a glass of something strong and dance as the sunset fades. On the decks, a trio of Phuket’s own beatmakers – DJ Endij, DJ Alex Amax and DJ Tuslay – keeps you moving ‘til late. Tickets include one bucket or two chilled beers. Sep 20. B1,000 per ticket. Reserve your ticket here. KUDO Beach Club. 6pm onwards.

Chef Nui from Jaras collides with Chef Amerigo of Bangkok’s Electric Sheep for an evening of retro, avant-garde food creations that seriously push boundaries. Southern Thai flavours taket rebellious Mediterranean twists so take a seat at the table and enjoy plates with stories to tell. It's a playful, daring and entirely one-of-a-kind night that, even if you’ve no stranger to creative dinners, this four-hand creation catches curiosity from the first hors d'oeuvre.  Sep 20. From B3,650 per person. Reservations at 076 629 999 or icphuket.dining@ihg.com. Jaras, InterContinental Phuket. 6pm onwards.

Phuket’s Thai-Peranakan scene shines this weekend at the Kabaya Festival, bursting with colour, sound and surprises. Over two days, Dragon Plaza becomes a lively hub of cultural performances, craft demonstrations, mini-concerts and a stage play reflecting the local Baba lifestyle. Wander through exhibitions, join a walking rally or simply watch the parade’. The festival blends music, workshops, talent and the unique Peranakan identity that translates to an exciting lineup of sights and sounds that’s as cultural as it is energetic. Sep 20-21. Free. Dragon Plaza. 4pm onwards.

South African DJ and producer FKA Mash takes over the beachfront Cafe Del Mar with his debut Phuket performance of electro afro beats.  Known best for his chart topping mixes and label September Bloom Records, FKA Mash has carved out a respected place in the global electronic scene and is now leaving his mark in Thailand. This special night with one of the most exciting names in South Africa’s electronic scene comes complete with VIP sofas, strong cocktails and pulsating dancefloor vibes. Sep 19. B500 per ticket. Reserve your ticket here. Cafe Del Mar. 10pm onwards.

Bangkok is a city built on high energy. Its chaotic pace pushes its residents to keep up or fall behind. When two of its most talented Italian chefs are trading the concrete jungle for the calm shores of Khao Lak, it creates what they call ‘a dialogue between Bangkok’s energy and Khao Lak’s quietude’. This unique collaboration takes the chefs out of their usual comfort zone and into new creative territory.  The stars of this event are three distinct culinary voices. First is Chef Michele Fernando from the pizza powerhouse Massilia, rooted in Neapolitan tradition. His skill centres on perfecting the dough while his approach balances tradition and fresh ideas, always finding a spark of creativity to give each pizza a personal touch. He is joined by Chef Marco Avesani of the fine dining spot, La Bottega Bangkok, whose cooking reflects cucina popolare: the home cooking of everyday people. He aims to recreate the warmth of family meals, the joy of sharing simple dishes and a sense of community. Leading the trio is their host, Chef Vincenzo ‘Enzo’ Sorrentino of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa's Olive restaurant. With Italian and Spanish roots, Enzo infuses a Mediterranean spirit into his cooking. He is the playful innovator, a chef who embraces fusion and fire cooking to turn rustic dishes into modern art, all while using local Thai ingredients from the resort's JW Garden. This collision of styles is what makes the event so appealing. Marco brings the warmth and soul of Italian h