I would give anything to be in your shoes. Growing things is so satisfying just to see plants unfold and give beauty and also nourishment. I never went to Phuket in winter when we were in Thailand but came close, finally opting for Krabi. I miss lush vegetation.
I'm borrowing a patch of the backyard where I'm staying and will be trying my first garden as well when it stops being cold, Good luck growing and enjoy!
Thanks for the message @carolynstahl. Krabi is quite nice as well. Bit more quiet than Phuket for sure... Yes any space is good enough for a garden. I reckon you can get some plants going early indoors if you have some sunny areas. Tropics are great because you can grow year round. Yes its super rewarding to watch plants grow and see what works where...