Sandy Huclin

September arrives in Phuket with the sun playing hide-and-seek, moving between bright bursts of light and quicksilver showers. The weather may be unpredictable, but the lineup of events is anything but. Concerts, beach markets, exciting horse riding and indulgent brunches set the pace for the weekend and show the island never sits still.

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.

Transform trash into treasure with hands-on creative reuse. Cast, weld and craft while sharing ideas. Stay for burgers, beers and lively conversation. You learn new skills and discover the secrets of the Underwood Art Factory, located just below the stage of Junkyard Theatre. Sep 7. B250 per ticket. Book via 096 639 6252. Junkyard Theatre. 4pm-6.30pm.

Kick off your feast with classic Spanish staples like pan con tomate, croquetas and tortilla española, then dig into Kipo’s signature seafood paella. Head over to the live grill for fire-kissed premium cuts, all served with sweeping Andaman Sea views. For those who love a boozy brunch, a free-flow package lets you craft your own bloody mary just the way you like it. Extend the indulgence by lounging at the infinity pool at Fira Beach Club, soaking in the sun and sea where drinks are always nearby. Sep 7. B1500 (add B500 for free flow) per person. Book here. Kipo. 12pm-3pm

Enjoy a night of world-class classical music led by German conductor Christoph Schickedanz. The program features Bach, Mendelssohn, Thai classical and Anderson’s playful Plink Plank Plunk, taking you on a journey of contrasts and harmonies. Let yourself be carried away by each performance where every note sparks emotion and draws you fully into the music. Sep 6. B800 per person. Book ticket via 093 101 9051. Dara Hotel. 6.30pm onwards.  

Step away from screens for a few hours of tabletop fun. Bring your favourite game or explore the cafe’s collection, from Codenames to Wingspan. Coffee, snacks and a friendly crowd keep the vibes lively, turning a simple afternoon into a convivial community gathering. Sep 6. Free. Book via WhatsApp +86 139 1617 1091. We Cafe Chalong. 3pm-9pm.

Shop handmade goods, snack on street food and sip cocktails with sand between your toes. The market pulses with local creativity, from artisanal crafts to live music and interactive performances. As night falls, a fire show lights the beach while a DJ keeps the energy high. Sep 6. Free. Hugo Hub. 3pm onwards.  

Thailand’s top stars come together for one night of energetic hits. Sing along, raise your phone torches and soak in a crowd that knows all the lyrics. Expect an electric atmosphere where every beat pulses through the audience and the night turns into a shared celebration of pop. Sep 5. B900, tickets here. Flame Phuket Town. 6pm onwards.

Mix, mingle and connect at Phuket’s first-ever professional speed networking event. Drinks and food flow freely while Aja Bistro & Bar creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Share ideas, spark collaborations and perhaps meet your next client, boss or unexpected new friend. This evening turns introductions into opportunities you won’t want to miss.  Sep 5. B900 per person. Book via 088 465 9669. Aja Bistro & Bar. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Create your own chemical-free beauty products with natural ingredients! Think of it like cooking or mixing cocktails: measure, blend, and experiment with combinations to craft the perfect formula for you. You start with the base – Snake brand oil, beeswax and neutral oil – then choose your essential oils. You can go practical, selecting oils for specific benefits or follow your nose and pick what simply makes you feel good. The process feels like alchemy as you heat, mix and watch your creation come together. You test the consistency, adjust the scent, and customise until it's exactly right. Make your own skincare from scratch, learn something new and leave with a little gift to yourself. Herbsmetics Workshop Phuket  From B1,600 per person. Book here. 115/228 Moo 1,  Kathu Road. Open 9am-8pm.

Phuket has several art galleries and museums across the island but Rawai Art Village vibes differently. This bohemian village has, over the last decade, become a nerve centre for Phuket's art scene, especially for those who like to give ocean waste a second life. Explore several galleries as you step into an eco-conscious commune that’s (mostly) under cover from rain. Making use of waste, expect driftwood sculptures, fishing net wall hangings, and colourful buoys turned into unexpected art pieces. The creativity is impressive but the underlying message hits harder – every piece represents debris that could have stayed in our oceans. A stop here offers an artistic reminder of how much we're destroying the planet, wrapped in creativity that makes you think. Not bad for an afternoon in the rain, even if you come away feeling a little guilty about your own trash habits. Phuket Art Village. Free. 2 Soi Naya, Rawai. Open 9am-9pm.

When Phuket's humidity becomes unbearable and you need to reset, head to a spa for complete relaxation. Ton Mai Spa in Rawai combines wellness treatments with a garden designed to let go. It is easy to spend an entire day here on a rainy day. The hammam steam cleanses every pore while the dry sauna melts tension from your shoulders and neck. The ice bath takes courage but leaves you incredibly refreshed – that shock of cold followed by warmth rushing back through your body is addictive. Between treatments, the pool area becomes your refuge with comfortable lounge chairs. Opt for tea or coconut water to stay hydrated while lounging poolside. The massage treatments target all that office syndrome tension – hunched shoulders, tight neck, lower back stiffness. The whole experience flows seamlessly from one relaxing moment to the next. Ton Mai Spa & Massage. B200 per visit. 6 11 Wiset Road, Rawai. Open 9am-11pm.

This indoor-outdoor entertainment complex centres around the Upside Down House – a fully furnished home built literally on its roof. If it sounds gimmicky, that’s because it is. But we love it thanks to hilarious photo opportunities and fun for families looking to capture something memorable together. The staff become your personal photographers, helping you nail the perfect upside-down pose whether you're sitting on a ceiling couch or standing on a bedroom floor. Kids love the absurd challenge of figuring out how to position themselves for the most convincing shot. Every room offers new creative possibilities for mind-bending photos. Beyond the house, the complex offers escape rooms for puzzle lovers and a rage room for stress relief. There's something cathartic about destroying a room full of bottles with a baseball bat – all that tension, stress and frustration gets smashed away with each swing. Trust us, you’ll definitely walk out feeling lighter.  Baan Teelanka. From B500 per adult, B260 per child. 138, 1 Bypass Road, Ratsada. Open 9am-9pm.  

Trade the TV remote for a steering wheel and find a new buzz from that hit of adrenaline. Phuket's only electric karting track is mostly indoors with zero petrol fumes and far less noise than you might expect. The moment you hit the accelerator, the track demands focus, straight lines tempt you to push harder and the subtle thrum of the kart makes you feel the speed deeper. The thrill is immediate and utterly addictive. Drift past hairpin bends and tune your line while laughing away near-pirouettes into the tyre wall. The track’s design keeps you on your toes, rewarding sharp instincts and smart moves. Between races, refuel at the sleek cafe where surprisingly good coffee is served amid concrete, blonde wood and green leaf. Formula Fun Karting (Phuket). B600-850. Book here. 138, 1 Bypass Road, Ratsada. Open 9am-9pm.

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