Phuket Phun: Temples, Torrents & Thai Tea Ice Cream

We’re back in Thailand! This time, we docked in the south for a day in the sun (and the rain) in Phuket—an island province famed for beaches, temples, and yes, elephants on everything.

From Malls to Murals: A Meandering Morning

Like clockwork, our cruise shuttle dropped us at Central Phuket Mall—because nothing says “authentic Thailand” like a food court and Zara. Cruise lines often partner with malls as drop-off points since they’re convenient, air-conditioned, and loaded with snacks and bathrooms—a win-win for weary travelers. But fear not, we hailed a Grab and were soon on our way to Old Town Phuket, ready to DIY our day.

Old Town was a delight: colorful colonial-style buildings, shops selling Thai silk, elephant-themed bags, and one memorable little goat wearing black-and-white elephant pajama pants. We wandered into temple offering shops, friendly restaurants, and (best of all) ice cream vendors.

It was hot. Like, tropical furnace hot. So naturally, we stopped for ice cream. Mike went with banana pistachio, and Jenny had a creative Thai tea concoction. Both were cold, delicious, and fully endorsed by our sweat glands.

Temples, Torrential Rain & Toe-Tingling Murals

After getting delightfully lost and un-lost (shout-out to Mike for rescuing us from the shop maze), we headed to visit Wat Chalong, one of Phuket’s largest and most revered Buddhist temples.

Cultural Sidebar: Wat Chalong is dedicated to two highly respected monks who helped the locals during a rebellion in 1876. It’s considered a spiritual anchor for many residents in Phuket.

Language Note: "Wat" means temple in Thai. You'll see it preceding many temple names across the country.

Temple Etiquette Tip: When visiting Buddhist temples in Thailand, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering and dress modestly—this means covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

We had hoped to visit the iconic Big Buddha, but it was sadly closed due to a 2024 mudslide that caused injuries and tragic fatalities. From afar, we could just make out its massive silhouette through the cloudy skies.

Iconic Landmark Note: The Big Buddha of Phuket is a 45-meter tall marble statue perched atop Nakkerd Hill, visible from many points across the island. Construction began in 2004, and it has since become a symbol of peace and spirituality for both locals and visitors. The serene expression on the statue’s face and its panoramic hilltop views make it a must-see—when it's open and safe, of course.

With weather turning, we stuck with Wat Chalong, and what a silver lining that was. Just as we arrived, the sky opened up with a biblical downpour. Armed with umbrellas and questionable footwear, we made a barefoot dash into the temple.

Inside, it was jaw-dropping: rows of golden Buddhas, murals from floor to ceiling, and a calm spiritual ambiance—despite our soggy socks. On the upper levels, the murals continued, each one more vibrant and beautiful. We decided against the observation deck, thanks to the rain-slicked stairs and swampy shoes.

Geography Sidebar: Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and sits in the Andaman Sea. It’s known for lush rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and a mix of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and even Portuguese influences in its architecture and cuisine.

Back at the car, our driver welcomed us like damp ducks returning to the nest. We puddled our way back to Central Mall and made a few more delightful discoveries.

Fried Snacks & Ethical Shopping Wins

At the food court, we found a fried chicken skewer stall that served the goodies in a bag of chili sauce. Think hot wings meet takeout genius. Also spotted: fried meatball wontons, similarly chili-bagged and equally addictive.

Then we stumbled upon Good Goods, a socially-conscious Thai brand that supports local artisans and eco-friendly practices. Jenny scored the ultimate Phuket souvenir: a blue elephant handbag—adorable, ethical, and maybe a little on-the-nose.

Political Sidebar: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, with a complex and evolving political landscape that has included several coups and military governments over the past century. Despite this, it remains a relatively stable and tourist-friendly destination.

Blue Elephant Dreams

Back on the ship for a quick rinse and wardrobe reboot, we headed out for a very special event arranged by Regent for their Grand Spice Tour guests: dinner at the famed Blue Elephant Restaurant.

Imagine a lavish wedding under a clear tent, complete with Thai musicians, traditional dancers, and a five-course meal that was fragrant, fiery, and unforgettable. The cocktails flowed, the performances mesmerized, and the whole evening felt like a spicy fairytale.

Historical Sidebar: The Blue Elephant is part of a global Thai fine-dining brand started in 1980. The Phuket location is housed in a century-old Sino-Portuguese mansion—an homage to the island’s rich cultural blend.

And just like that, our whirlwind Phuket day came to an end. We didn’t make it to the Big Buddha, but we found big flavor, big fun, and a pretty big rainstorm. Sometimes, you just have to embrace what the day gives you.

Next up? Three sea days to recover. Cue naps, novels, and neck massages.

Sawa dee ka!