🌴 Phuket Community Newsletter - #37 | May 29, 2025

Hey Island Explorers,

Welcome to your weekly dose of hidden gems, local updates & laid-back island life 🌴

From tucked-away eateries to weekend happenings, insider tips, and inspiring stories from the community — we’re here to help you feel more connected to Phuket, one chilled-out Thursday at a time.

This week’s highlights:

• 🌴 FEATURE STORY: Lara Bamping shares how she found the real Phuket beyond the tourist trail.

• 🍗 FOOD GEM: Egg E Egg Chicken Rice — local-loved, no-frills, and sauce that might just change your life.

• 🎤 TUK TUK KARAOKE: A party on wheels spotted by @Maggielin12 — "Highlight of the trip" indeed!

• 🌧️ ISLAND TIP: Surviving rainy season like a local – when to ditch the bike for a car.

Let’s dive in 👇

✍️ FEATURE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Leaving the Tourist Bubble: How I Found My Real Phuket

by Lara Bamping

Ever felt like you’re living in Phuket, but not quite part of it? This week, Lara Bamping swaps beach clubs for backstreet bars and brunches for khra pow on rice. Sharing how she found her real Phuket, far beyond the infinity pools and Instagram filters

👉 Read the full story — it’s honest, heartwarming, and might just make you rethink your favourite soi

🥢 HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK

Egg E Egg Chicken Rice – Phuket Town
 📍 Google Maps | Facebook

This sauce could change your life.
A local favorite, 5 stars on Google with over 2,000 reviews — and it’s well-earned. Juicy, tender chicken, generous portions, and that addictive sauce that makes you wonder why you ever settled for less. No frills, just authentic Hainanese-style chicken rice at its best.

🐔 Go early and go hungry!

💬 SPOTTED IN THE COMMUNITY

📍 Local Gem Spotted

@Maggielin12 found the ultimate karaoke tuk-tuk experience in Phuket — and it’s giving full party on wheels vibes. She called it "Highlight of the trip : tuk tuk karaoke 🎤 🛺”

📍 ISLAND LIFE TIP

Navigating the Rainy Season Like a Local 🌧️

The rains have officially arrived — and it’s a serious start. Before heading out for hikes, island trips, or beach hangs, check the forecast (Windy and AccuWeather both do well here).

💡 If you're normally on a motorbike, consider renting a car short-term — especially for evenings or airport runs. Visibility drops fast, and potholes don’t mess around.

☔ Expect wet weeks ahead — and pack that poncho.

🥳 UPCOMING PARTIES

Catch Beach Club – Friday 30 May
VIRAK Live | From 9PM

Kick off your weekend with a sonic sunset and beachside bliss. VIRAK brings the heat to Catch Beach Club, spinning deep grooves and tropical rhythms that’ll keep you moving from golden hour ‘til late.

⏰ Time: 9PM till late

The sun dips. The beats rise. See you on the sand.

STORIES at Shelter Phuket – Friday, 30 May

From Defected to Elrow, @supernovaitaly has ignited dance floors worldwide with their signature fusion of house grooves, live instruments, and raw underground energy.

Café del Mar Phuket – Friday, May 30
FLOYD LAVINE Live | From 10pm

• Afro-rooted club sound meets Berlin edge

• Raw, percussive house with deep soul

• From Berghain to Phuket – one night only

🕙 10:00 PM onwards
🎟️ ฿300 Entry

SHELTER x SEM JACOBS
📆 Sat 31 May

• Chart-topping house from the Netherlands

• Hits like Blue Berries

• Supported by Marco Carola & BBC Radio 1

• First time in Phuket – don’t miss it

Underground heat. Island energy.

🕙 10:00 PM onwards

🧠 ONE FOR THE MIND

New Blog Drop: “What Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa Could Mean for Phuket”
A quick, plain-English explainer on what’s coming and how it might reshape remote work here.

👉 Read the new blog

📬 BEFORE YOU GO

Planning your June? Our Best Cafés for Remote Work mini-guide drops next week.
🖼️ Want your story, photo, or favorite spot featured? Hit reply or tag us @phuketcommunity_com

That’s it for now — we’ll see you next week with more island gems, updates, and inspiration from Phuket. Until then, stay dry and stay curious!