A while ago, I took a trip to Thailand, and it felt like returning to a joyful Southeast Asian homeland. Every day was spent watching the sea and sunsets, drinking Thai milk tea, and strolling through night markets… This colorful tropical country welcomed me with continuous waves of intense happiness.
Who wouldn’t love Thailand? Its specialty is nothing but bringing joy to people!
Besides the fun, I want to talk about the accommodations during this trip. This time, I visited Phuket and Krabi in Thailand and stayed at a local hotel brand: Dusit Thani, and it was such a pleasant surprise that I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone.
Today, let’s talk about Phuket’s Laguna Dusit Thani.
Phuket has always been one of Thailand’s top travel destinations, with no shortage of luxury hotels. But if you’re talking about old-style, authentic Thai experiences, the hotel brand Dusit Thani, which grew up on this land, definitely has a charm worth mentioning.
At first glance, the name might be unfamiliar to you, just as it was to me, but its status in the hearts of Thai people is extraordinary.
In 1948, their first hotel, the Princess Hotel, opened in the center of Bangkok, and it was the first hotel in Bangkok with a swimming pool, air conditioning, and a range of modern facilities.
If I say its weight in local people’s hearts is equivalent to that of the Peace Hotel in Shanghai, you will understand its significance.
Seventy years later, it has stood the test of time and expanded its hotels across the world. It’s exactly the kind of longstanding hotel I like, enduring yet constantly renewing itself.
It is said that this hotel is also beloved by the Thai royal family. Surprise, touch, honor, return… Many remarkable stories have been born here. Its history and grace have been deeply ingrained in the corporate culture and its details.
If you come to Thailand wanting to experience the authentic old-style Thai aesthetics, I think Dusit Thani is the answer.
The Thai Style of Dusit Thani
Dusit Thani Phuket is located in Laguna, the first integrated resort in Asia.
The hotel is on Bang Tao Beach; it arrived early and took prime real estate, close to the airport yet far from the bustling tourist areas, enjoying a secluded piece of the ocean.
It is very close to the sea, and the beach is full of people savoring the ocean and sunlight. The most magnificent sunset of my trip to Thailand was watched on the beach at Dusit Thani.
Overall, I think Dusit Thani is a brand with lasting affection.
A brand’s charm is sometimes most directly measured by statistics. Let me highlight a few impressive ones:
The staff are loyal. Around 30-35% of the employees have worked here for 35 years, essentially joining when the hotel opened and growing along with it. Everyone you meet at the hotel has a radiant smile, with genuine recognition and care, making me feel deeply touched by such enthusiasm amidst the repeated “Sawasdee-ka.”
Guests here are long-term patrons. Between 35-45% of guests are returning customers. The most frequent visitor repurchased 38 times in a year, and the most loyal guest stayed continuously for a year and a half.
Many hotels strive to make guests feel ‘at home,’ but true stories are happening at Dusit Thani. It’s like a home away from home for travelers in Phuket, worthy of repeated visits.
Now, let me share my stay experience.
Lobby
First of all, the check-in process was very smooth and pleasant. Upon arriving at the lobby, a staff member guides you to sit down on a sofa, followed by serving you a cup of refreshing ginger-flavored sparkling water, a branch of jasmine, and a cool towel.
The tropical scent marks the first welcome ceremony.
Then, a staff member will take your passport to handle the procedures, and you just need to fill out some basic information as required. The luggage, already handed over to the concierge upon arrival, will be delivered to your room once you receive your room card.
During the check-in, I couldn’t help but secretly observe the lobby, and it is indeed beautiful. The space in the lobby is lofty, primarily decorated with natural raw materials like wood and bamboo— a strong suit of Southeast Asia.
The wooden furniture, vintage fans, mint green ceiling complemented by vibrant floral arrangements create an atmosphere that seamlessly switches between being stately, grand, luxurious, and natural.
During my stay, I frequently wandered around the lobby. I could clearly feel that this space is the culmination of accumulating various details, a result that is intriguing and thought-provoking.
In the evening, there are also live singers performing here, adding to the leisurely vibe that a vacation should have.
Room
I stayed in the sea view twin room. It was a wonderful feeling to see the blue sea waiting for me right outside the balcony. The room had an area of 32 square meters, and the overall décor was in dark wood tones, reflecting a rather traditional design. The space had simple lines, showcasing the restraint and elegance of the past century.
I think like Japanese architecture, which is deeply influenced by Buddhist culture and emphasizes serene simplicity, Thai spaces embody a unique sense of calm and nobility.
Moreover, some rooms in the hotel have been newly renovated with lighter wood tones.
The welcome gift is meticulously chosen by the hotel, comprising three must-try local snacks. Additionally, there is a turndown service in the evening, providing a refreshing dessert brimming with delightful aromas.
Other amenities are also excellent. The bathrobes are light and intricate with a waffle texture. There are two types of slippers: one pair for indoor use and a pair of flip-flops for the beach. The toiletries are from a local brand, and they do not disappoint.
La Trattoria
The buffet breakfast is served at the Italian restaurant. The exterior architecture features Thailand’s distinctive pointed roof, while the interior is decorated in the iconic Mediterranean blue and white, making it very bright.
The breakfast selection is also abundant. Given the high number of European and American guests, there are plenty of options for bread, jams, and salads.
When it comes to local specialties, my absolute favorite is curry. A spoonful of it can make anything taste delicious. Thai rice noodles are also refreshing, especially when you add some bird’s eye chili, making the dish both fresh and appetizingly spicy.
In the tropics, when you feel a lack of appetite, fruits come to the rescue. Papaya, pineapple, longan, jackfruit… these tropical fruits are the most common varieties, and I make it a point to leisurely enjoy one or two plates every day.
I highly recommend trying their honey, sourced directly from local beekeepers. It’s harvested straight from the hive and is truly authentic.
Guests staying at the hotel can join a fixed morning activity of collecting eggs from the Hen House. You can then take them back to the table and have the hotel chef prepare them. While the eggs themselves are the same, the process becomes a unique experience.
This is the hotel’s own farm, where they grow cloves, basil, Thai basil, ginger, lemongrass… all the spices that Thais love. Many of the spices used in the hotel restaurant come from here, practicing the farm-to-table concept.
Each hen has its own name, although I can’t tell Julia from Angelous, but they are all very distinctive, making it irresistible to take a photo with them.
Even though I came early to steal eggs, Julia and the others were quite generous. Thanks! In Thailand, it seems hens are indeed human’s good friends.
Benjarong
I absolutely love the Benjarong restaurant, where I’ve tasted many authentic Thai dishes. Even among Thai cuisine, flavors vary greatly. The offerings at Benjarong are less spicy, but they are more refined.
Their green papaya salad comes with peanuts, tomatoes, bird’s eye chili, and dressing. Before eating, these ingredients are crushed with a small wooden stick, making the dish both refreshing and richly flavorful. The local speciality of small fried fish adds a crispy, fragrant touch and is definitely the highlight.
At this restaurant, I also had a memorable mango sticky rice. The sticky rice was firm and full, with a slightly salty taste, combined with juicy mango and the crunchy texture of brown sugar, creating an unforgettable combo.
Of course, like many tropical hotel restaurants, many of the seating here is semi-outdoor. The dining tables are set under verandas with no enclosed windows around. Whether in the cool mornings or evenings, you can fully enjoy the gentle breeze.
Public Area
Dusit Thani is close to the sea, with amenities like open-air spas, swimming pools, and children’s playgrounds all near the beach. Under the dense shade, the tropical laziness and leisure vibes are very much present.
Having its own beach is pure happiness, just a few steps out the door and you are greeted by stunning ocean views. Naturally, the hotel has arranged various lounge chairs and lazy sofas by the sea so everyone can comfortably ‘stay in a long-term relationship’ with this ocean.
I enjoy engaging in people-watching by the sea. Some people soak in the ocean, others sip a drink and rest, and some relax on lounge chairs reading a book… overall, the place is filled with lazy people, each interacting with the sea in their own way.
You can also make an advance reservation with the hotel for a beachside dinner. If you catch the sunset and the evening glow just right, the natural grandeur is beyond what words like ‘romantic’ can describe.
It’s no wonder many choose this place for proposals, by this sea that has witnessed countless beautiful stories.
Besides watching the sea, wandering around inside the hotel feels like touring a botanical garden.
In the tropics, plants grow vigorously, with coconut trees, beach delight trees, and many other plants whose names I don’t know. Dusit Thani’s villas are hidden beneath dense canopies of trees.
Stilt houses, sharp rooftops, slender columns, and winding corridors, all exude a dramatic sense of height. This feeling is wonderful and very tropical.
Additionally, practical information like how to navigate the various beach night markets and old streets around the hotel, as well as visa requirements for traveling to Phuket and local transportation, has all been compiled before. I’ve posted the links for everyone here!
In Phuket now, today’s guides and prices are all covered!
Here, I’d like to particularly emphasize the major transportation options.
There are direct flights to Phuket, so getting there is quite convenient. This time, I took a direct flight from Shanghai to Thailand with Juneyao Airlines.
The flight departs at around 8 AM, and the return to Shanghai is at about 9 PM. For friends based in Shanghai, this schedule is incredibly accommodating—it really maximizes the efficiency of your time.
This flight uses the A320neo model, which is quite memorable with its pastel color scheme. The plane also provides USB charging ports in the headrests for electronic devices, which is very considerate and practical.
Browse through a magazine or take a nap on the plane, and you’ll soon arrive at this tropical island.
