Phuket, Thailand | Phiphi Island

Day 3. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is one of the southern province and one of the most popular destination in Thailand. 

If you are going to Thailand, it is a must to include Phuket in your itinerary. It actually exceeds my expectation. I thought Phuket is just all about beaches, mountains and the typical province life. I got really amazed about the place..

From Bangkok, I had an early morning flight to Phuket from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) under NOK Air (it is a low cost airline in Thailand mostly for domestic flights). The average travel time to Phuket from Bangkok is only 50min. I suggest that if you want to book a flight to Phuket, choose the early morning or late afternoon flight if you want to get the cheaper rate..

Transportation from the airport is quite expensive if you are traveling alone, you have to pay 800baht for a cab. But another option is to take a mini bus together with other travelers which is 200baht per person. (the disadvantage of the mini bus is they have to drop all the tourist one by one as per their location. For our batch, I am the lucky one to arrive in my hotel first.)

PATONG BEACH

I spent my first night in Bangkok Residence, i love the location of the hotel. It is very accessible to all the restaurants and convenience store. It's just 15min walk to Bangla Walking Street and Patong Beach. Literally all the things that you need is just around it. The hotel is recommended for couples because they offer rooms with private jacuzzi for a very cheap price.

Patong Beach is fine white sandy public beach which is lined with cafes, restaurants, shopping store and bar. It is located just opposite to Bangla Walking Street, the very popular street for raunchy nightlife.

If your hotel is not in front of Patong Beach, you can rent a sunbathing chair for 100baht (just be wise and try to search for the good caretaker of the chairs because someone offered 200baht for 1 chair).

The tide is high during my visit on July, most of the locals that I met in Bangkok told me that the weather in July is always rainy. Luckily, it didnt rain at all during my stay. It was sunny but not sultry.  

 

  

KATA BEACH

Kata Beach is very famous for families because of its wide options of accommodations which is very close to the beach. You can also have everything that you can find in Patong such as clothing and souvenir shop, restaurants and bars. But it is less crowded and the nightlife is not as lively as compared in Patong.

During the month of May till October, Kata beach is very in demand with surfers because of its big waves. It was actually my first time to battle and swim with the big waves. Its fun and scary at the same time. :D

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers. Kata is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end close to Karon and Kata South, home to several resorts. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to name-brand fashion stores.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/island/beaches_kata.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers. Kata is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end close to Karon and Kata South, home to several resorts. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to name-brand fashion stores.

Read more at: http://www.phuket.com/island/beaches_kata.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001

 

 

PHI PHI ISLAND

Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar. It's been in the movies (one of the most popular movie is The Beach, starring Leonardo de Carpio). It's the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand.  You can book a tour to visit Phiphi Island from your hotel or the shops which is located on the streets. There are many tour packages available, make sure to barter for the best deal. (I got mine for only 1300baht). The tour usually includes an island hopping and sight seeing to seven islands, buffet lunch and a snorkeling equipment. They will pick you up from the hotel as early as 8 in the morning and drop you by 5pm.

Maya Beach

Viking Cave

Khai Nok

Phiphi Don

 It was actually an exhausting trip to be honest. You have to ride on about 15-20 sitter speed boat and needs to travel for 1hour from the pier to the first island (Khai Nok) and during that time the waves are so big and the boat is very rocky I was feeling dizzy by the end of the day. But because of the amazing view everything is worth it!