"Phuket"

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and also the most popular with travelers. The island draws visitors in with its many white sand, turquoise-water beaches and relatively low travel costs, including everything from food to hotels. Hit up highly regarded Patong Beach, party the night away in the Patong district or head inland to Phuket Town to experience more local culture and find cheaper lodging options. No visit would be complete without taking a boat tour to other islands in the area to swim, snorkel or scuba dive.

Food in Phuket

1. Tom Yum goong

Tom yum goong is the national dish of Thailand. Generous use of fragrant herbs like lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and shallots provide a memorable aroma, while chilis and fish sauce give you that spicy kick. The soup also has jumbo shrimp (goong) and mushrooms. As a result, tom yum goong's flavour is a unique combination of spicy hot and sour. It makes for an excellent start to a meal or a filling main dish when paired with rice.

2. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is widely recognised not just in Thailand, but in most parts of the world. There are so many variations on this iconic noodle dish but usually consist of tofu, bean sprouts, onion, and finely ground peanuts. Pad Thai is a diner-participation meal – you put on the finishing touches of fish sauce, sugar, chilli powder, and crushed peanuts to suit your taste.

3. Kuay Tiew

Kuay tiew (noodle soup) is a quick and easy staple of the Thai eating experience. Variations in ingredients mean 10 different vendors could serve it 10 different ways, making it nearly deserving of its own top 10 list. Noodles – usually thin, occasionally broad – are served up in a broth with just about any edible meat, including pork, chicken, beef, duck, and seafood. 

4. Gai pad med ma muang

Phuket is known for supplying some of the world's best cashew nuts, so you'll find many restaurants serving gai med ma moung. This dish of stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts is excellent if you have a rather low tolerance for spice. It also contains sweet soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a few dried chilis. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner by pairing it with steamed rice.