Phuket, Thailand: Swim-Out Expectations, Lost Luggage & My Honest Experience

I was hesitant to include Phuket in my Vietnam and Thailand itinerary. While researching, I repeatedly saw travelers describe Phuket — especially Patong — as crowded, commercialized and built heavily around tourism. After visiting, I understood what they meant.

Phuket, Thailand | November 10–13, 2024

This was a three-night stay, with arrival on November 10 and departure on November 13.

Arriving in Phuket Without My Luggage

My luggage problems began before I left Chiang Mai. The AirAsia staff in Chiang Mai did not give me the authorization form needed to allow them to access and transfer my delayed luggage before my flight departed. When I landed at Phuket International Airport, the airport staff were much more accommodating. They finally provided the form so I could give the Chiang Mai staff permission to retrieve my suitcase.

The problem was that no one could tell me when my luggage would arrive. After waiting without receiving a clear answer, I ordered a Grab and headed to my hotel. Crest Resort & Pool Villas was approximately one hour from Phuket International Airport, so this was not a short ride.

Thankfully, Grab was affordable because this luggage situation resulted in a lot of unnecessary traveling back and forth.

Checking Into Crest Resort & Pool Villas

Because I arrived late, I did not receive the best swim-out room location. My room was the swim-out closest to a bridge that guests frequently used. This meant people were constantly walking past my room, so the outdoor area lacked privacy.

The swim-out rooms were also connected to the resort's main pool. I hadn't realized how much this would affect the experience. Guests from the main pool could — and did — swim directly into the area outside my room. At times, I would look outside and see other guests playing in what I had expected to feel like my private swim-out space.

Although the room itself was clean and attractive, the swim-out setup did not match the private and relaxing experience I had seen online.

The front-desk staff were friendly and tried to help with my luggage situation. I gave them the airport's telephone number, and they were eventually able to reach someone. However, there was still no immediate answer regarding my suitcase.

My First Night

Even though it was late, I was determined to enjoy the pool. I changed out of my airport clothes and into my bathing suit so I could experience the swim-out before going to bed. Before getting into the water, I tried calling the airport's luggage department several times, but no one answered.

Thankfully, I had packed a change of clothes and basic toiletries in my carry-on. That small decision made an enormous difference because it allowed me to get through the night comfortably without my checked suitcase.

Solo travel tip: Always pack at least one complete outfit, essential toiletries, medication, and anything you cannot easily replace inside your carry-on.

Returning to Phuket Airport

I finally received an update the following morning and learned that my suitcase had actually arrived in Phuket at approximately 11:00 p.m. the night before. The airport already had my phone number and should have called me as soon as my bag arrived—especially since they knew I was waiting for an update. Instead, I spent the entire night worrying and repeatedly trying to contact the luggage staff without receiving an answer. If I had been notified promptly, I could have avoided the uncertainty and possibly collected my suitcase sooner.

I got dressed, ordered another Grab, and made the hour-long trip back to the airport to collect my bag. Fortunately, it was not damaged, and nothing was missing. I then had to travel another hour back to the resort.

The Food Tour I Had to Cancel

I originally scheduled a Phuket food tour for my first morning. Unfortunately, I cancelled it because of the luggage situation. Since no one could tell me when my suitcase would arrive, I wanted to remain close to my phone and be available for any updates. Missing this tour was disappointing because it might have given me an opportunity to experience more authentic local dishes.

Late Lunch at Three Monkeys

After returning to the hotel, I went to Three Monkeys Restaurant for a late lunch. I had seen the restaurant recommended frequently online, so I was looking forward to visiting.

I ordered a mango smoothie and pad Thai.

The restaurant itself was an interesting place to experience, but the food was only okay. The pad Thai didn't come close to the one I had eaten at The Good View Restaurant & Bar in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai had already set a very high standard for Thai food, and much of what I ate in Phuket simply didn't compare.

After lunch, I returned to my hotel, took a nap, and got ready for my evening excursion.

Simon Cabaret Show

At 8:00 p.m., I attended the Simon Cabaret Show. I thought the show was entertaining, visually impressive, and absolutely worth seeing while visiting Phuket. The performers looked incredible, the costumes were beautiful, and the overall production was fun to watch.

Despite the problems I experienced earlier in the day, this was an enjoyable way to end the evening.

My verdict: A Phuket must-see.

Hotel Room Service

After returning to the resort, I ordered room service. Unfortunately, the food was not good. This added to my growing disappointment with the food at the hotel and reinforced how much more I had enjoyed my dining experiences in Chiang Mai.

Phuket Private Instagram Tour

The following morning, I had the Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive scheduled. This was essentially a private sightseeing experience with someone available to take photos of me throughout the day—perfect for a solo traveler who still wants beautiful vacation pictures.

I had a great time exploring Phuket, learning about its history, and taking photographs at different locations. The photographer who accompanied me on this Instagram tour was very nice, and I enjoyed my experience with them.

Later, I worked with a different photographer for my pink-dress photoshoot, and I did not particularly care for that photographer's attitude. To be clear, this was not the photographer from the Phuket Private Instagram Tour. I refused to let the interaction ruin my day, and the overall experience remained one of the highlights of my time in Phuket.

My Unplanned Floating-Dress Photoshoot

During the tour, I also participated in a floating-dress photoshoot, which had not been part of my original itinerary. It was a spontaneous addition to the day and gave me a completely different vacation experience. As someone traveling alone, it was nice to have dedicated time for professionally styled photographs without worrying about asking strangers to take pictures.

Shopping for Souvenirs

The tour also gave me time to shop for souvenirs. I collect keychains from the destinations I visit, so naturally I had to find one from Phuket to add to my collection.

Discovering My New Favorite Thai Dish

We stopped for lunch during the tour, and I ordered basil fried rice. This meal introduced me to what has now become one of my go-to Thai dishes. Although I didn't love most of the food I tried in Phuket, the basil fried rice was one memorable exception.

Dinner at Baan Rim Pa

During the tour, I asked my guide for restaurant recommendations. One of the suggestions was Baan Rim Pa, so I decided to visit later that evening.

This was easily one of my best dining experiences in Phuket. The food was amazing, and the restaurant offered a beautiful view. After several disappointing meals, Baan Rim Pa finally gave me the flavorful Phuket dining experience I had been hoping to find.

My verdict: One of my top restaurant recommendations in Phuket.

The Floating Breakfast Disappointment

I scheduled a floating breakfast at the resort for the following morning. Since the swim-out room was the main reason I booked the property, I expected the floating breakfast to be one of the highlights of my stay.

Instead, the breakfast arrived late, and I had to call the hotel to ask where it was. When it finally arrived, the food was horrible. Much of it looked like packaged food that had come directly from a grocery store rather than a carefully prepared resort breakfast.

I contacted the manager because I was disappointed with both the delay and the quality of the meal. Unfortunately, I did not find his response helpful. The floating breakfast looked nice enough for pictures, but the actual dining experience was not worth it.

Traditional Thai Massage

At 11:00 a.m., I had a traditional Thai massage at the hotel. This was one of the best experiences I had at the resort. The massage was completely different from the traditional spa massages I had received in the past. The therapist stretched and moved my body in ways I wasn't expecting — but in a good way.

She gave me a real stretch, and the entire experience was amazing.

My verdict: If you stay at Crest Resort & Pool Villas, the traditional Thai massage is worth booking.

Leaving Phuket

After the massage, I collected my belongings, ordered a Grab, and headed to the airport. Phuket was supposed to be one of the most relaxing and exciting parts of my Vietnam and Thailand itinerary. Instead, it became a mixture of luggage problems, excessive airport travel, disappointing hotel food, a swim-out room without enough privacy, and experiences that did not always match what I had seen online.

Still, the trip was not a complete disappointment. I enjoyed the Simon Cabaret Show, loved my private sightseeing experience, tried a floating-dress photoshoot, discovered basil fried rice, ate an amazing dinner at Baan Rim Pa, and received an excellent traditional Thai massage.

My Honest Take on Phuket

Phuket felt far more crowded and commercialized than Chiang Mai. The busy tourist areas didn't give me the same connection to Thai culture, and overall, I enjoyed the food in Chiang Mai significantly more.

If I could redo this itinerary, I would spend more time in Chiang Mai and fewer days in Phuket.

I wouldn't necessarily tell travelers to skip Phuket. It can still be worthwhile for beautiful scenery, nightlife, shows, beach activities, photography tours, and resort experiences. However, I would recommend choosing your hotel and room category carefully — especially if you are paying extra for a swim-out room.

Most importantly, don't assume that every swim-out room will feel private simply because it looks private in a video.

Quick Phuket Takeaways

• Phuket felt crowded and highly commercialized.
• Grab made the repeated airport trips much more affordable.
• Keeping clothes and toiletries in my carry-on saved me.
• My Crest Resort swim-out room lacked privacy.
• The hotel's floating breakfast was disappointing.
• Three Monkeys was visually interesting, but the food was only okay.
• Simon Cabaret was entertaining and worth seeing.
• The private Instagram tour was a trip highlight.
• Baan Rim Pa had amazing food and a beautiful view.
• The traditional Thai massage at the hotel was excellent.
• I would have preferred to spend more time in Chiang Mai.