Dean Hawkes

In this Phuket travel guide, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable trip to Thailand’s largest island. You’ll hit the gleaming Big Buddha, secret coves like Ao Yon and Laem Sing, golden sunsets on Surin Beach (right at your base), and the freshest Southern Thai eats that locals love. Fun fact: Phuket means “mountain jewel” in Thai (from the Tamil words for crystal mountain), and about 70% of the island is actually covered in lush hills and jungle—way more mountains than most people expect! Phuket isn’t just party beaches and buckets. It’s colourful Sino-Portuguese streets, hidden turquoise bays, a white-rum distillery in sugarcane fields, and real jungle hikes. This 10-day plan (based at Surin Beach) mixes icons with proper hidden gems so you feel the authentic side of the island.

Tokyo is a city I've visited dozens of times, and I've fallen in love with it completely—its seamless fusion of ancient traditions and hyper-modern innovation creates an energy that's addictive and endlessly fascinating. Every trip still leaves me in amazement, from the quiet serenity of a temple garden to the electric buzz of neon-lit streets, and the food is simply glorious, whether it's a humble bowl of ramen or pristine sushi straight from the source. It's the place that redefined what a metropolis can be for me—efficient, polite, innovative, and full of soul in every corner.

Barcelona is one of those cities I keep returning to dozens of times, and every visit I'm still in amazement at its perfect blend of jaw-dropping architecture, Mediterranean sunshine, and a food scene that's simply glorious—fresh seafood, inventive tapas, and Catalan classics that never get old.
Having explored it so often, it's the place that taught me how a city can feel both wildly energetic and deeply relaxed at the same time, from Gaudí's whimsical creations to lazy afternoons sipping sangria. The glorious food alone keeps pulling me back—there's nothing quite like biting into perfect patatas bravas or a seafood paella while the city buzzes around you.

The Scottish Highlands are simply stunning and breathtaking, with dramatic mountains, mirror-like lochs, and vast wilderness that make you feel small in the best possible way. I've explored them many times, and every visit leaves me in amazement at the raw beauty—from misty glens to snow-capped peaks—that feels timeless and untouched. It's the ultimate escape for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and those moments where the landscape hits you right in the soul, whether hiking a Munro or just pulling over for a photo that could be a postcard.

London is where I lived for five years, and it's still one of my favorite cities in the world—a perfect blend of historic grandeur, multicultural energy, world-class culture, and those cozy, unexpected corners that feel like secrets just for you. I've been back countless times since moving away, and, every visit, I'm still in amazement at how it keeps evolving while holding onto its soul—from the buzz of markets to quiet ruins turned gardens. It's the place that shaped so much of my love for urban exploration, where a simple walk along the Thames can feel timeless and a pint in an ancient pub feels like stepping into history.

Hong Kong is my home now, and, after countless visits before settling here, it still amazes me every single day with its perfect mix of towering skyscrapers, dramatic harbors, ancient temples, and wild green escapes right on the doorstep. Living here means I get to experience the city's relentless energy alongside its surprising pockets of calm—like epic hikes with ocean views or quiet noodle shops that feel timeless. It's the ultimate urban adventure playground where East meets West, tradition meets innovation, and the food scene keeps evolving in the most delicious ways—truly one of the most vibrant places on earth.

Cornwall holds a huge place in my heart as my family holiday destination throughout childhood, full of endless beach days, ice creams, and that magical sense of adventure along the rugged coastline. I’ve returned many times since, and I’m still in amazement every visit at how it captures the essence of British seaside charm—wild Atlantic waves, hidden coves, charming villages, and food that’s simple yet unbeatable. It’s the place that sparked my lifelong love for coastal escapes, where nothing beats a windy walk, a pasty on the beach, and the feeling of coming home to the sea.

Bangkok is one of my absolute favorite cities in Southeast Asia, a whirlwind of golden temples, chaotic streets, incredible food, and that unbeatable Thai warmth that keeps pulling me back. I’ve visited countless times over the years, and every trip I’m still in amazement at how it never stops evolving—ancient traditions mix with modern vibes, hidden alleys reveal new surprises, and the energy is always electric yet somehow welcoming. It’s the place that truly hooked me on the magic of Southeast Asia, where a simple street meal can feel profound and a sunset canal cruise feels like pure romance.

Guangzhou has always felt like home to me as the true epicenter of Cantonese culture, where world-class dim sum, ancient traditions, and a lively southern warmth come together in one dynamic city. I lived there for five years, and having returned many times since, I’m still in amazement every visit at how effortlessly it mixes historic charm—like quiet colonial lanes and ancient temples—with modern energy and unbeatable food scenes that keep evolving. It’s the place that taught me the soul of Chinese cuisine is in the details, the people, and the endless pursuit of flavor, making it my ultimate go-to for authentic, heartfelt adventures in China.

Shanghai has always captivated me with its electric blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, where colonial architecture stands shoulder-to-shoulder with soaring skyscrapers, creating a city that’s endlessly dynamic and alive. Having visited Shanghai many times over the years, I’m still in amazement every single trip at how it evolves while preserving its soul—it’s the place that first sparked my deep love for urban exploration in Asia. One of the most personal memories is getting engaged at Mr & Mrs Bund on the Bund, a spot that perfectly captures the city’s romantic, glamorous side with its stunning views and playful energy.

Beijing is special to me because I lived there for nine years—it became a second home and gave me a deep, personal connection to the city. In my opinion, Beijing is the true heart of China: the perfect blend of ancient history and unstoppable modern energy, where the old and the new coexist in the most fascinating way. The Temple of Heaven is simply amazing—peaceful, grand, and full of symbolism—and the hutongs offer that rare, authentic feeling of old Beijing life, with their narrow lanes, courtyard homes, and local rhythm. Even after all those years, every visit still feels like rediscovering something new, and the food, culture, and sheer scale of the place keep pulling me back.

Phuket Town is special to me because it feels like stepping into a living postcard of old Southeast Asia—those vibrant Sino-Portuguese shophouses in pastel yellows, pinks, and greens are so perfectly preserved and full of character. I’ve returned to this town many times over the years, and even after all these visits, I still stumble on new hidden corners and places to explore. Above all, the food here is pure joy—I’ve worked my way through almost every spot in the local Michelin guide, plus countless street stalls and family-run eateries serving Hokkien noodles, roti, and dim sum that keep drawing me back. It’s the heart of Phuket’s real history, far from the beach crowds, and every trip feels like discovering the island all over again.