☀️ Hey hey, July — we see you!

Hey hey, July — we see you!

Lara here 👋 — checking in as we flip the calendar and roll into July. Can you feel the shift? The sun’s back in charge, mangoes are juicier than ever, and Phuket’s that sweet mix of slow mornings and spicy nights. It’s that magical mid-year moment where the tourists are fewer, the beaches are brighter, and the island just… breathes.

This week, we’re sipping herbal iced teas in Chalong, watching local artists light up Old Town, and hunting for shade like it’s a competitive sport (because it is). Let’s get into it…

This week’s highlights:

• 🏡 Feature: How shoreline snorkeling in south of Phuket turns into a community sanctuary

• 🥭 Hidden Gem: Chalong’s best-kept café for low-key vibes and high-key views

• 🧑‍🎨 Spotted: Epic paint meets island soul — a muralist shares his Phuket vision

• 🏖️ Tip: Beach hacks for July’s blazing afternoons

Let’s dive in 👇

✍️ FEATURE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Dive In — Rawai’s Secret Snorkel Spots

by Johnny South

Vibrant parrotfish at Nai Harn? Clownfish off Ao Sane? Yep, it’s all just a short swim away. Down in Rawai and Nai Harn, the coastline is hiding some of the best underwater adventures on the island — no boat required. Whether you’re floating at Ya Nui or diving deeper with a local guide, this corner of Phuket is pure reefy magic.

Fins on, sunscreen up. Let’s go exploring.

Read the full piece here → Snorkeling & Diving in South Phuket

🥢 HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK

Romdee Cafe & Restaurant – Chalong
 📍 Google Maps | Instagram

🕘 10am–9pm (Opens daily)

Tucked behind Wat Chalong and right on the water, Romdee Café is one of those places you almost want to gatekeep… almost. With breezy lake views, plenty of shade, and a menu that mixes Thai faves with low-key Western bites, it’s a go-to for chill afternoons or dinner with a view.

What people love? The tom yum soup that might ruin you for all others, icy smoothies, and a pad thai that gets daily love letters in the reviews. Bonus: there’s A/C inside, but if you’re feeling brave, the sunset hits different from the patio.

Also: they’ve got a floating catamaran named Tony. No explanation needed — just go.

💬 SPOTTED IN THE COMMUNITY

📍 Local Gem Spotted

📸 @mue_bon | 📍Phuket Old Town

You’ll find it splashed across the side wall of Khun Jeed Yod Pak Restaurant, right across from the iconic Chinese New Year mural. It’s cheeky and charming — a stylish little chick surfing alongside a sea turtle, casually dropping eggs mid-wave. But behind the playfulness? A nod to Phuket’s past, when sea turtles regularly chose our beaches to nest. A reminder of the wild beauty we used to take for granted.

Got a snap we should feature? Tag us @phuketcommunity_com or use #phuketcommunity

📍 ISLAND LIFE TIP

How to Do July Beach Days (Without Melting) 

• 🕘 Get there before 10am: The light is magic, and you’ll beat the heat.

• ⛱️ BYO shade: A sarong over a tree branch = instant shelter.

• 💧 Hydration hack: Freeze your water bottle overnight = cold sips for hours.

• 🐚 Top pick this week: Ao Yon. Calm, quiet, and still under the radar.

PSA: Wear reef-safe sunscreen, yeah? The ocean will thank you.

🥳 UPCOMING EVENTS

🧠 ONE FOR THE MIND

New Blog Drop: 

“The Digital Nomad's Guide to Staying Put”
Why slowing down might be your next power move.

👉 Read the new blog

📬 BEFORE YOU GO

Next edition, we’re digging into beach cleanups and sitting down with a longtimer who’s been running beach cleanups in Phuket.

Got a community event, secret sunset spot, or funny expat story? Hit reply or tag us on the ‘gram.

Until then — wear a hat, drink your coconuts, and give yourself permission to chill 😎

— Lara B. and The Phuket Community team.