Thailand island-hopping: Don't Worry, Be Krabi

The long wait is over. Thailand's calling! You give your luggage a once-over. Sense of adventure? Check! Spirit of discovery? Check! Curiosity? Check! And it's time to go. You grab your bags, make your way through the airport and before you know it, the sound of your trolley rolling to the check-in desk is replaced by the rush of turbines as your plane speeds off into the night sky. Street food, temples, dream beaches – one last time, you dream of all the adventures that await you before they finally come true.

The time has come: it's morning, you're finally standing on Thai soil and your driver is ready and waiting to take you to your accommodation. Welcome to The Land of Smiles – welcome to Phuket!

Put your feet up and relax or dive right into the bustling city? The decision's all yours! You've barely taken a few steps and you're already in the heart of the city centre – Phuket's cultural melting pot. The colourful colonial-era buildings and old villas that line Thalang Road reflect a clear history of the city's Portuguese and Chinese immigrants. And the countless temples and shrines bear the unmistakable hallmarks of Chinese influence. Stroll through the streets and get lost in the vibes. And when your stomach starts to grumble, there's no better place to be than the Lock Tien Food Centre, where you can find everything your foodie heart desires!

Phuket is considered one of Thailand's gourmet hotspots. So why not embark on your very own self-made culinary discovery tour and taste your way through the city's best dishes? From rice cooked in banana leaves to naan, to extraordinary coconut and pork creations, in the vibrant alleyways that surround the central market, you'll find all kinds of specialties that are sure to make your foodie heart beat faster. A visit to the market is a must in Thailand – and even more so in Phuket. Experience a sensory explosion amongst the mountains of exotic fruits and sweet treats. Good luck deciding what to try first! And if that isn't enough for you, then be sure to try a Phuket-style crêpe!

Strolling through the city in Phuket Old Town never loses its magic, as every time you do, you discover a new detail, a new side street and a new piece of street art! Behind the houses' beautiful, ornately decorated facades, you'll find small cafes and restaurants as well as old printing presses and artist studios. A special highlight here is the B Cat Café! The name says it all: besides coffee, cake and Thai food, there are about 30 cats who just love to be petted. If you want to delve deeper into the city's history, then you'll definitely want to visit the Phuket Thai Hua Museum! If you're looking for a quieter experience, then Queen Sirikit Park is the place to be. And by the way, that's also where you'll find another one of the city's must-sees: the golden dragon Hai Leng Ong, who seems to guard the park and greets everyone with a friendly wave upon arrival.