Sandy Huclin

The monsoon has arrived, bringing showers in the evenings and leaving the mornings fresh and bright. This weather is calling for slow living – think hearty meals that warm you from within, crisp wines that linger on your palate and gatherings where conversation flows as easily as the drinks. From French bistro comfort to Australian wines and even pet-friendly meetups where tails wag before handshakes, it’s the perfect time to savour life at a softer pace.  

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.

Grab your leash and your best furry friend for Phuket's first pet-friendly networking gathering. Meet new business contacts, broaden your social circles or just enjoy watching and petting dogs. Conversations flow easily when everyone's four-legged companion breaks the ice. Aug 16. Free. Solis Beach Club. 4pm-6pm.  

Put on your stripes and join a wild tea party – with a purpose. Inspired by Judith Kerr's beloved book ‘A Tiger Who Came to Tea’, this gathering guarantees a day of fun and laughter for both little ones and grown-ups. As you and your family participate in storytelling, face painting and tiger-themed activities, remember that every purchase from the collection of pre-loved items supports local charities in Phuket. Aug 16. Free. Pre-Loved Charity Store. 9.30am-12pm.  

Abandon your cosy Friday nights spent cuddling the cat and binge-watching HBO and trade your screen for a splash of colour and creativity powered by wine, paint and great company. Whether you leave with a painting to frame or a frenzied inner-mood abstract, walk away with new connections and a newfound appreciation for the healing power of painting. Aug 15. B1,490 (add B990 for free-flow wine). The Greenery Cafe. 6.30pm onwards.  

Indulge in a four-course experience designed to transform your perspective on food and wine. Explore the bold flavours of Australian produce with each course thoughtfully elevated by unique pairings with acclaimed wines from Irvine Eden Valley. Aug 14. B1,890 per person. Book via 061 653 2232. NORA Beach Club. 6.30pm onwards.

Travel through France without leaving Phuket. This four-course menu captures the essence of French terroir from the soul-warming onion soup to the wine-braised coq au vin steeped in rustic elegance. The cheese course alone makes the evening worthwhile. Each plate finds its perfect match in wines, making for a boozy but food-forward exploration of French cuisine. Mwah!  Aug 14. B1,199 (add B1,000 for wine pairing). Book via 092 576 5980. The Greenery Cafe. 7pm onwards.

Senoritas, Thursday is your night to shine. Head to the rooftop of Casa Boho for free nachos, margaritas and the best views in town. Gather your friends, sip, laugh and dance to Latin beats in the air and cocktails in hand. Your weekly dose of Thursday fun is here. Aug 14 (and every Thursday). Free. Book here. Casa Boho. 5-9pm.  

Support Phuket's greener future by exploring local makers and mindful creators who truly care about sustainable island living. Find organic produce and eco-friendly products at this community gathering, where every purchase feels like a step toward the island you want to be part of. Explore Junkyard Theatre's bohemian setting filled with passionate environmental advocates. Aug 10. Free. Junkyard Theatre. 2pm-6pm.

Barra Cuda, the latest beach club in Phuket, is throwing an all-day party called ‘The House of Paradise’. Step into a lively event featuring live DJs and Thailand's first-ever pool dancefloor. Find yourself amongst the island's chicest crowd, getting down to good music and sharing in the fun. Settle in with a cocktail and some snacks to catch the stunning golden hour as the sun dips below the horizon. Aug 10. From B1,000. Booking here. Barra Cuda. 2pm-7pm.  

Extend your weekend celebration with freshly caught seafood, ocean views and DJs who know how to move the cursor to match the vibe. Enjoy water sports along with your mimosas, because why should brunch stop when the drinks do? Book ahead for this Sunday and see how to combine good food and fun for a fantastic afternoon. Aug 10. B1550/adult. Book here. Edge Beach Club, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. 12.30pm-3.30pm.  

Surrender to the madness of Phuket's full moon celebration and connect with thousands of kindred spirits in a ritual of dancing, fire shows and losing yourself completely to the music that pulses from sunset until sunrise. Watch fire performers showcase their controlled skills, while DJs create soundscapes that bring people together in rhythm and collective euphoria. Aug 9. From B1,000. Booking here. Paradise Beach. 7pm until late.

Take a break from Saturday night chaos and enter a space of profound stillness with a guided meditation under Phuket's full moon. Discover that sometimes the best way to prepare for a party is by embracing silence and intentional breathing. You'll practice mindfulness techniques designed to centre your thoughts and calm your nervous system, utilising the moon's energy to reset your weekend priorities. Aug 9. B699. Register here. Lagoon Deck, Banyan Tree Phuket. 7.30pm onwards.

Savour the primal power of flame as guest chef Alvaro transforms Kipo's kitchen into a temple of fire-forward cooking that challenges everything you think you know about grilled food. You'll uncover techniques that char, smoke, and sear ingredients into flavour combinations swinging between familiar comfort and exciting discovery, with each course building toward a crescendo of smoky, spicy, unforgettable tastes. Aug 9. B2,000 (5-course menu). Booking here. Kipo. 6pm onwards.