05/31/2026
There are two versions of Phuket. The one most people book, and the one I actually recommend.
Anantara Mai Khao is on Phuket's longest beach, 15 minutes from the airport, bordered by a national park, and a completely different experience from what most people associate with the island.
And if it looks familiar, that's because White Lotus Season 3 was filmed here. The 92 pool villas are set around lotus-filled lagoons in a traditional Thai-village style. The Spice Spoons cooking class is one of my favorite things to recommend: it starts with a market visit before moving into a traditional Thai kitchen, which is exactly the kind of thing that makes a trip feel different from just a beach vacation.
Ready for a Thailand getaway? Let’s start planning! [email protected]